Take 3 . . . hotels with rooftop bars

Sky Lounge, Hotel Continentale, Florence Sky Lounge, Hotel Continentale, Florence
Sky Lounge, Hotel Continentale, Florence Sky Lounge, Hotel Continentale, Florence

Sky Lounge, Hotel Continentale,
Florence designhotels.com
In the centre of Florence, this hotel overlooks the Ponte Vecchio on the River Arno. In the Sky Lounge De'Consorti you can sip cocktails and drink in the Florentine skyline from long cream sofas. The 14th century building, decorated in styles dating from 19th century antiquities to 20th century retro, including 1950s fashion shoots of Florence, by designers Pucci and Fabiani. Doubles from €330.

Skylounge, Tower of London Hotel
doubletree3.hilton.com
London's century-spanning spires can be seen by scanning the skyline from this 12th floor roof terrace, taking in the Tower of London to the Shard. It is in the heart of the City of London so will have you rubbing shoulders with financiers. While close to many tourist spots, and buzzing during the week, London's City district can be quiet at night and during weekends. Doubles from £200.


O2 Lounge, Ritz-Carlton, Moscow
ritzcarlton.com
Designer furniture, DJs and dancing on an outdoor terrace are some of the attractions of this 12th storey rooftop bar. Moscow's bejewelled onion-domed skyline can be appreciated from this bar beneath a glass-and-steel dome, and the vista includes Red Square and the Kremlin. Quaff vodka from the vast selection or, if you're feeling flush, have a bottle of champagne opened by a saber. Doubles from €525.

View from the O2 Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow View from the O2 Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow View from the O2 Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow
View from the O2 Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow View from the O2 Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow View from the O2 Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow
The  Skylounge at the Tower of London Hotel The  Skylounge at the Tower of London Hotel
The Skylounge at the Tower of London Hotel The Skylounge at the Tower of London Hotel
Emma Cullinan

Emma Cullinan

Emma Cullinan, a contributor to The Irish Times, specialises in architecture, design and property