There’s nothing better than resting one’s weary feet for a libation while sightseeing. And it’s even better if it’s in a fabulous spot that shows off or enhances the destination, while providing amazing ambiance all on its own. With this in mind, we offer seven sensational venues for a summer sip on a global itinerary of top stops, ranging from Athens to Zurich, and Barcelona to Washington, DC, a few more in between.
Best For High-Up Views: Royal Mansour Casablanca
Casablanca’s first luxury hotel has been reborn as the long-awaited Royal Mansour Casablanca (banner photo). Located in the heart of the city near the Old Medina and Art Deco district, the gleaming new icon debuted in April with 149 rooms, suites and apartments, the largest spa in the city, and five restaurants and bars including two rooftop dining destinations.
On the 23rd story, a glass footbridge is suspended in the air, connecting the hotel’s two towers and providing access to the two rooftop restaurants (it’s also accessible from the street via a double panoramic elevator). La Grande Table Marocaine features 360-degree views of the city and conjures the romance of Arabian Nights; the menu offers local specialties such as a traditional M’quila de Petites Pêches des Côtes de Casablanca, a traditional dish of Casawi fishermen, plus shellfish from the Moulay Bousselham Coasts. Le Rooftop restaurant is also a buzzy spot to mingle with locals and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine – and a favourite to catch the sun setting over the city skyline.
Best for Rooftop Sightseeing: Almanac Barcelona
The flagship of the Almanac hotel brand, opened in 2018, Almanac Barcelona is an intimate retreat near the bustling Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevards. All 60 rooms and 30 suites feature either a Juliet balcony, a private terrace, or floor-to-ceiling window “cubes” with built-in daybeds – perfect spot to take in the action of the streets from above. Head even higher to the Azimuth rooftop bar, with a guests-only plunge pool and 360-degree vistas, including such landmarks as La Sagrada Familia basilica and Mount Tibidabo. The rooftop has live music sessions every Wednesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. as well as a new 360º culinary concept centred around street food. The menu features 32 dishes, split between the classic side and the green/vegetarian side of street food, courtesy of executive chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s signature ‘green cuisine’ philosophy.
Best for Artful Sipping: NEW Hotel Athens
Owned by world-renowned art collector Dakis Joannou and designed by powerhouse Brazilian design duo Fernando and Humberto Campana (the first Brazilian artists to be exhibited at MoMA), NEW Hotel is a marvel of modernity located amid the ruins of ancient Athens. On the property, guests enjoy Greek flavours and Mediterranean influences at the 7th-floor Art Lounge, a fashionable spot for after-work drinks and dinner thanks to its panoramic terrace featuring views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. Chef Babis Kountouris and his team present an innovative interpretation of Greek tradition using modern culinary techniques and top-quality ingredients. Featured dishes include scallops with San Michali cheese from Syros, “soutzoukakia” tartare, lobster “giouvetsi”, and lamb with vine leaves, as well as sweet options like soumada or roasted peach. Open daily from 6 p.m., it’s the perfect spot for an early drink (try the Meltemi, a signature cocktail with ouzo, honey and cucumber espuma) or a gourmet dinner in a setting that celebrates contemporary art and impressive cityscapes.
Best for Lake Views: La Réserve Eden au Lac
Zurich is an eminently walkable and bikeable city with an exploding cultural scene. In the summer, the city comes alive with a whole calendar of free outdoor summer concerts ranging from Openair Wipkingen held on the River Linnett to Stolze Openair, the city’s largest free open-air festival. For a fittingly cultured place to stay, look no further than La Réserve Eden au Lac. Designed by Philippe Starck, the lakeside landmark is located within walking distance from the Opera House, the Pavilion Le Corbusier, the Art Nouveau-era Bad Utoquai bathing pavilion, and the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum. Back at the hotel, guests can opt for Motoscafo boat rides across the lake, picnics in surprise locations, and golden hour magic at the hotel’s buzzy Peruvian rooftop restaurant on the 6th floor. The tree-lined roof terrace offers 360° views over the historic centre, Lake Zurich and the Alps in the distance.
Best for Channeling Vacation Vibes in the Big City; La Réserve Paris
Filled with palm trees, giant ferns, and pops of tangy colour, the La Réserve Paris terrace is back for the summer season, bringing breezy vacation vibes to the heart of Paris. The relaxed summer menu includes zingy tartars, colourful salads, and seasonal classics such as lobster roles and grilled meats and fish. Add in a summery soundtrack, and you can see why it’s a favourite destination for lunch in the sun, or a champagne toast with friends.
Best for After-Work Socializing: The Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.
Surrounding The Dupont Circle, the terrace offers a sophisticated urban oasis with views of the bustling Dupont Circle neighbourhood. The outdoor terrace boasts a modern yet inviting atmosphere, ideal for enjoying cocktails or dining al fresco. With a menu featuring innovative American cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, complemented by a curated selection of wines and craft cocktails, the terrace is a perfect blend of culinary excellence and relaxed elegance. Whether soaking in the vibrant energy of the city all around or unwinding under the stars, the terrace at The Dupont Circle Hotel promises an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Best-Kept Secret: Monsieur George, Paris
Designed by Anouska Hempel and located in the 8th arrondissement, Monsieur George is an ideal option for couples who want to be near Champs-Élysées (2-minute walk) but tucked away just enough on a side street off the bustling avenue. The building was the former home of French actor Jules Auguste Muraire, who was recognized as “the greatest actor who ever lived” by Citizen Kane director Orson Welles.
Those looking for a photogenic moment can enjoy a croissant or cocktail al fresco on the courtyard terrace, which feels like a secret, hidden gem in the center of Paris. The vibe is quintessentially Parisian and oh so romantic – think bistro tables surrounded by climbing, lush greenery and dimly-lit lanterns. Guests shouldn’t miss trying Galanga on the heels of its first Michelin star. The hotel’s 32-year-old chef Thomas Danigo is starting to make waves on the local food scene, especially since it is rare in Paris to have a gastronomic restaurant at a boutique property. His artful plates spotlight plants (there is currently only one meat dish) where thoughtful fermentation is utilized to feel light after a five- or even a seven-course meal.
With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:
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