LA Rooftop Bars

Out of all the things to do in Los Angeles, the one which sends the adrenalin pumping the most is a visit to the Standard Downtown LA hotel's rooftop bar. West Hollywood has a host of sizzling nightclubs and hotels which come alive with celebs and the glitterati in full attendance, but the Standard's rooftop pool scene is something else again, whether it be night or mid-afternoon on a hot summer Sunday. The wet and wild parties, the couples making out, the view of the City, the heated pool, free flowing alcohol from the bar, snacks and food, the vibrating waterpods, the dance floor - It all adds up to the zing of being on top of the world. Undoubtedly the hottest rooftop bar in Los Angeles. 

Another rooftop lounge which should soon rank among the best, if not the best, is the ABH lounge at the Beverly Hills Thompson hotel. Its just opened a few days back, and the pool ain't working yet, but its bound to be a rather exclusive rooftop retreat for the rich and the famous in Los Angeles (no shortage of that). As a rule, the rooftops at all Thompson hotels are open only to members and hotel guests, so most likely you won't be able to just walk in to this one, but its still going to be one of the best rooftop lounges in Los Angeles.

Other than that, there's a few other rooftops, which offer alternatives, in case the Standard is full up, or ABH doesn't let you in. One of them is the upscale Bona Vista Lounge at the Westin Bonaventure. This cocktail lounge is set on a revolving platform on the 34th floor of the hotel, so you get panaromic 360 degree views of the landscape, if you stay long enough. Then there's the rooftop garden at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, which again is slightly upscale. Quite good for a romantic dinner and some light music, and the pool is magnificient. One more option is the Skybar at the Mondrian. Great view, and has a rustic appeal. The scene is not as hot as the Standard, but should suffice as an alternative.