10 Hotels in NYC with Green Roof Amenity Spaces

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New Yorkers love a good rooftop scene, whether it is for sunset drinks, dancing, or enjoying a highly coveted pool. Hotels are more frequently designing green roofs not only for their environmental benefits but also to improve the guest experience. Green roofs provide pleasant amenity space for guests to enjoy the beautiful skyline and take in the views of NYC. 

At Urbanstrong, we love to see any implementation of a green roof! While some hotels are more intentional about integrating green roofs as a part of their sustainability initiatives, others do it for the decor. Either way, a green roof is a green roof that will still reap the environmental benefits. Hotels are more frequently looking to improve their sustainability ratings and minimize their impact by reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste. Green roofs provide a solution that addresses numerous environmental concerns of hotels.

In this article, we’ll showcase hotels that are diligently working to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those that are just focusing on attracting guests to their rooftops. Here’s Urbanstrong’s guide to NYC Hotel Green Roofs! 

1. How is Pod Brooklyn Hotel Using Solar Power and Green Roofs?

Slate is the bar at the Pod Brooklyn Hotel and it’s the only rooftop bar that is solar-powered. The entire rooftop is powered by 1,800-square-feet of solar panels positioned on two sides of the roof. The renewable energy generated is used for lighting the space and it powers the irrigation pump in an on-premise water detention tank that harvests rainwater to water the green rooftop. The solar power is used to offset the energy consumed by the hotel and common areas. 

2. What Makes 1 Hotel a Leader in Sustainable Hospitality?

The 1 Hotel boasts its sustainability efforts at its global locations. All hotels are LEED-certified, U.S. properties are carbon-neutral, they offset carbon emissions, and support charitable partners. When you walk into the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, it is hard to avoid the connection to nature with a living wall in the lobby and plants decorated throughout the hotel. Guests can also enjoy the connection to nature on the rooftop, with a locally sourced farm-to-table menu to choose from.

3. How is NY Hilton Midtown Using Green Roofs and Urban Beekeeping?

New York Hilton Midtown features a green roof system and a cogeneration (combined heat and power) system, both designed to reduce the hotel’s overall carbon footprint. To promote awareness of the hotel’s sustainability efforts, keycards given to guests depict an image of the green roof. This roof was an investment made by Hilton New York to benefit efforts in carbon capture, energy conservation, and reduction of the Urban Heat Island effect. 

The hotel also hosts 450,000 bees in an apiary on its fifth floor, 16,000-square-foot green rooftop. The hives will harvest approximately 300 pounds of honey annually. The honey will be used to enhance the hotel’s utilization of locally sourced ingredients in their restaurant menus. The Hilton’s commitment to urban beekeeping is helping to support New York City’s honeybee population. 

4. What Can Guests Expect from Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel?

Gallow Green is the hotel’s rooftop garden escape. Guests can visit the lush rooftop for brunch or specialty cocktails.

5. What Features Make Le Bain at the Standard High Line Stand Out?

Le Bain is the rooftop bar at the Standard that overlooks the Hudson River. With an astroturf floor, this rooftop is sure to keep temperatures cool while enjoying signature cocktails. 

6. What Unique Amenities Are Found at Moxy Hotel Times Square?

On the 18th floor sits this whimsical rooftop with a mini-golf course and carnival-eqse decor. 

7. How Does Conrad Hotel Downtown Mix Luxury with Sustainability?

Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar is located on the 16th floor of Conrad New York Downtown and overlooks the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. 

8. What Year-Round Perks Does the Refinery Hotel Rooftop Offer?

The Refinery rooftop features a retractable glass roof allowing for indoor and outdoor seating year-round. Enjoy the lush outdoor terrace with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline.

9. How Does Daintree at the Hendricks Hotel Embrace Biophilic Design?

Daintree is the rooftop lounge at the Hendricks Hotel, its tropical plants will make you feel closer to a rainforest. 

10. What Makes the Public Hotel Rooftop a Must-Visit NYC Spot?

The Vibrant rooftop at the Public Hotel matches the energy of the rest of the hotel bars and club. The outdoor rooftop offers panoramic views of the city while seated in a lush garden. 

About The Author

Alan Burchell is the Principal of Urbanstrong, an award-winning firm specializing in sustainable rooftop solutions. A professional engineer, LEED-AP, Fitwel Ambassador and certified Green Roof Professional, Alan holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, with a focus on Sustainable Water Management.

For over a decade, Alan has been at the forefront of designing and implementing Solar-Integrated Green Roofs to tackle advanced rooftop stormwater management challenges. His extensive experience spans all seven continents, where he has worked as an environmentalist, project manager, speaker, and sales engineer. This global perspective enables Alan to address critical energy and water management issues, helping building owners reduce costs while complying with local codes, enhance sustainability, and boost property values.

Contact Alan today at aburchell@urbanstrong.com or 215.480.2210 or book a 15min chat directly in his calendar here.