Headed to NYC next month and checking for any thong friendly rooftop pools in the city.
Staying in midtown Manhattan.
Thanks!
Well, since there were no responses on this one, I thought I’d share my reviews. The wife and I found three different rooftop pools in Manhattan that were all available through Resort Pass. For those unfamiliar, you can access a property’s pool, without having to stay there - for a fee of course.
The 3 we booked were: Margaritaville Hotel, Virgin Hotel and The Dream. Each had a 24hr cancellation policy, which was handy as weather played a part for our first pool.
Margaritaville was right in Times Square, and reviews said it would be the rowdier of the 3. We checked it the day before - in the rain - just to see the layout. As expected, it was relatively small, and felt pretty commercial - go figure, Margaritaville. This location also said that its a mixed crowd of adults and kids. Rain was in the forecast, and we graciatiously cancelled this visit.
Virgin Hotel - on the South end of Times Square. This pool was designated Adults Only, even though a couple under 21 kids were present with their parents. The pool area was petite but adequate, with 2 classifications - lounge chair reservation, and general pool access. You definitely want to reserve a chaise, as the “open” are to just put a towel on the ground is limited. They had 3 times for access - Hotel guests 8-11:30am; 12-4pm; and 4-8pm. Thought this was a little odd, but weather was perfect -83* and sunny - and chose the 12-4 time slot. They literally kick everyone out, and straighten up the deck before the next group. We were there just before 12, and a good thing, as it allowed us to find the perfect spot for the afternoon. We were in pool side lounges, with a direct view of the Empire State Building. The pool is on the 4th floor on the side of the hotel. I wore one of my favorite Skinz thongs - Tahitian Sunset M46 - and had no hesitiation about wearing a thong. There were plenty of others in cheeky and thong bikinis and didn’t think twice about my choice of coverage. Great pool and highly recommended. There was a food/drink minimum ($50/person) but that wasn’t an issue as cocktails were about $22, beers $11, and food priced up accordingly - $19 for chips and guacamole was a little much. Wife ordered a chicken breast on the side for $9, and that was the value of the day by far. This pool was terrific, and I would definitely book this again for a midtown escape.
Hilton Dream Hotel - This pool was elevated, but not exactly rooftop. It was adult only, so wearing a thong again was a no brainer - this time Skinz M46 Hawaiian, so love the colors! This pool said it was a glass bottom, but they had a mat of sort on the floor - felt like a giant yoga mat - that would move when you stepped on it. Staff was exceptional, and they complimented me on my tan - was on my stomach at the time, browning my buns. Great place, but a little further downtown, and used the subway to access from Time’s Square - 14th & 8th Ave. Would go back here as well. Same story on the chaise, vs pool access. It’s a little more money, but you don’t want to be laying on the ground. This pool is between two of their towers, that have a metal facade so its very reflective, and hot. Looks like they turn into a night spot as well. The gal next to me said she hits some in Brooklyn, and said those were nice too.
All in all, very thong friendly, and even though we have a little girl of our own, we appreciated the Adults Only environment of both. I’d post pic’s of the views if I could, but so be.
Kevin
5 Likes
Good review. I’ve never been to New York and tend not to do pools, but it’s always great to to a good report back.
1 Like