What traveler doesn’t enjoy a great view? It’s no wonder that my continuing series of the best rooftop hotel bars and restaurants in the Americas has attracted so much positive feedback. After covering some of the best in the United States for TravelPulse, I turned my attention to the best hotel rooftop bars in the Caribbean. And now, it’s time for a look further south, to Central and South America.
With its massive cities and soaring skyscrapers, it’s no surprise that South America is home to a bunch of interesting hotel rooftop venues. Central America, of course, is a smaller region, with smaller cities. But the region also does well when it comes to offering memorable rooftops for drinking, dining and enjoying the view — especially in Panama City, where the high-rise skyline seems to be in constant growth mode.
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CARIBBEAN TRAVEL TIPS: 7 Great Hotel Rooftop Bars in the Caribbean
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Pandemic Travel Note: Every country currently has different regulations and restrictions regarding entry and travel, based on its own pandemic-era safety protocols. Hotels also have their own safety and hygiene measures in place, based on local laws as well as corporate guidelines. Some hotels may not be fully operational and may not have all services or venues open at the time of your visit. Be sure to check those all-important details before booking any trip and remember: keep yourself and others safe. Check out my posts about pandemic travel tips. And whether you’ve had a vaccine or not, wear that mask!
Whether you’re considering a Latin America vacation or a high-flying business trip to Central or South America, these hotels can put you up in the air — in a good way.
CENTRAL AMERICA HOTELS WITH ROOFTOPS
AC Hotel San Jose Escazu in San Jose, Costa Rica
The rooftop at the AC Hotel San Jose Escazu is known for its artisan cocktail and hip vibe; it’s not uncommon to see live musicians and DJs providing musical entertainment. And this hotel knows how to make good use of their open-air spaces, with a variety of activities and events. The venue even hosts fashion shows and Saturday-morning yoga classes. So if you’re looking for lots of fresh air, this is worth checking out. The neighborhood is also one of the most favored upscale areas for international travelers.
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JW Marriott Panama in Panama City, Panama
Panama’s capital is known for its soaring skyscrapers, and the JW Marriott Panama is a great example of a Panama hotel that makes good use of its rooftop, which is h0ome to the Azul Restaurant and Pool Bar. Tropical cocktails and healthy meals are among the offerings at this venue.
In addition, there are a couple independent hotels in Panama City where I’ve really enjoyed the rooftop bar vibe: Gatto Blanco and Tantalo. As far as I can tell, the hotel element of these properties is not currently functioning. I’d love to hear from anyone who knows what’s happening with either of these two stylish venues!
SOUTH AMERICA HOTELS WITH ROOFTOPS
AC Hotel Santiago Costanera Center in Santiago de Chile
Chile’s capital city is an impressively modern metropolis, with great views available to those who know where to go. Luna Bar, which is located on the 17th floor of the AC Hotel Santiago Costanera Center, serves creative cuisine as well as cocktails based on the signs of the zodiac, which kind of makes sense when you consider the excellent views of the constellations that the bar provides.
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Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina
As one of the most luxurious hotels in Argentina’s capital, the Alvear Palace is logically a great place to order an expertly prepared cocktail, and the Alvear Roof Bar is a decidedly elegant place to do so. The 11th-floor venue serves a menu of light dishes and beverages with what it promises are “modern twists.”
Black Hotel Usaquén in Bogota, Colombia
Located in the popular and upscale Usaquén neighborhood, the Black Hotel is home to Zetai, a rooftop bar and restaurant that serves Nikkei and Japanese fusion cuisine as well as an extensive menu of craft cocktails. Live music keeps the vibe lively.
Click Clack in Bogota, Colombia
Bogota is home to a surprising number of unique and noteworthy independent boutique hotels, and Click Clack is one of the best. Sitting on top of it all is Apache, a rooftop burger bar that offers panoramic views as well as a deliciously quirky menu inspired by 1950s Americana. Live music, which ranges from rockabilly to 1980s classics, makes the venue even more festive from Wednesday through Saturday.
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Fairfield Lima Miraflores in Lima, Peru
Perched in one of the city’s swankiest neighborhoods, the rooftop terrace at the recently opened Fairfield Lima Miraflores offers a lovely view of El Reducto Park. This hotel is an excellent option for travelers looking for exceptional value with a view.
Hilton Bogota
There aren’t many major internationally branded luxury hotels with rooftop venues in Bogota, and that makes the luxurious Hilton Bogota especially noteworthy (I’ve stayed here twice, so I can also vouch for its handsome, well-appointed suites and excellent location). Sky 15, the hotel’s aptly named rooftop bar and restaurant, features a sophisticated menu of cuisine and cocktails, and the venue hosts an after-work mixer on Thursdays.
JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
Ahhh, the views that await in Rio de Janeiro (and I’m not just talking about the bathing suits). This legendary city by the ocean is ideally positioned to offer views of mountains, beach and water, and there are several places to go to do so. The Moonlounge and Rooftop Bar at the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro offers a memorable opportunity to enjoy the view and some rather interesting culinary flavors, thanks to the on-site street vendors who create international food made with local ingredients. It’s a perfect spot to sit back with a caipirinha and some friends.
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Hotel Pulitzer in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some people might normally avoid the 13th floor, but at the Hotel Pulitzer, you’ll be in good company at the Sky Bar, located on a 13th-floor terrace with an atmospheric vibe enhanced by chill music and an array of seasonal cocktails. The music is a big draw here, so be sure to check the schedule.
Radisson Hotel Decapolis Miraflores in Lima, Peru
Souk Bar, which sits atop the Radisson Hotel Decapolis, offers inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean as well as a menu of sushi and spirited drinks — including the must-try pisco sour.
Sheraton Asunción Hotel in Asunción, Paraguay
The Rooftop at the Sheraton Asunción Hotel serves an array of cocktails and local dishes, providing a perfect opportunity to observe the sunset.
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Hotel Unique in São Paulo, Brazil
It’s hard to miss the eye-catching architecture that has made Hotel Unique one of the most recognizable properties in South America’s largest city. And one of the best ways to appreciate the hotel’s style is to take the panoramic elevator to Skye Restaurant and Bar, which offers spectacular views of the skyline and Ibirapuera Park. You can sample a variety of cocktails and culinary creations here, or perhaps just take a dip in the red swimming pool, which is equipped with an underwater sound system.
Stay tuned for my roundup of some of the top hotel rooftop pool bars and restaurants in Mexico — and be sure to share your favorites, too! You can also see more of my travels and pick up and share travel tips on my Instagram account as well as my YouTube channel, which is known for my unscripted, unfiltered hotel tours and other travel videos, where I show it like is. As the world slowly starts traveling again, I want to help you travel smarter!
COVER SHOT: AC Hotel Santiago Costanera Center. CREDIT: Johnwoodcock.com and Marriott International.