A rooftop jacuzzi changes the geometry of a hotel room. The view is the experience; the soaking is the way to spend time with it. The properties below have made the rooftop jacuzzi central rather than peripheral.
The eight
1. The Mark — New York
Top-floor suites have private rooftop terraces with hot tubs and Manhattan skyline views.
2. The Standard, High Line — New York
The Chelsea property's penthouses have rooftop jacuzzis overlooking the Hudson.
3. Hotel Le Sereno — St Barths
Beach villas have private rooftop hot tubs. The setting is unusual for the Caribbean.
4. Soho House (multiple locations)
Several Soho House properties have rooftop jacuzzis as part of their member-exclusive areas. The Berlin and Istanbul properties are particular standouts.
5. Ace Hotel London Shoreditch — London
The penthouse suite has a private rooftop hot tub overlooking East London.
6. The Curtain — London
Shoreditch hotel with rooftop pool / hot tub combination.
7. Faena Hotel Miami Beach — Miami
The penthouse suite has rooftop terraces with hot tubs and Atlantic Ocean views.
8. Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills — Tokyo
The strongest rooftop bar in Tokyo includes a rooftop terrace with hot tubs.
What rooftop jacuzzis deliver
Three specific things:
The view becomes part of the relaxation
Sitting in a hot tub with a city skyline or mountain view in front of you is qualitatively different from sitting in one with a wall in front of you.
The temperature contrast
Hot water in cool air (or cold weather) creates a specific physical sensation. This is why Japanese onsen culture exists.
The privacy at altitude
Rooftop terraces are usually private to the suite. The soaking happens without the privacy concerns of ground-level pools.
When rooftop jacuzzis are not the right choice
Three scenarios:
- Properties where the rooftop is shared (the privacy disappears)
- Hot weather (a hot tub in 35°C heat is unpleasant)
- Trips where the rooftop will not be used enough to justify the suite premium
The rooftop hot tub timing
A specific insight: the rooftop hot tub is at peak experience at specific times of day.
Sunrise (6-7am)
Hot water, cool air, the city waking. The most-meditative version of the experience.
Sunset (depends on season)
The transition from day to night while soaking. The most-photographed version.
Evening (8-10pm)
Hot water, city lights, evening drinks. The most-romantic version.
Late night (10pm+)
The city quieter, the soaking deeper. The most-private version.
Travellers who stay in suites with rooftop hot tubs and use them only midday miss most of the value. Use the hot tub at the four time windows above for the strongest experience.
What to bring for rooftop hot tub use
Three specific items that improve the experience:
A real robe
Hotel robes are typically polyester. A real robe (cotton, terry cloth) makes the transition from hot tub to room significantly more comfortable.
Insulated drinkware
The temperature differential between hot tub water and the air can rapidly cool a drink. Insulated glassware extends the drink's pleasure.
A speaker
Music transforms the rooftop experience. Most luxury hotels provide bluetooth speakers; bring a backup if not.
These three items are inexpensive but materially improve the experience.
When rooftop hot tubs are wrong
Three scenarios:
- Hot weather destinations in summer (the contrast is wrong)
- Suites where the rooftop is shared with other suites (the privacy is gone)
- Trips where the rooftop will not be used (verify the suite premium is justified)
Five rules
- Verify the rooftop is private to the suite
- The peak experience is sunset or evening with the city lights
- Suite categories with rooftop hot tubs are typically 50-100% above standard suites; verify the upgrade is worth it
- Bring a robe; the transition from hot tub to room is cold
- Combine with in-room dinner for the strongest experience
For more, see the most romantic hotels pillar.
