16 Hotel Bars We Can't Get Enough Of

When you check in at a hotel, do you often find yourself sneaking a peek at the lobby bar? Are you the kind of guest who studies the cocktail menu as intently as the hotel’s amenities? A cocktail enthusiast who seeks out hotel bars even when you're not a guest? At Dinogo, we've realized that many of our travel tips revolve around hotel bars, so we thought you’d like to hear about our top picks. From Tasmania to Tucson, here are some of the finest spots to savor the flavors of a new destination.

The Living Room at The Dewberry, Charleston, South Carolina

The bar at The Dewberry is exceptional: picture embossed ice cubes and the finest takes on classic cocktails you've ever experienced, all served in a spacious environment adorned with vintage mid-century decor. Bathed in natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows during the day and illuminated by enchanting lights reflecting off polished wood and brushed gold surfaces at night, The Living Room is Charleston's most stylish venue. —Lyndsey Matthews, Dinogo contributor

Mary Mary at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, Australia

When it debuted in 2021, The Tasman quickly established itself as the trendiest hotel on Tasmania, merging an 1841 former hospital with a 1937 art deco structure and a striking new glass annex that extends dramatically toward the harbor. Be sure to stop by Mary Mary, a speakeasy cleverly concealed behind the sandstone walls of the old St. Mary’s Hospital. The bar boasts an impressive selection of rare spirits, many sourced from Tasmania, and the cocktail menu features Indigenous botanicals to honor the state’s rugged landscape. Unsure where to start? Known as the Apple Isle, Tasmania inspired me to try the True Local, crafted with apple brandy, Pommeau, house-made vermouth, and fresh apple juice. The menu also offers an array of excellent ciders. —Nicholas DeRenzo, contributing editor

Silver Lyan at Riggs Washington, D.C.

My admiration for the nearly surreal mixology of Mr. Lyan (aka Ryan Chetiyawardana) began at his two London hotel bars, Lyaness at Sea Containers London and Seed Library at One Hundred Shoreditch. While London has its share of standout hotel bars, the game changer is his first U.S. location, Silver Lyan, which opened in 2020 within the Riggs hotel in D.C.—a city more recognized for its power-lunch martinis than imaginative cocktails. Set in a bank built in 1891, the bar is located in the old basement vault, showcasing a blend of high and low decor featuring a wall of vintage trophies alongside art deco light fixtures. It’s a space where you might engage in lively conversations with the staff about the—there’s no other way to phrase it—the extraordinarily unusual ingredients, including dissolved deer antlers, hay-smoked bee larvae, and even rum infused with emu neck meat. (Seriously.) If you prefer something less daring, you can opt for “tots & shots” (shots paired with tater tots and buttermilk ranch) and jello shots served with champagne chasers. —ND

Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami

Thank the heavens for Broken Shaker. This craft cocktail bar nestled within a luxurious hostel allows you to enjoy a South Beach pool party without the need for tight or flashy attire. In fact, you can relax with an old-fashioned—the best I’ve ever tasted—in a lounge chair under twinkling lights and feel completely at ease. It’s a fusion of Havana vibes, a hint of Portland, Oregon, and entirely one-of-a-kind. —Laura Dannen Redman, Dinogo contributor

Starlite at the Beacon Grand, San Francisco

The Beacon Grand, previously known as the historic Sir Francis Drake, underwent a significant renovation before reopening in the spring of 2022. This iconic structure first welcomed guests as a hotel in 1928, and a highlight of the property is the rooftop cocktail bar and lounge, the revamped Starlite, located on the 21st floor. Once a popular dance hall in its mid-20th century heyday, it’s now regaining that acclaim and has swiftly become a hotspot for downtown nightlife. Additionally, the hotel boasts an impressive whiskey program in the bar downstairs, ideal for those who favor a more relaxed drinking environment. —Jessie Beck, associate director, video & SEO

elNico at Penny Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York

Whether inside or out, the rooftop bar at Penny Williamsburg, elNico, dazzles no matter where you choose to sit. The outdoor area features an array of low couches and high-top tables, perfect for soaking in the sweeping views of the Williamsburg and Manhattan skylines. Inside, the ambiance resembles a plant-filled Brooklyn loft, complete with vibrant rugs, dark wooden furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and abundant greenery. Be sure to try a rhubarb margarita and get comfortable. —Katherine LaGrave, deputy editor

Tiger’s Tap Room at Hotel Congress, Tucson, Arizona

The historic Hotel Congress, which has stood for 105 years, features three bars on its premises, with Tiger’s Tap Room being the most cherished. Renamed in 2017 to honor longtime bartender Thomas “Tiger” Ziegler, who has been part of the establishment since 1959, this bar has a special place in the hearts of its patrons. Now 91 and semi-retired, Tiger occasionally drops by to greet his loyal customers. If you have the chance to meet him, don't hesitate to ask for a ghost story or two. —Sara Button, Dinogo contributor

Claridge’s Bar at Claridge’s, London

Settle into the leather banquette at Claridge’s Bar and savor a cocktail while observing the other guests. You might feel as though you've entered a film set featuring discreet romances and the intriguing lives of London’s elite. A glass of one of the exquisite champagnes offered (such as Dom Pérignon, Laurent-Perrier, or Ruinart) perfectly complements the golden atmosphere of Claridge’s art deco bar. —Ann Shields, Dinogo contributor

XR Bar at the Crossroads Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City boasts impressive attractions—fine arts, historic sites, and world-renowned barbecue—but it's also recently revived its Prohibition-era reputation, a time when jazz and speakeasies thrived alongside a culture of conviviality. One venue that honors this legacy is XR, which welcomes both hotel guests and locals for a drink or an entire night out. This speakeasy, cleverly disguised, features a creative cocktail selection, ornate lighting decor, and a unique atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re partaking in one of the city’s cherished traditions. —Laney Boland, executive director

Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London

Some venues are fresh but feel as if they’ve always been woven into the city’s tapestry. Scarfes Bar, which debuted in 2014 alongside Rosewood London, has quickly established its presence in the city, earning a clubby reputation almost instantly. It's no wonder: the cocktails are exceptional, live jazz is performed every night, and the decor pays tribute to British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, whose artwork decorates the walls. My favorite feature: a fireplace that warms you on those drizzly London nights. —Jennifer Flowers, senior deputy editor

The Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul, New Orleans

The Elysian Bar lives up to the praise it has garnered since its debut on the ground floor of the 1875 rectory, now part of Hotel Peter and Paul. You have the option to sit at the bar, enjoy the courtyard, or relax in the cozy lobby-like space in a plush gingham chair. Don’t miss Aperitivo Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. to sample an array of spritzes, vermouths, and tonics. The thoughtfully crafted bar menu leans towards small plates, so indulge in several bites like shrimp toast, marinated olives, and house-made focaccia with honey butter. —LM

GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Grand Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

In keeping with its status as a grande dame, the Hotel Grande Bretagne features four bars, including Alexander’s Bar, adorned with a stunning 18th-century tapestry of Alexander the Great. However, my personal favorite is the GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar. Overlooking Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens, this indoor-outdoor venue is serene, sophisticated, and stylish without being pretentious: Picture fine glassware, crisp white tablecloths, and leather seating. Order a martini and soak in the views of Lycabettus Hill, the Parliament, and the iconic Acropolis, which is breathtakingly illuminated at night. —KLG

Hai Noon at Papago Motor Hotel, Scottsdale, Arizona

While there may be more upscale hotels in Scottsdale than the Papago Motor Hotel, a straightforward converted motel from the ‘60s close to the Desert Botanical Garden, it’s hard to beat the hidden gem within: Hai Noon, launched by James Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda. Here, playful midcentury desert aesthetics meet an exquisite Japanese menu. The raw seafood dishes are impressive, but it’s the inventive cocktails that truly captivated me—each one perfectly balanced with intriguing ingredients like star anise, soy sauce, Calpico, barley shochu, and kurosato (Japanese black sugar). The drink menu also features Japanese beers, shochu, and sakes priced from $12 a glass to $360 a bottle. You’ll feel as if you’re ordering from a trendy Tokyo lounge in a setting reminiscent of your retired uncle’s Sonoran bachelor pad. —ND

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York City

Bemelmans Bar could easily be considered the birthplace of the delightful “ooh!”—the sound you make upon entering an unforgettable space. Nestled within The Carlyle, it brings sheer joy to anyone who steps inside, whether you admire Ludwig Bemelmans’s Madeline characters frolicking on the walls (think rabbits having picnics and elephants ice-skating) or the classic NYC ambiance showcased by leather banquettes in a rich “man-cave brown” and a shimmering gold-leaf ceiling—or if you’re lucky enough to catch Lady Gaga performing a surprise set. There’s live music and an air of serendipity every night. —LDR

The Gritti Terrace/Riva Lounge at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice

Could these be the priciest cocktails in Venice? At nearly €30 each, it's likely. But at The Gritti Palace, you’re truly paying for the spectacular view, a one-of-a-kind perspective of the Grand Canal, with Palazzo Genovese and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute watching over as gondolas and vaporetti glide by. The Gritti Terrace serves as a seasonal restaurant-bar open until 5:30 p.m. from April through October, while the nearby Riva Lounge boasts the same breathtaking view and stays open until 1 a.m. This is a premier, albeit pricey, escape from the bustling crowds. —Sophie Friedman, Dinogo contributor

Charmaine’s at the Proper Hotel, San Francisco

When Charmaine’s opened its doors atop the Proper Hotel in downtown San Francisco in 2017, it created quite a buzz. With few rooftop venues in this fog-laden city, locals, tourists, and hotel guests are drawn to Charmaine’s like moths to a flame. As one of the trendiest locations in San Francisco, expect a line to get inside, but the wait is definitely justified for the chance to enjoy cocktails while soaking in some of the city's most breathtaking views. —Maggie Fuller, Dinogo contributor

This article was first published in 2019 and has been updated most recently on July 3, 2024, to include the latest information.