As a man we much admire once said: “It feels like summer.” That man? Childish Gambino –and while he was actually talking about the ever-pressing threat of climate change, his message still holds (save your laughs) water. It does feel like summer.
Hell, it is summer. While New York has plenty –okay, well some lovely public pools for anyone to visit, what’s really the point in swimming in a cocktail of pee, skin of Upper East Side Mole People and SPF 2 Million Sunscreen? All below at least 150 feet in height at that. I mean, who actually wants to swim at sea level? Hello, that’s why we have the sea. But worry not! That’s why we’re here for you! So here’s a list of five amazing rooftop pools that you can cool off in to really beat that late August heat.
5. Le Parker Méridien
First on our list, Le Parker Méridien. It means something in French, we believe. Perhaps, simply: The Meridian Parker, or more likely: The Swankiest Midtown Pool. None of us studied french really. But we can tell you that the $150 day pass for the pool at Le Parker Méridien is actually worth the investment. With a gorgeous view of midtown, sitting at the height of the hotel, this glass-roofed pool is a lovely, quieter place to visit for when you’re headed midtown for a job interview, or an attempt to convince yourself that you can, in fact afford to live up here.
4. McCarren Hotel & Pool
While a day pass might cost $45 during the week and $65 on the weekends, they are one-hundred-percent worth it for access to an amazingly vibrant and lush pool. With rows of comfy deckchairs to snooze away your evenings in and a gorgeous stretch of blue water, the McCarren Pool is without a doubt a perfect place to treat yourself and perhaps also a date, you little scamp, you.
3. JIMMY at the James
Located in Soho, JIMMY at the James is a special cut away from the sticky city heat. Sitting eighteen stories high, JIMMY at the James is famous for their raucous weekend pool parties, starting at 3PM which feature live DJs and other special events. Though the pool is reserved for hotel guests until 5PM on weekdays, all times after are fair game to hop in, listen to some live jams and kick back.
2. The Beach at Dream Downtown
Is that sand… In Chelsea? Real sand? Could this possibly be, a dream? Surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, as this is Chelsea we’re talking about, no! The Beach and Dream Downtown is the only pool in Manhattan that features a real sand beach. Is a sand beach something we really look for in our checklist for desirable pools? We don’t really know but The Beach has it. Though it’s reserved for guests till 8pm, anytime after you’re welcome to stop by, and have a dip in the pool after rolling back in that beautiful sand.
1. The William Vale
The William Vale is a hotel of fable. For years, many have talked in hushed tones about it’s gorgeous rooftop deck and rolling grassed roof. We’ve all seen those incredible struts from across the water, and boy, is it a place of dreams and magic. We won’t lie to you, the day pass is a steep $150 dollars but featuring incredible views, a pool with probably a sixth the population of the Astoria Pool and access to an incredible restaurant and beer garden, the William Vale is the perfect place to go when you need to forget about the rat race of Manhattan and spend a whole day swimming and relaxing your worries away.
