Local tip: best rooftop views and terraces at Virgin Hotels New York City
Virgin Hotels New York City offers several rooftop terraces and sky-level bars for skyline views: the seasonal fourth-floor Pool Club (pool deck and loungers), The Riff Raff Club on the 39th floor for intimate evening cocktails, and Everdene’s third-floor indoor-outdoor terrace for daytime dining and views. For private-skyline access, some Sky Grand Chamber Suite configurations include a terrace.
In this guide
- Overview: where to find rooftop views at Virgin Hotels New York City
- Pool Club & rooftop pool deck (fourth floor)
- The Riff Raff Club: skyline-focused cocktails (39th floor)
- Everdene terrace and third-floor dining terrace
- Sky Grand Chamber Suite terrace and private-skyline options
- Practical tips for rooftop visits and photo-friendly times
Overview: where to find rooftop views at Virgin Hotels New York City
Virgin Hotels New York City concentrates its best open-air vantage points on multiple levels: the fourth-floor Pool Club and pool deck, third-floor Everdene terrace, and high-floor lounges and event rooms (including The Riff Raff Club and several 38th-floor venues). Views commonly include Midtown landmarks such as the Empire State Building.
Access varies by venue: some rooftop spaces are part of restaurants or bars with regular hours, the Pool Club is seasonal, and event spaces on the 38th floor are reserved for private functions when booked. Hotel guests usually get priority at the pool and terraces.
- Fourth-floor: Pool Club — seasonal pool deck with loungers and cabanas.
- Third-floor: Everdene — indoor-outdoor New American restaurant and terrace.
- 39th floor: The Riff Raff Club — intimate cocktail lounge with skyline views.
- 38th floor: The Loft and other event venues — glass walls and private outdoor observation deck (often reserved for events).
| Level | Primary use | Typical access |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd floor | Dining / terrace (Everdene) | Open to diners / reservations |
| 4th floor | Rooftop Pool / Pool Club | Seasonal; hotel-guest priority, reservations required for non-guests |
| 38th–39th floors | Event spaces & cocktail lounge | By reservation or scheduled hours |
Pool Club & rooftop pool deck (fourth floor)
The fourth-floor rooftop pool deck includes a seasonal pool, loungers, cabanas, and The Pool Club bar with Empire State Building sightlines. Pool hours run daily during the season from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the Pool Club bar operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Loungers and cabanas are complimentary and open to all ages from 8:00–11:30 a.m. daily; from midday onward the Pool Club is restricted to guests 21 and over. After 12:00 p.m., reservations for loungers/cabanas require a rental fee plus a food-and-beverage minimum.
- Pool hours: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (seasonal).
- Pool Club bar hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (seasonal).
- Morning family access: loungers open to all ages 8:00–11:30 a.m.; Pool Club 21+ after midday.
- Non-hotel guests: public reservations are available but hotel guests get priority; third-party day-pass sellers list fees and minimum spends.
| Morning | Midday onward |
|---|---|
| All ages welcome at pool loungers (first-come, first-served) | Pool Club restricted to guests 21+ |
| No rental fee for morning loungers (first-come) | Lounger/cabana reservations after 12pm require fee + F&B minimum |
| Open to hotel guests and public with reservation | Priority given to hotel guests |
The Riff Raff Club: skyline-focused cocktails (39th floor)
The Riff Raff Club is an intimate, cocktail-focused lounge high in the tower with views over Broadway and toward the Empire State Building. It operates evenings and is a good option for skyline-focused drinks rather than daytime sunbathing.
The lounge runs scheduled hours (Monday–Wednesday 5:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.; Thursday–Saturday 5:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.; Sunday closed) and offers a Skyline Happy Hour Tuesday–Friday 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Reservations are accepted up to 14 days in advance for smaller parties.
- Typical hours: evenings (see venue schedule).
- Skyline Happy Hour: Tue–Fri 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Reservations: accepted up to 14 days ahead; groups over six should contact the club directly.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best time for photos | Sunset to early evening for lights and skyline contrast |
| Reservation policy | Small-party reservations available; larger groups via email |
| Atmosphere | Cocktail lounge — quieter, evening-focused |
Everdene terrace and third-floor dining terrace
Everdene occupies the third floor and includes an indoor-outdoor terrace that serves breakfast through dinner. The terrace is suitable for daytime city views, brunch, or a relaxed afternoon drink with a skyline backdrop.
Everdene’s hours cover breakfast (7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.), lunch (12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.), dinner (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.), and a bar open daily from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m., with a daily happy hour from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Everdene hours summary: Breakfast 7–11am; Lunch 12–3pm; Dinner 3–11pm; Bar 11am–12am.
- Happy hour: daily 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Seating: indoor and terrace seating; reservations recommended for busy brunch or dinner times.
| Meal | Hours |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. |
| Lunch | 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Dinner / Bar | 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. / Bar 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. |
Sky Grand Chamber Suite terrace and private-skyline options
Some suite types include private terraces or terrace access—most notably the Sky Grand Chamber Suite + Terrace and other Sky Grand Chamber Suite variations—which provide a more private outdoor vantage point above the neighborhood. These suites list 'Terrace' explicitly in certain configurations.
For guests who prioritize a private outdoor space, request the Sky Grand Chamber Suite + Terrace (or ask the Junction/front desk about rooms with terrace access). Availability and exact views vary by room assignment.
- Rooms to ask about for terraces: Sky Grand Chamber Suite + Terrace, Sky Grand Chamber Suite Empire Views (confirm terrace at booking).
- If you prefer in-room skyline views without a terrace: Room, City View; Sky Chamber City View; Chamber King; Chamber 2 Double Beds.
- Contact the Junction (front desk) to request terrace rooms or confirm views at check-in.
| Room type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sky Grand Chamber Suite + Terrace | Explicit terrace option — ask when booking |
| Sky Grand Chamber Suite Empire Views | High-floor Empire views; terrace presence may vary |
| Room, City View / Sky Chamber City View | Floor-to-ceiling windows for skyline views (no private terrace) |
Practical tips for rooftop visits and photo-friendly times
Plan for changing access rules: the Pool Club is seasonal and enforces a 21+ policy after midday, The Riff Raff Club follows evening hours, and Everdene’s terrace follows restaurant service times. For private or event space access (38th-floor venues), check availability and booking requirements ahead of time.
For photos and skyline light, aim for late afternoon through sunset for golden light, then early evening for lit skyscrapers. Reservations are recommended for Everdene and The Riff Raff Club at peak times, and guest priority applies at the pool deck.
- Bring a light jacket for rooftop evenings — wind can be stronger on terraces.
- If traveling with kids, schedule pool time before 11:30 a.m. to use loungers without the 21+ restriction.
- Confirm terrace access at booking or with the Junction on arrival for suite terraces or event-space openings.
- Non-hotel guests: check third-party day-pass or ResortPass options for Pool Club access and note F&B minimums.
| Situation | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Want private terrace | Request Sky Grand Chamber Suite + Terrace when booking |
| Family pool visit | Arrive before 11:30 a.m. for all-ages loungers |
| Evening skyline cocktails | Reserve at The Riff Raff Club or arrive early for Everdene bar seating |
