Empire Hotel
New York City, NY
A red neon sign greets visitors to the Empire Hotel, an Upper West Side destination famous for both its scenic rooftop and its association with the TV series Gossip Girl. With a prime location near Lincoln Center and Central Park, this sleek hotel offers a number of other draws for guests, including an outdoor plunge pool, sweeping skyline views, and pet-friendly policies.
The basics
It’s possible to experience the views and atmosphere of the Empire Hotel as either a hotel guest or with a visit to the rooftop bar. Open daily, the Empire’s rooftop is a stylish place for cocktails, light bites and weekend brunch with a skyline view; when it’s chilly out, the fireplace in the lounge is an especially attractive place to be. Hotel guests also appreciate the fitness center, spacious lobby lounge, and art deco decor, while bar-goers typically visit for a couple hours to raise a glass and snap pictures on the rooftop.
Things to know before you go
For Gossip Girl fans, the Empire Hotel is a must-visit attraction that appeared regularly in the series. The hotel is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Reservations are recommended for the rooftop bar, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. A special Gossip Girl–themed brunch is available on select weekends—make reservations online ahead of time.
How to get there
To reach the Empire Hotel, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the nearest subway is the 1 train at 66th St–Lincoln Center. While valet parking is available at the hotel, this service is always on the expensive side in Manhattan; taxis and rideshare services are good options if you’re going by car.
When to get there
The Empire Hotel’s rooftop bar is open daily from late morning to night, and you can make reservations online. The city itself is a destination for all seasons, but the Upper West Side is especially attractive during the fall months of October and November, when the trees of nearby Central Park bring magnificent color to this Manhattan neighborhood.
The entertainment of Lincoln Center
A stone’s throw from Lincoln Center, the Empire Hotel is one of the best locations for soaking up all the entertainment of this world-class arts destination. Lincoln Center is actually made up of several attractions, including the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera House, the Lincoln Center Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and more. Check out the venue’s calendar online for up-to-date details on all of its performing arts events.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!