Are there any U.S. city hotels with great new rooftop bars?
—Jim Whelan, Ridgefield, Conn. A: Peninsula hotels on both coasts are giving their rooftops a face-lift. In New York, the hotel’s Salon de Ning bar is punctuated with global accents like Moroccan lanterns, Chinese daybeds, and Venetian mirrors. Nab a spot on the western terrace to catch a glimpse of the MOMA Sculpture Garden, and try the Baojing Vodka martini. In L.A., the Peninsula Beverly Hills opens a 6,000-square-foot rooftop garden, complete with palm trees, wisteria, and jasmine, where guests can dine alfresco and sip cocktails under the stars. Or try visiting the ABH lounge atop the new eight-story Thompson Beverly Hills . While there, you can sample sesame-crusted shrimp rolls from BondSt, the Japanese restaurant downstairs. I want to plan an impromptu weekend trip to London. Where should I go online to find last-minute hotel deals? —Dave Goldberg, Mission Hills, Kans. Believe it or not, Priceline and Hotwire are ideal for scoring a deal at a luxury hotel—especially in larger c
