New York City, iconic for its skyline, pulsating with vibrant energy and sprinkled with unique venues, offers an array of choices for corporates and individual event planners seeking the best event spaces in New York City. With a plethora of options ranging from rooftop bars that offer breathtaking views of the city to luxurious hotel rooftops perfect for more upscale gatherings, selecting just the right venue for private events can elevate the occasion from memorable to unforgettable. The importance of finding not only a venue that fits the aesthetic and vibe of the event but also one that can accommodate the practicalities of space and service cannot be understated. This guide aims to navigate through the vast options, highlighting the best event venues New York City has to offer, from private event spaces that cater to intimate gatherings to larger venues that can host significant corporate events.
1. Dear Irving On Hudson Rooftop
Dear Irving On Hudson 40th Floor
This bi-level venue, situated on the 40th and 41th floors, offers a retro-chic atmosphere with a James Bond and Art Deco theme, providing a unique setting for private events. The venue is renowned for its craft cocktails, curated by Bar Director Meaghan Dorman, and its small plates that cater to those looking for a bite to accompany their drinks.
Location
Dear Irving on Hudson is ideally positioned on the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel, near Times Square, at 310 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018. This central location offers easy access and spectacular views of Manhattan, making it a prime choice for exclusive events and gatherings.
Capacity
The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests across its two floors, with each floor offering a capacity of 150. The 40th floor features the Sunrise Room and Sunset Room, which can hold 65 and 85 people respectively, including balcony space. Similarly, the 41st floor's Sunrise and Sunset Rooms each have a capacity of 75 people, including balcony areas. This makes Dear Irving on Hudson an excellent option for hosting large-scale private events while providing intimate spaces for smaller gatherings.
2. St. Cloud Rooftop - The Knickerbocker Hotel
St. Cloud Rooftop Featuring Corner Sky Pod
St. Cloud Rooftop, set atop The Knickerbocker Hotel in the heart of Times Square, offers a stunning backdrop for private events. This venue combines luxury with a historical ambiance, named after the late-19th century hotel originally located on the site. It features plush corner Sky Pods overlooking Times Square, stylish seating options, the exclusive Waterford Crystal Lounge, and a lush living wall of greenery, making it a premier choice for memorable gatherings.
Location
Located at 6 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, St. Cloud Rooftop provides easy access amidst the busy cityscape. This iconic location offers breathtaking views of Times Square, adding a dramatic flair to any event held here.
Capacity
St. Cloud Rooftop can host up to 200 guests, accommodating a range of events from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. The venue's versatile space includes indoor options like the ultra-luxe private room and the Club Lounge, which can hold smaller groups, ensuring a suitable setting for various event sizes and types.
3. Elsie Rooftop
Elsie Rooftop Located On The 25th Floor
Elsie Rooftop, perched on the 25th floor of the 1412 Broadway building, is a cherished venue in Midtown. It pays tribute to Elsie de Wolfe, a pioneering interior designer known for her sophisticated and lighter style, which is reflected in the venue’s design featuring high ceilings, antique mirrors, and a striking blue marble bar top. This rooftop destination is ideal for hosting private events, offering a blend of nostalgic elegance and modern flair.
Location
Situated near Times Square and Bryant Park at 39th Street, Elsie Rooftop boasts an exceptional location. Its placement on the 25th floor provides stunning views of Manhattan, making it a prime spot for memorable events.
Capacity
Elsie Rooftop offers flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of party sizes, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger receptions. It can host up to 300 guests for standing events or 200 guests for seated arrangements. This versatility makes Elsie Rooftop an excellent choice for various private events.
4. Virgin Hotel New York Rooftop
Virgin Hotel Rooftop 38th Floor
Virgin Hotel New York Rooftop, located on the 38th floor, offers an unparalleled experience with its glass walls rising 30-feet high on three sides and a private outdoor observation deck. This venue provides spectacular views of Manhattan, making it a coveted space for events such as product launches, milestone celebrations, fashion shows, and large social gatherings. The Great Room, spanning 2,000 square feet, allows for various configurations to suit any event style and vibe.
Location
Situated at 1227 Broadway, New York, NY 10001, in the NOMAD district of Manhattan, Virgin Hotel New York Rooftop offers a serene escape high above the city streets. This location not only provides easy access but also stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, enhancing the exclusivity and allure of any private event.
Capacity
The venue can accommodate up to 100 guests for standing events and 50 for seated gatherings. This makes it versatile enough for both intimate and somewhat larger private events. The Sky Loft and Terrace area, along with the Great Room, provide flexible spaces that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of an event, ensuring a memorable and unique experience for all attendees.
5. Nubeluz
Nebeluz 50th Floor
Nubeluz, a creation by renowned Chef José Andrés, is a dazzling rooftop bar located on the 50th floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. This venue combines the Spanish words for cloud ("nube") and light ("luz"), aptly named as it offers a lightbox experience in the sky. The interior, designed by Brudnizki and housed in a space crafted by Rafael Viñoly, features a luxurious mix of mirrors, glowing onyx, and velvet, creating an atmosphere of mythical New York glamor. Nubeluz specializes in modern interpretations of classic cocktails and small bites, all served with a backdrop of the city's skyline through its expansive windows.
Location
Nubeluz is situated at the pinnacle of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, located at 25 West 28th Street, New York City. Positioned 500 feet above the busy streets, it offers a serene yet sophisticated setting perfect for exclusive events, with easy access to the heart of Manhattan.
Capacity
The venue welcomes guests to an intimate yet open environment suitable for up to 100 standing guests or 50 seated ones. Its design allows for versatile space arrangements, accommodating both small private gatherings and larger, more vibrant.
What to consider when Selecting a Venue In New York
Navigating through the rooftop bars of New York City reveals more than just venues; it uncovers a canvas where memories can be crafted, and events turned into landmarks of personal or corporate success. The venues highlighted, from Dear Irving on Hudson's retro-chic allure to Nubeluz's high-altitude glamor, each present their location and capacity, underscoring their unique ability to host private events with an unmatched backdrop. This guide has strived not merely to list venues but to provide a curated journey through spaces that marry breathtaking views with functionality, ensuring every event is poised for perfection.
The importance of selecting the right venue cannot be overstated. It is not just about the aesthetics or the views; it's about finding a place that resonates with the event's purpose, where every detail, from the capacity to the ambience, aligns with the vision of the host. As we conclude, the quest for the perfect venue should always intertwine with the narrative you wish to create, ensuring that the chosen space enhances the experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend. Whether for intimate gatherings or grand celebrations, New York City's rooftop bars offer a diverse palette to paint your events upon, promising an atmosphere as unforgettable as the city itself.