AMAZING HOTELS WITH ROOFTOP VIEWS IN EUROPE

By: Christian Stan | 3 September, 2015

Maybe it’s the altitude that induces the swoon at these three Design Hotels™ members, but there’s a certain blissed-out aura when a city is taken in from a rooftop.

Get that on-top-of-the-world good feeling with a dose of ecological benefits at Witt Istanbul Hotel’s permaculture garden, hang above Barcelona’s hubbub at Grand Hotel Central’s drool-worthy rooftop, and soak-up Oslo from THE THIEF’s work-of-art waterfront terrace. With harbor-side cityscapes, lush greenery, and expansive pools, these roofs are the sky-high social essence of these of these hotels.

 

Witt Istanbul Hotel, Turkey

Just opened this summer in the neighborhood of Cihangir, the Rooftop Permaculture Garden, designed by Aybike Zengin and Deniz Ucok, caps off the timeless luxury of the18-room Witt Istanbul Hotel. A lofty place to relax, cozy sitting areas are ensconced by lush greenery and infused by the aromatics of flowers and edible herbs.

Created with the recognition that societies far-and-wide face joint challenges of food security and climate change, this garden is a sustainable agriculture model of community-involved vermicomposting and micro-green cultivation practices. Take in a moment of urban escapism along with views of Turkey’s Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower. www.designhotels.com/witt-istanbul

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain

With its panoramic rooftop deck, the 147-room Grand Hotel Central offers a discreet and luxurious hideaway high above Barcelona’s fashionable El Born district.

Unobstructed city skyline views extend beyond the infinity pool, best taken in from the poolside perch of the floor level sunbeds. Dine on gourmet dishes of beef carpaccio and chilled gazpacho at the soaring Skybar. Post dinner drinks are paired with classic cocktails, DJ-curated beats and the local flair for which Barcelona is renowned. www.designhotels.com/grand-hotel-central

THE THIEF, Oslo, Norway

As Oslo’s first waterfront hotel, THE THIEF and its 116 rooms overlook the canals of Tjuvholmen and Oslofjord. A 360-degree panoramic view from the rooftop terrace is the hotel’s crowning highlight. Rub shoulders with the hip Oslovian set at the weekly rooftop-bar sessions where intimate performances range from chilled-out acoustic sets to up-tempo DJ electronica.

THE THIEF BAR also hosts the year-round THIEF MUSIC UNPLUGGED showcase, presenting the works of today’s musicians, and introducing the stars of tomorrow. From sipping sundowners during the summer months to seeing in the New Year in THE THIEF’s inimitable style, the rooftop remains Oslo’s hottest spot whatever the weather. www.designhotels.com/the-thief