Source: www.voxy.co.nz
After a long day sightseeing or working, it is comforting for guests to know that they can simply retire to their hotel bar for a drink, and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Traditionally quiet and intimate venues, hotels are challenging these traditions, and creating lively spaces where locals, as well as leisure and business travellers can come together to relax over a few drinks. Some of the world’s best hotel bars also offer unrivalled views and unique cultural experiences for travellers from all walks of life.
From New York to London, Hotels.com has untapped the secret of the world’s top ten hotel bars: Bar: Blue Bar on 36 Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, Australia, 5* Blue Bar, on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, is one of the top cocktail bars in Sydney. With uninterrupted views spanning over Sydney Harbour and up to the Blue Mountains, this intimate and stylish bar is perfect for a memorable Sydney experience. Signature sip: For $10,000, guests can treat their loved one to a “Martini On The Rock”, which features a one-carat diamond at the bottom of the glass.
Rooms at the Shangri-La Hotel start at $282 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com
Bar: Bellini Bar Hotel: Hilton Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Named after the “Bellini” cocktail created in 1948 at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, the Bellini Bar is a favourite among New Zealand’s stylish set. The bar, with its striking interior and floor-to-ceiling windows, has expansive views over Auckland’s Waitemata harbour. Signature sip: Try one of the bar’s modern takes on the classic Bellini. The Bellini Bar serves several varieties including blood orange and cinnamon, or feijoa and green tea.
Rooms at the Hilton Auckland start at $259 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com
Bar: Skyview Bar Hotel: Burj Al Arab, Dubai, 5* Spending the night at the Burj Al Arab may be out of reach for many, but experiencing the extravagance is still possible by visiting the Skyview Bar. Suspended 200 meters above sea level on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab, many say the spectacular views make the pricey drinks worth every penny. Signature Sip: For a once in a lifetime experience, try a Mojito Maximo, the most luxurious (and expensive) Mojito on the menu.
Rooms start from $1,530 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com. Bar: Galaxy Bar Hotel: The Hilton Athens, Greece, 5* It’s easy to understand why Greek celebrities frequent the roof-top Galaxy Bar at the recently revamped Hilton Athens, with its relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere and majestic views over the Acropolis. Located on the hotel’s rooftop 13th floor, on a clear day, guests can see as far as the island of Aegina. The bar keeps patrons happy with live music and a tasty snack menu. Signature Sip: Try “Don Jalisco”, an exclusive Galaxy recipe with tequila, blue curacao, butterscotch and pure Aloe Vera Honey.
Rooms start from $287 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com. Bar: La Purificadora Bar Hotel: La Purificadora Hotel, Mexico, 4* The Hotel La Purificadora is a swanky upscale hotel in Peubla, Mexico, built from the wreckage of a 19th century water-bottling factory. The rooftop bar runs parallel to a long glass-walled lap pool so guests can watch swimmers pass them by as well as take in views of the city. Once the sun sets, the bar is one of the hottest nightspots in Puebla. Signature Sip: The bar’s signature cocktail is a mixture of mandarin, pineapple and Curaao.
Rooms start from $169 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com.
Bar: New York Bar Hotel: Park Hyatt Tokyo, Japan, 5* The New York Bar is located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Tokyo, an ear-popping 235m up in the air. Remarkably, on a clear day guests can see all the way to Mount Fujiyama. The stunning bar is known for its live music and is frequented by top international jazz stars. The New York Bar is extremely popular so if it is full, try the Peak Bar on the 41st floor for equally stunning views. Signature Sip: Sample a glass of wine from one of the largest selections of American wines in Japan.
Rooms start at $766 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com. Bar: The Artesian Bar Hotel: The Langham Hotel, London, UK, 5* The Langham Hotel’s Artesian Bar was named after the 360-foot artesian well under the hotel which originally supplied all the fresh water for the guests. Opened in 2007, the bar features unique interiors which mix Orientalism with romantic Victorian influences. The hotel has a tempting cocktail menu with a tasting option for those who cannot decide. Signature Sip: The Original 1865 costs 1865 and commemorates the opening of The Langham in 1865. The extravagant cocktail consists of Louis Roederer Cristal 2000 poured over a sugar cube, Angostura bitters and a generous measure of 100 year old Bas-Armagnac from Maison Gelas, also founded in 1865.
Rooms start from $434 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com.
Bar: M Bar Hotel: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5* Sample a variety of ‘Mo’ themed cocktails and Chinese tapas at the Mandarin Oriental’s famous M Bar. Located on the 25th floor of the hotel, the M Bar has impressive views over Victoria Harbour as well as a lotus bud-shaped bar and is a favourite among tourists and locals. Signature Sip: Try one of the ‘Mo’ themed cocktails.
Rooms start at $580 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com. Bar: The Penthouse Hotel: ME Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 4* The Penthouse is located on the roof of the ME Madrid, once a traditional bullfighting hotel. The popular bar was created by Scott and Rande Gerber (Cindy Crawford’s husband), and possesses impressive views of Madrid from its rooftop terrace location. Guests are whisked up via private elevator to The Penthouse, where they can relax in the comfortable lounges and day beds and take in the amazing view of Plaza Santa Ana. Signature Sip: The view comes with a price, so try a beer or if you feel like splashing out, the cocktails are said to be amazing.
Rooms start at $241 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com. Bar: Bascule whisky, wine & cocktail bar Hotel: Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa, 5* Bascule whisky, wine & cocktail bar is located right on the water’s edge of Cape Town’s international yacht marina. There are over 400 whiskies from around the world and an impressive selection of the finest Cape wines on offer, by day or by night. Signature Sip: If you are there on a Tuesday, try a glass of the local Bain’s whiskey with the Swiss-style cheese fondue, served with a selection of breads and pickles
Rooms start at $811 per room per night. To book, visit www.hotels.com.
