Check Into These Cool New Hotel Bars
Do not disturb.
As more high-end hotel restaurants cater to both locals and visitors, the tides are also turning for the humble hotel bar. No longer merely an occasional hidden gem at luxury heritage hotels, or an afterthought added to the lobby of a chain hotel, the modern hotel bar is becoming much more than just a forgettable pit stop for a nightcap before bed.
In fact, scores of new hotel bars boast striking design themes, killer cocktails, deep wine lists and more. From lavish French terraces to hidden Las Vegas speakeasies, here are some of the more notable new hotel bars right now.
Sparrow
The Dalmar – Fort Lauderdale
A concept by the same group behind New York’s famed Death & Co, Sparrow is Fort Lauderdale’s highest rooftop bar yet opened on the 25th floor of The Dalmar hotel this past May. Expect a funky indoor-outdoor lounge with breathtaking views of the city and expertly crafted cocktails, like the “Sticks and Stones,” which is comprised of brandy, vermouth and champagne.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa – St. Barths
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot at Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa in St. Barths boasts island-inspired tapas, such as mahi mahi ceviche and tuna mango tacos and brings in local and international DJs. The ideal drink to sip? Marc Dobbels, general manager of Le Barthelemy says, “Tango a Saint Barth is a favorite, served in a bird shaped glass stemware and is a mixture of vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, strawberry puree, Absinthe, champagne. It’s the perfect, refreshing St. Barths cocktail.”
Marcus Restaurant + Terrace
Four Seasons – Montreal
If you’re staying in Montreal, don’t sleep on an evening at Marcus at Four Seasons. The hottest new restaurant and terrace in the city is spearheaded by visionary chef and restaurateur, Marcus Samuelsson. Guests can expect an exclusive prix fixe menu, VIP bottle service, sunset cocktails, all-day brunch all set in front of unparalleled views of the city skyline and Mount Royal.
Level One Cocktail Bar & Lounge
Borgata – Atlantic City
The Level One Cocktail Bar & Lounge inside the Borgata Hotel & Casino takes luxury drinks to the next level. “The Bambino” is a $40,000, Babe Ruth-inspired stunt drink that begins with a pour of 1940 Macallan Fine & Rare Vintage Single Malt Scotch served in an antique Victrola record player, alongside personal check for $100 from the baseball icon to his wife. Probably not something even the most hopped-up high roller would ever order, but it’s still pretty cool to know it exists.
Tope
The Hoxton – Portland
Inspired by the street food of Mexico City, The Hoxton’s new rooftop taqueria and mezcal bar opened this past January. Locals and visitors alike have been digging the decadent tacos, creative mezcal-infused cocktails and unparalleled views of Portland’s Old Town.
Allegory
Eaton Hotel – Washington D.C.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwCIo8vhqBB
Allegory is named for stories and artworks that have deeper meanings. The Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar is positioned directly behind the library and seating area at the Eaton Hotel in Washington DC and several of the cocktails on the menu are titled after some of the works available for reading – so cozy up with a cocktail and allow yourself to be transported to yesteryear.
Everdene Rooftop
Virgin Hotels – San Francisco
Modern, spontaneous and playful, this quintessentially San Francisco rooftop at Virgin Hotels serves up expertly crafted cocktails and a fresh bar menu (think tacos and charcuterie). The indoor-outdoor lounge and garden space boasts A-list views of the cityscape and occasional local and international DJs.
Hazel Coffee & Cocktails
Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas
The latest addition to Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, Hazel Coffee & Cocktail starts the day serving premium coffee and espresso. By night, the menu transitions to elaborate cocktails – including classic cocktails and their modern interpretations. Tuck into a plush bar chair and sip and savor among the slot machines.
Lefty’s Brick Bar
Arrive East Austin Hotel – Austin
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz0hSUFlC13
This Cajun-Vietnamese fusion bar in Arrive East Austin Hotel, with exposed brick walls and a casual patio, is curated by curated by Lenoir chefs Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher and includes Vietnamese banh mi and New Orleans-style po’ boys as well as boozy sno-balls and more.
The Pool Bar
TWA Hotel – JFK, New York
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOKkLHgWrb
Arguably one of the buzziest (and most unique) hotel openings of the year, WA Hotel is nestled into New York’s JFK airport, taking over the former TWA Flight Center and comes with an Infinity edge pool and observation deck bar right on the JFK tarmac. The Pool Bar is open to locals upon reservation – so be sure to book before you go.
Abysse Bar & Terrace
Royal Champagne Hotel – Champagne, France
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByDYJWsIOSu
Heading to Paris? Take a detour to Champagne – specifically to the Abysse Bar at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Here, guests and locals can enjoy a glass (or bottle) of local wine while taking in the jaw-dropping views of the Champagne vineyards below.
Scarpetta Beach
Gurney’s Montauk – Montauk, New York
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzlb6KenA7I
While Scarpetta Beach at Gurney’s Montauk isn’t exactly new–the more low-key Gurney’s Star Island is the brand’s latest hotel in Montauk–this popular Hamptons eatery with sweeping ocean views remains one of the hottest reservations in town. So if you’re staying at the new Star Island hotel, be sure to take a free shuttle to Scarpetta Beach for brunch, dinner, or cocktails at Scarpetta’s indoor bar or, better yet, outdoor fire pit.
Lyaness Cocktail Bar
Sea Containers London – London
Created by multi award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana and the team behind iconic venues White Lyan, Super Lyan, Cub, and Dandelyan, Lyaness Southbank (a play on the power of the lioness), is located in the Sea Containers London hotel and boasts unique cocktails, with emphasis on ingredients rather than cocktail types, in a playful and modern lounge space.
UNION Bar
The Opposite House – Beijing
The Opposite House by Swire Hotels, located in Beijing’s trendy Sanlitun district, recently launched UNION. The whimsical bar is designed to feel more like an artist’s studio than a cocktail lounge and boasts a signature cocktail menu that’s packed with a diverse range of flavors inspired by international tastes.
Haiku Skybar
The Lighthouse – Tel Aviv
Located on the 18th floor of the Brutalist architecture-style building, Haiku Skybar at The Lighthouse provides panoramic views of the Tel Aviv cityscape and seafront. Guests can expect a weekly lineup of events, parties and happenings with local and international DJs, as well as top-shelf bottle service, a Japanese-style menu, and more.
Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge
1 Hotel Brooklyn – NYC
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzgFeqNBFwW
Perched on a tenth floor green oasis with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge (previously 1 Rooftop Garden & Bar), serves up a strong menu of signature cocktails and seasonal bites, including tasty offerings like bacon-wrapped dates and charcuterie.
The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails
The Cosmopolitan – Las Vegas
A new modern, experiential barbershop and speakeasy, The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails within The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, allows guests to kick back in a barber’s chair for a classic cut or straight razor shave while sipping and savoring a premium selection of whiskeys and beers. Come nighttime, guests can make their way through the unassuming janitor’s door to find a swanky speakeasy, which features DJ sets, a curated whiskey list, classic cocktails and Prohibition-era vibes.
