Looking for a great pool party with some fun music in New York City? I sought DJ events last summer. I found The Summer Club by accident. I had to check that out after I saw Jonas Blue and Sam Feldt playing at a rooftop pool party.
I will share facts in this review. It is important for you to know all that you can about The Summer Club. I’ll cover information on the atmosphere, pricing, music quality, and crowd size. If it is the case that this venue is worth your money and time, then you’ll learn.
Knowing this truthful critique about summer clubs shows if that’s good for a future night out. We should visit this place’s strengths in addition to possible improvements.
What Is The Summer Club?
The Summer Club sits on top of the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City. It’s actually closer to Queensbridge than the main Long Island City area. The venue operates only during the summer months, which makes it feel even more special.
This rooftop pool club brings in DJs to play while guests swim and dance. It’s designed for people who love EDM music and want something different from regular clubs. When summer ends, the space changes into other seasonal events, like a pumpkin patch.
The summer club reviews often mention how it’s perfect for music fans who want a relaxed setting. You don’t need to deal with huge crowds or expensive cover charges like at bigger venues.
The Venue Experience
The Summer Club creates a fun tropical vibe on top of a city hotel. Here’s what you’ll find when you visit.
Atmosphere and Decor
Neon lights cover the walls with palm leaf designs and bright flowers. The colors pop at night and make the whole space feel like a party. LED screens show visuals that match the music.
The pool itself is small but works well for the space. One end is shallow for wading, and the other side goes deeper. Most people stay near the edges or dance on the astroturf floor around it.
Bubble machines add to the fun atmosphere during peak hours. There’s a neon palm tree logo that everyone takes photos with. The summer club reviews I read mentioned these Instagram spots, and they’re definitely there.
View and Location
You can see the East River from the rooftop, but the view isn’t amazing. Some hotel guests watch the party from their balconies. The area around the hotel is mostly industrial buildings and warehouses.
Getting to the venue requires a 12-minute walk from the subway. The walk goes through quiet streets that don’t feel very safe at night. I recommend going with friends and staying aware of your surroundings.
The location is the biggest downside mentioned in the summer club reviews. While the venue itself is fun, getting there and leaving can be stressful.
Pricing and Value
Entry tickets cost between $25 and $40 based on who’s performing. Bigger-name DJs cost more, but it’s still cheaper than most concert tickets. A regular club in Manhattan would charge similar amounts just for entry.
Drinks are expensive at $17 or more for canned beverages. You’ll also need to tip on top of that price. Food costs a lot, too, which is normal for NYC rooftop venues. I suggest eating before you go.
You can book pool loungers and cabanas for extra money. Regular tickets give you access to free seating near the food area. Most people stand and dance anyway.
The summer club reviews often say it’s good value for what you get. Compared to buying concert tickets and then paying for drinks at a separate bar, this combines both experiences. Just plan your budget ahead of time.
Music and Entertainment
The DJ lineup brings in well-known names from the EDM scene. Jonas Blue and Sam Feldt were headliners when I went. Several DJs play throughout the day before the main act.
Most people show up one or two hours before the headliner starts. This means you can come early and enjoy the opening DJs without big crowds. The music quality is really good for such a small venue.
The stage looks like a cabana with a raised platform. Dancers perform on the platform during peak hours. CO2 machines and strobe lights add to the show during big drops in the music.
The summer club reviews praise the intimate setting for watching DJs. You can get right up to the front without fighting through hundreds of people. It feels more personal than huge festival stages.
Crowd Size and Accessibility
Only about 150 people attend each event. This small size makes everything easier. You can walk to the bathroom without squeezing past tons of people. Getting drinks doesn’t require long waits.
The front of the stage stays accessible all night. Even if you arrive late, you can still get a good spot. This is perfect if you get nervous in massive crowds.
The summer club reviews mention how chill the crowd is. People come to have fun and enjoy the music. There’s no pressure to book expensive cabanas or loungers. Free seating areas work just fine.
Practical Information
Entry is straightforward once you arrive at the hotel. You’ll go through a quick security check. Stairs lead up to the rooftop, and there might be an elevator option, though I didn’t confirm this.
The staircase wasn’t very clean when I visited. There were cups and trash on some steps. The pool water looked okay, but not crystal clear. Keep this in mind if you plan to swim.
The venue closes at a set time, and security makes everyone leave quickly. Plan your transportation home before you go. Having a ride-share app ready helps avoid the walk to the subway late at night.
The summer club reviews suggest coming prepared for these practical issues. Knowing what to expect makes the experience better.
What Could Be Improved
The location remains the biggest problem. The industrial area and long subway walk make some people uncomfortable. Better lighting or security presence would help.
Cleanliness needs more attention throughout the night. Staff should clear trash more often and keep stairways clean. The pool could use more frequent maintenance.
Not many people know about The Summer Club. Better marketing could bring in more guests while keeping the intimate feel. Right now, you have to really search to find information about events.
The venue only runs during the summer months. This limits when you can visit. Some of the summer club reviews wish it stayed open longer or offered indoor events in other seasons.
Conclusion
The Summer Club gives EDM fans seeking great value an affordable concert experience. For the $25-40 entry fee, quality DJ performances and pool access are included. Small crowds, absent stress, allow for easy music enjoyment.
For people on a budget, this venue will be the best option. A fun night out is still possible. You will find it good for you if you are into close settings. Huge festivals are just not the vibe. The tropical theme and pool improve a normal DJ set.
Is it worth visiting? Yes, that is if EDM is a thing that you love despite location issues. Get tickets early, plus check the schedule next summer.
Remember to plan transportation and bring just enough cash for drinks. The atmosphere feels intimate, and good music plays. These are the qualities that compensate for the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Summer Club suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, you don’t have to swim to enjoy The Summer Club. The dance floor and seating areas give you plenty of space to enjoy the music and atmosphere without getting in the pool.
What’s the best way to get to The Summer Club via public transportation?
Take the F train to 21st Street-Queensbridge station. The walk takes about 12 minutes. Go with friends and stay alert since the area is quiet at night.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to The Summer Club?
No, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed. Security checks bags at the entry. The venue sells food and drinks on-site, though prices are high for a rooftop location.
Does The Summer Club have an age requirement?
Yes, The Summer Club is 21 and over. Bring a valid photo ID for entry. Security checks IDs carefully at the door before letting anyone in.
What should I wear to The Summer Club?
Wear swimwear if you plan to swim, with comfortable clothes over it. Bring shoes that can get wet. The dress code is casual and focused on pool party comfort.
