NYC Roof Space

Summer entertaining in New York City is all about roof space &Thompson Hotels serves up no less than three. V&E checked in – & headed straight for the elevator

ABOVE 6
Catch the cowhide-lined lift to the 14th floor of 6 Columbus to find the latest addition to the Thompson chain’s rooftop portfolio. With space for up to 50 guests beneath a retractable roof, Above 6 features views of Central Park and catering supplied by the well-regarded Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill located on the ground floor of the hotel. Cocktail receptions can also be held in a swish pair of penthouse suites, which come with double-height ceilings and private balconies. As we went to press, Above 6 did not yet have a members-only policy, so it’s a good spot to bear in mind for impromptu drinks meets as well as events.

Six Columbus, 6 Columbus Circle (entrance in 58th Street), tel: 001 212 204 3000

ABOVE ALLEN
Not quite as tall as its siblings, the terrace space on the seventh floor of the Thompson Lower East Side nevertheless serves up spectacular views of the Midtown skyline. It’s glass-encased with a retractable roof to help shield against the elements so available to hire all year round, accommodating up to 130 party guests. The hotel also offers up its restaurant and various guest suites for hire. Our favourite is Room 100 (great for boardroom meetings or small dinners), where glass doors open out onto the open-air pool deck, itself a great party space for up to 120.

Thompson LES, 190 Allen Street, tel: 001 212 460 5300

A60
Comprising a south-facing sun deck and an alfresco lounge that looks north across the Soho rooftops towards the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, A60 on the roof of Sixty Thompson is open to members, hotel guests and event hire. There’s space for cocktail parties for between 20 and 150 guests or buffets for 100. Elsewhere in the hotel is a beautiful Thai restaurant and lively bar (also available as event spaces), while the 100 guestrooms include a duplex suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and views towards the Hudson River.

Sixty Thompson, 60 Thompson Street, tel: 001 212 431 0400

This article was first published in Square Meal Venues & Events, summer 2011