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Posted by Alison Miller, July 28, 2009
HudsonHotel1
The Sky Terrace at New York's Hudson Hotel. Also the scene of one pleasant afternoon during my recent visit.

Swimming pools are somewhat of a rarity in Manhattan, which partially explains the exodus of city dwellers to The Hamptons on most summer weekends. And the pools that do exist are the super-exclusive, members-only deals. As a result, the big deal is the rooftop terrace–the New Yorker's answer to the back porch.  

HudsonHotel2

A pretty terrace trumps a pool for me any day. The Sky Terrace at New York's Hudson Hotel.

While I was in the city last week for work, I stayed at a hotel with a "Sky Terrace" and I was completely converted. Who needs a pool when you can sprawl on a chaise lounge, swing in a hammock, and look cool leaning against a railing with the city skyline as a backdrop? Not to mention, you don't have to worry about the dreaded swimsuit dilemma.  Dozens of guests were happily soaking up the sun and tall pitchers of elderflower martinis and white mint lemonade (Note to self: Find this recipe). The setting was perfectly charming and I came home thinking about my favorite Southern spots that have beautiful terraces. Here are a few:

Veranda On Highland: This Birmingham restaurant is housed in a beautiful, historic home, dating back to the 1920s, with private dining rooms throughout. The largest of them is The Veranda Room, which spills out onto a terrace, with traditional iron outdoor furniture, overlooking Highland Avenue. Although it's not held on the terrace, I love their Sunday jazz brunch. For more information, visit www.verandaonhighland.com.

The Joule: This newer Dallas hotel has everyone looking up–to the rooftop.Yes, there's a pool there too, but I'd rather nestle into one of their orbit sofas or into a canopied deck chair and watch the sunset over Downtown Dallas. For more information, visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Oasis: This stylish boutique hotel in San Miguel de Allende is on my wish list of places to visit, based alone on it's charm. It has a rooftop terrace with fountains, bistro chairs and tables for having a sunrise breakfast, and clay pots filled with colorful native flowers. It's quite dreamy. For more information, visit www.oasissanmiguel.com.

What's your favorite terrace in town?

Comments

Birmingham's only rooftop bar, Above, at the historic Redmont Hotel is a lovely place to sip on a delicious cocktail and watch the sun set over downtown. Check it out at www.theredmont.com.

Posted by:Hallie | July 28, 2009 at 10:53 AM

White mint lemonade? Sounds divine! So does the elderflower martini, for that matter. Rooftops are wonderful places to relax. I haven't been to any of the hotels mentioned, but I've always enjoyed the rooftop bar at The Market Pavilion Hotel in Charleston! It has a beautiful pool and view.

Posted by:Shani | July 28, 2009 at 02:29 PM
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