Summer is nearly here, which means it's time to start entertaining interns, summer associates, clients, and corporate groups. Here’s a look at the New York area’s newest bars, restaurants, hotels, activity venues, and fresh-air-friendly spaces for corporate picnics, company gatherings, outdoor teambuilding activities and games, and other types of summer entertaining.
2. The James
Inside the James New York property in SoHo is a meeting space known as the Studio with an adjacent terrace. Groups of as many as 75 people can take over this site, using the 850-square-foot indoor lounge as well as the 1,000-square-foot Urban Garden. Amenities include an on-site audiovisual team, complimentary WiFi, and custom menus from the hotel's in-house restaurant David Burke Kitchen.
Photo: Courtesy of James New York
1. Beach at the Dream Downtown
Designed as a beach club, complete with imported sand, the 4,800-square-foot Dream Downtown's pool and outdoor café area is offered for private events. The space, which is furnished with two cabanas and 50 chaise lounges, can be booked for evening functions (between 6 and 10:30 p.m.) of as many as 300 people. There is a full kitchen serving a menu of contemporary American fare, an enclosed bar, and nine hotel rooms with direct access that can be used in conjunction with the outdoor area.
Photo: Courtesy of Dream Downtown
3. Out NYC Hotel
The gay-targeted Out NYC hotel opened in March, and although the boutique property only has 105 rooms, it offers a wealth of space for events. Among them are three outdoor courtyards that can be used for semiprivate functions, including the Great Lawn (pictured), which has green grass and a tiered stage.
Rendering: Courtesy of Out NYC Hotel
4. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas relocated its New York flagship in January to a larger site on Fifth Avenue. Within the 21,000-square-foot facility, which occupies two floors atop the Ferragamo building, is a 2,500-square-foot penthouse terrace with a rooftop garden. This section is available for events and holds as many as 75 people.
Photo: John Ferrentino
5. Loopy Doopy at Conrad New York
In May, the new Conrad New York will open a rooftop terrace on the 16th floor. The spot, which, in a nod to the Sol LeWitt piece in the hotel's atrium, is dubbed Loopy Doopy, will hold as many as 75 people and serve some bar menu items and cocktails.
Rendering: Courtesy of Conrad New York
6. Resorts World Casino
Larger groups can head to Resorts World Casino, which debuted its dedicated event spaces at the end of last year. Attached to the 70,000-square-foot Central Park room is an expansive terrace that overlooks the racetrack.
Photo: Jika González/BizBash
7. Hornblower Hybrid
Late last year, Hornblower Cruises & Events introduced the Hornblower Hybrid, which is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels, and wind turbines. The 600-passenger yacht, which has indoor and outdoor decks, comes outfitted with LED lights, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-board touch-screen tablets.
Photo: Courtesy of Hornblower Cruises & Events
8. STK
Atop the One Group's meatpacking district steakhouse is a rooftop dining and lounge area with views of the Hudson River. Outfitted with umbrellas and comfy furniture, the STK rooftop space serves a menu of grilled fare from chef Humberto Leon and seats 145 or holds 200 for receptions.
Photo: Noah Fecks
9. Catch
Also in the meatpacking district is the EMM Group's Catch, a restaurant serving a seafood-focused menu from Top Chef winner Hung Huynh. The rooftop space, which has an adjacent terrace, is available for event rental; it measures 1,600 square feet and has a capacity for about 200 guests.
Photo: Courtesy of Catch
10. Nolitan
The 55-room Nolitan New York hotel has a landscaped roof. The 2,400-square-foot space has seating that can be configured for events and offers an outdoor fireplace for colder weather.
Photo: Courtesy of Nolitan
