Let’s raise a glass to sunshine, fresh air and light breezes as we head into summer! Summer vacation is finally here, and we all know what that means: soaking up some rays by the pool. And what better place to take a nice, refreshing dip than in a rooftop pool with stunning views and a fresh cocktail in hand? You can even treat yourself special and enjoy a staycation so you can truly immerse yourself in the poolside ambience and take an elevator home. Beat the heat and mix and mingle in one of New Orleans’ best-kept secrets!
The stylish and superb Virgin Hotels New Orleans comes with a rooftop venue that really elevates our rooftop scene. The Pool Club Rooftop & Bar on the 13th floor terrace is described as a place where “cool meets pool.” This rooftop pool and bar is a stylish and green oasis in the heart of downtown, dotted with cabana-like seating and comfy loungers. As a cherry on top, the wrap-around terrace also comes surrounded with panoramic and scenic skyline views. Kick back and relax while sipping specialty cocktails and noshing on light bites with live entertainment. It features a wrap-around lounge deck, VIP poolside sofas, and a full bar. Pool passes are available for non-hotel guests. Get your glow on during Golden Hour at The Pool Club with $12 signature cocktails, $10 beer and shot pairings and $8 glasses of wine while watching the sun set from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
It’s as hot as it is in Mexico, so why not request a refreshing Campeche Tiki cocktail? This artfully crafted libation combines Don Julio Blanco, Grand Marnier, Bitter Truth Falernum, lime juice, Orgeat Orange, Polynesian Bitters and coconut! Drink a few of these and you may have the urge to join a mariachi band or do a hat dance! For another taste of the Yucatán, sample Blackberry Smoke, a mixture of Union Mezcal, Xocolatl Mole Bitters, blackberries, and lemon. My personal favorite is Pretty in Pink! It brings together Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain, lemon, Peychaud’s Aperitivo, with meringue on top! If you’re lucky, the sunset will be the same color.
Alto is a lush rooftop oasis garden bar with seasonal cocktails and a delicious snack menu. It’s perched on top of the luxurious and modern Ace Hotel. Located just off Lafayette Square, Alto is open to all every day to enjoy lunch, dinner and drinks. The Alto rooftop bar serves a mix of seasonal cocktails, craft beers, wines and frozen drinks along with Italian-inspired small plates and some grills.
Grab a seat at the tiki-style bar or at one of the tables and enjoy the panoramic views over the downtown skyscrapers. Or even better, lounge away in one of the sun beds right by the lovely rooftop pool, available to all for a fee. With its chic roof garden vibe, Alto is perfect for relaxing poolside cocktails on weekdays, especially during the 3 to 8 p.m. happy hour. Try Alto's famous frozen Eternal Summer cocktail; it’s a vodka, coconut cream, orange, lemon, blackberry and Chinola (passion fruit liqueur) float!
Take in views of New Orleans while you sip a frozen cocktail at Hotel Monteleone’s rooftop Acqua Bella Poolside Bar. It offers a range of refreshing beverages and light bites. Hotel Monteleone has one of the best rooftop pools in New Orleans! With incredible views of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River surrounding their one-of-a-kind rooftop pool, it may be one of the best ways to spend a summer day in the French Quarter. Access to their pool is reserved exclusively for guests, so take advantage of special summer rates and book your stay today!
You can, however, enjoy a poolside drink with a view any time. On the summer menu, there are many refreshing cocktails to enjoy while lounging by the pool. The Pimm’s Cup, a classic blending of Pimm’s No. 1, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a touch of sprite, with fresh cucumber and strawberry. The invigorating Tropical Sunset has Don Q Coconut rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice with a touch of grenadine. Or try the Chilcano with BarSol Pisco, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liquor, fresh lime juice, with a touch of agave nectar, topped with ginger beer. Ahhh, feel the heat of the day fade away as you enjoy the sunset view.
The Country ClubNew Orleans has been a neighborhood gem for more than 40 years. This historic Bywater center hall home offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. It boasts a lush backyard with cabana lounge and pool, an oasis that is the ultimate place for locals and tourists to come together over food, drink and fun. It has a beautiful bar and butterfly lounge featuring decadent drinks in a fun and festive environment. It’s the perfect place to dip and enjoy craft cocktails, local draft beers, and an award-winning wine program that offers over 133 selections from around the world. They also have several exclusive wines including their private label “Bywater” Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Don’t miss their amazing weekday Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring $5 well drinks and house wine, house margaritas, Tito’s shots, and local draft beers. Their back private club’s lush landscape is the perfect oasis for locals and tourists who are welcome to swim for $20 daily to come together for sipping and dipping. My favorite cocktail is their Passionfruit Margarita. It has Teremana Blanco, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, lime, sugar, and a Tajin-Chamoy rim. Or try the Buddy System, Stiegl Radler served over ice in two cups with two choices of house spirit. They also serve many delectable mocktails for a long day in the sun.
Within the Crown Jewel of the French Quarter, The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, a total escape mere steps from Bourbon Street awaits you at Oasis Pool Bar. Rejuvenate your senses and finish your weekend in style! Whether taking a dip in their saltwater pool or basking in the sunshine while vibing to the freshest beats of the city, Sonesta Sundays are exactly where you want to be!
Every Sunday through Sep. 24, 2023 from 2–6 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, a full bar with daiquiri machines, grilled food available for purchase, complimentary Wi-Fi, towel service, and a discounted valet parking rate of $12. Sonesta Sunday’s passes are $35. Try the Blood Orange Sangria, a blend of white wine, Patron Citronge, brandy, blood orange puree, and fresh fruit. Perhaps the Courtyard Cooleris calling your name. It is made with Bombay Sapphire, St. Germain, cucumber syrup, fresh mint, and grapefruit soda for effervescence. Heatwavehas Bacardi Anejo Cuatro Rum, spicy mango syrup, pineapple juice, and lime juice with a Tajin rim. Aloha! The fruity Patron Honolulu #2 will take you to Hawaii with Patron Silver, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, hibiscus syrup, pineapple juice, and lemon juice.
On top of the charming Omni Royal Orleans, you’ll find La Rivera Poolside Bar, one of the few with a clear view over the Mississippi River and the historic French Quarter. This is a true summer oasis, seven floors above the buzzing streets below. As the name suggests, the terrace is equipped with a fantastic rooftop swimming pool. The rooftop pool is only for guests staying at the hotel so check out their summer promotional rates! Visitors can come up and enjoy the view and refreshments from the bar.
The bar serves fancy cocktails, microbrews and wine by the glass, along with light lunches, smaller bar bites and frozen daiquiris. If you are looking for calm and harmonious vibes along with Mississippi River views, La Rivera Poolside Bar is the perfect choice, even for a refreshing specialty mocktail such as the Mai Chai. It is a blend of Liber & Co Orgeat Syrup, Numi Golden Chai Tea, pineapple juice, almond milk, and grated nutmeg, topped with a mini umbrella.
Vitality is brewing at Omni! Steeped in the spirit of the summer, poolside offerings are inspired by the goodness of the earth and the revitalizing benefits of tea. This seasonal menu puts a refreshing twist on teatime with antioxidant-rich elixirs and unexpected takes on classic tea sandwiches, sweets and light bites. From calming herbal notes to vibrant floral flavors to energizing black tea cocktails, dive in and find your tranquilitea!
Blueberry Lavender Kombucha is an invigorating blend of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Chambord, blueberry kombucha, Monin Lavender Syrup, fresh lime, and blueberry boba pearls, topped with an orchid. For a chilling classic, try the Frozen Arnold Palmer, with White Claw Premium Vodka, lemonade, and sweet iced tea, topped with a mini umbrella. Earl Grey Bee’s Knees is an energizing mixture of Malfy con Limone Gin, Monin Lavender Honey Syrup, Numi Aged Earl Grey Tea, fresh lemon, and lavender. It is simply divine.
It’s time for a little poolside indulgence! This summer, get a ticket to paradise and relax in one of our lovely French Quarter area pools. Plan a day or a staycation lounging around a pool to beat the summer heat while enjoying refreshing libations. It’s always better when you can take an elevator home! Consider staying and taking advantage of great summer promotions. Cheers!
