The hottest hotels in Los Angeles and SoHo were among the first to make over bare roofs, and turn them into sky gardens and posh pools. In May the trend made its way to the heart of Mobile, when the Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel and Spa, opened the city's first rooftop oasis. Once used for parking, the 5th floor deck is now fully equipped with two pools, a hot tub and wet bar. Downtown just keeps getting better. On the terrace, glistening water reflects rays of a sun that appears to be within reaching distance. Luxurious lounge chairs surround the pool. They sit, slightly reclined, as if inviting visitors to bask in the sun. Next to the pool, a chic crowd of hotel guests and local spa club members mingle near the bar, cold drinks in hand. General Manager Margo Gilbert wanted to create a representative south Alabama ambiance. She incorporated native and exotic plants into the theme, which also worked for the rooftop garden and executive suite courtyard. Bouquets of butterfly and African iris add splashes of color, while Japanese yews create a natural privacy fence between the pool deck and tennis courts. Confederate jasmine's sweet fragrance permeates the air. Not only does the lush greenery greatly increase the hotel's aesthetic value, it also lowers energy costs and benefits the environment. The Battle House has created a haven from the noise and action on the city streets, a place to rise above it all - literally. There is no doubt this edgy new addition, to one of the city's most charming landmarks, will make quite the splash. Image information: The Battle House's pool deck is open to hotel and spa guests, and spa and fitness club members. Pool hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily. Bar service is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. On Thursdays, there is live entertainment, and the deck is open to the public on an availability basis. For information on health club membership, contact Mike Waterman at 421-1671.