The Empire Hotel Rooftop - One of the many rooftop bars to have recently made its debut, not only do you have the chance to bask in the glow of a sunset over the Hudson river at this 8,000-square-foot lounge on the 12th floor of the newly renovated Empire Hotel, but also that of the iconic neon hotel signs that sit atop it. Though technically reserved for up to 150 hotel guests, bribes and connections will get you just as far as a room key. Sip signature cocktails like the VeeV mojito, which uses VeeV Acai liqueur in the traditional Cuban concoction, and the Oran'gin the Mood (orange juice, Bombay Sapphire gin, Patron Citronage and a splash of club soda) at the Penthouse Lounge bar, made of 10,000 backlit sections of pipe or simply lounge in one of the private cabana rentals that feature flat screen TVs, mini fridges, iPod docking stations with speakers and luxurious daybeds.
