If you love winding down at a hotel bar after a long day of work, tourism, or travel, you are not alone. Travelers may not immediately think of the hotel bar as their number one tourist destination on any given trip, and yet there is something comforting and familiar about a great bar in a hotel.
Hotel bars are more than just a convenient place to get a drink. Rather, they have become destinations in their own right. These are places where history has been made, cultural icons have gathered, relationships have blossomed, and legendary cocktails have been invented.
These ten amazing hotel bars offer hospitality, mixology, and ambiance. They are worth seeking out whether you’re staying on-site or making a special trip to a stunning destination.
What it’s known for
The Carousel Bar is the only revolving bar in New Orleans, featuring a 25-seat carousel that slowly rotates (making one complete revolution every 15 minutes). Installed in 1949, the bar’s whimsical design with hand-painted scenes and bright carousel-style decor has made it one of the most photographed bars in the city.
The bar has a rich literary history, having been frequented by Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Truman Capote, and other notable authors. It was even mentioned in Capote’s “Three O’Clock in New Orleans.” (Capote used to claim he was born at the hotel.) The bar combines French Quarter charm with a touch of carnival whimsy.
Group rental
The Carousel Bar can be reserved for private functions, including wedding parties, corporate receptions, and social gatherings.
Who should visit
Literary enthusiasts, cocktail lovers, and anyone seeking a unique New Orleans experience. Perfect for those who appreciate quirky design elements and want a memorable setting for drinks in the French Quarter.
What it’s known for
Dramatically positioned on natural rock formations 14 meters above the Indian Ocean, The Rock Bar offers an unparalleled setting for sunset cocktails. Accessible only by an inclinator that descends the cliff face, the journey to the bar is part of the experience.
The minimalist open-air design by architect Yasuhiro Koichi allows the spectacular natural setting to take center stage. With nothing between guests and the vast horizon except the transparent glass bar, the venue creates a sense of floating above the waves. The sound of crashing surf provides a natural soundtrack as the sun sinks into the ocean.
Group rental
Rock Bar is divided into 22 separate spaces, each of which can be rented out for private use with seating for up to 880 guests. This stunning setting offers the perfect backdrop for luxury events, weddings, or private parties—complete with curated menus and exclusive seating zones.
Who should visit
Sunset chasers, family gatherings, and anyone who appreciates dramatic natural settings. Ideal for special occasions or travelers wanting an Instagram-worthy cocktail experience that captures Bali’s magical atmosphere.
What it’s known for
Tucked inside the elegant Connaught Hotel in London’s Mayfair, The Connaught Bar is globally recognized for its impeccable service, refined atmosphere, and award-winning cocktails. Designed by the renowned David Collins Studio, the bar blends timeless glamour with modern sophistication.
Known for its signature Martini trolley—where bartenders craft your drink tableside to your exact preference—it has repeatedly earned accolades, including the title of World’s Best Bar from The World’s 50 Best Bars.
Group rental
The Connaught Bar is available for partial or full buyouts for private events. Tucked behind a privacy curtain in the center of the Connaught, the Champagne Room offers an intimate space for private events or small groups of up to 20 guests.
Who should visit
This bar is perfect for high-end corporate gatherings, VIP networking events, luxury incentive trips, or small celebratory groups looking for an elevated cocktail experience. It’s ideal for planners seeking a setting that reflects sophistication and exclusivity—where every detail, from the glassware to the garnish, is impeccably executed.
What it’s known for
The Chandelier is not just a bar — it’s an experience wrapped in nearly 2 million sparkling crystals. Spanning three tiers inside a massive, custom-designed chandelier that serves as both structure and spectacle, this iconic venue blurs the line between architecture, art installation, and nightlife hotspot.
Each of the bar’s three levels offers its own unique ambiance and menu:
-
- Level 1 is vibrant and energetic, drawing in guests from the casino floor with high-energy cocktails and people-watching opportunities.
- Level 1.5 — a hidden gem tucked between floors — is known for its adventurous and avant-garde cocktails, including secret off-menu items created by master mixologists for the curious and bold.
- Level 2 provides an intimate and upscale lounge feel, perfect for relaxing with artisan cocktails in a more refined setting above the bustle.
The Chandelier is as photogenic as it is iconic, with its cascading crystal curtain creating a kaleidoscope of reflections and color. It’s a must-see (and must-sip) for anyone looking to indulge in the luxurious, otherworldly side of Las Vegas nightlife.
Group rental
Private and semi-private rentals are available for events of all sizes. Custom cocktail menus, VIP table service, and dedicated staff create unforgettable experiences tailored to bachelorette parties, influencer activations, brand launches, or upscale social events.
Who should visit
Glam seekers, nightlife lovers, cocktail explorers, and anyone who wants to sip a dazzling drink inside a piece of living, shimmering art.
What it’s known for
Established in 1953, The Bamboo Bar is known as the first jazz venue in Bangkok and is one of Asia’s most celebrated jazz bars with a rich musical heritage. The design features rattan chairs, bamboo walls, animal prints, and polished teak, creating a nostalgic atmosphere of Thai elegance blended with Western influences.
The bar has hosted jazz legends and has been a favorite haunt of literary figures including Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, and Noël Coward. Live jazz performances every night, combined with expert mixology focusing on Thai ingredients and flavors, create a multisensory experience that’s uniquely Bangkok.
Group rental
The Bamboo Bar does not accept reservations and operates on a walk-in basis. Private events are not typically accommodated.
Who should visit
Jazz lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a sophisticated evening in Bangkok. Perfect for those who appreciate live music in an intimate setting and want to experience Bangkok’s cosmopolitan side.
What it’s known for
Tucked away in the back of the Ritz Paris, Bar Hemingway is named after Ernest Hemingway, who famously claimed to have “liberated” the bar during WWII. This intimate, wood-paneled space is adorned with Hemingway memorabilia, hunting trophies, and vintage photographs creating a warm, clubby atmosphere.
The bar maintains an air of exclusivity and old-world charm that transports guests to another era. A signature touch at Bar Hemingway: drinks served to women arrive with a fresh rose—a thoughtful detail that highlights the bar’s focus on style and standout service.
Group rental
Bar Hemingway is an intimate venue with limited seating and does not typically offer private rentals. However, the Ritz Paris provides various event spaces suitable for private functions.
Who should visit
Literary enthusiasts, cocktail connoisseurs, and those willing to splurge on a quintessential Parisian luxury experience.
What it’s known for
The King Cole Bar, named for the massive Maxfield Parrish mural depicting Old King Cole that dominates the space, has been a symbol of New York sophistication since 1932.
The bar is famous for introducing the Bloody Mary to America. Originally called the “Red Snapper”, the name was changed so as not to offend the hotel’s sophisticated guests.
With its dark wood paneling, intimate lighting, and classically trained bartenders in white jackets, the King Cole Bar maintains an atmosphere of old New York wealth and discretion. It has been a favorite haunt of celebrities and power players for decades.
Group rental
The King Cole Bar itself does not offer private event rentals and primarily operates on a walk-in basis. However, The St. Regis New York features a range of elegant event spaces available for private functions, offering the same signature luxury and service the hotel is known for. These can be booked for corporate gatherings, receptions, and celebratory events.
Who should visit
Manhattan traditionalists, art lovers, and those seeking a taste of old New York elegance. Ideal for business travelers wanting to impress clients or anyone looking to experience a classic New York institution.
What it’s known for
The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is world-famous as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915. With its colonial-era design featuring palm-leaf ceiling fans, rattan furniture, and a tropical garden atmosphere, the bar evokes Singapore’s storied past.
One of its unique traditions is allowing guests to throw peanut shells on the floor—perhaps the only place in fastidiously clean Singapore where littering is encouraged. This practice, along with the iconic red-uniformed bartenders shaking Singapore Slings, has made it a must-visit tourist destination.
Group rental
The Long Bar operates on a walk-in basis and does not accept reservations. For private events, Raffles Singapore offers other venues within the hotel.
Who should visit
Travelers seeking iconic tourist experiences, cocktail history enthusiasts, and those who enjoy colonial-era ambiance. Perfect for first-time visitors to Singapore looking to check off a quintessential experience.
9. The Redwood Room – The Clift Hotel (San Francisco, CA, USA)
What it’s known for
The Redwood Room dates back to 1933, opening the day after Prohibition was repealed nationwide. Its most striking feature is the towering redwood paneling, said to be carved from a single redwood tree. The bar was redesigned by Philippe Starck in the early 2000s, marrying its Art Deco heritage with modern digital art and contemporary furnishings.
The bar’s digital art installation features portraits that subtly change expressions while you watch, creating a surreal backdrop to the historic space. With its high ceilings, original etched glass bar, and dramatic lighting, the Redwood Room maintains an air of theatrical glamour.
Group rental
Private event options include cocktail receptions, brand activations, and upscale networking events. AV and custom lighting is also available.
Who should visit
Design aficionados, art lovers, and those interested in historic bars with contemporary twists. Ideal for creative industry professionals and anyone who appreciates the juxtaposition of historic architecture with modern art.
What it’s known for
Perched on the sixth floor of The Silo Hotel, which was built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Willaston Bar offers breathtaking views of Cape Town through its signature 18-foot tall pillowed glass windows. Named after the first ship to export grain from the silo complex in 1924, the bar perfectly balances industrial heritage with luxurious contemporary design.
With its dramatic cathedral-like ceilings, plush furnishings in vibrant jewel tones, and crystal chandeliers contrasting against the raw concrete architecture, the space creates a stunning visual experience. The bar has become a symbol of Cape Town’s creative renaissance and offers front-row seats to Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the changing colors of the South African sky at sunset.
Group rental
The Willaston Bar accommodates private dining and cocktail events, offering panoramic views for unforgettable experiences.
Who should visit
Design enthusiasts, romantics, and travelers looking to sip in style with a view.
Looking for a Great Destination for Your Group?
Let GroupSync™ find the perfect hotel for your next group event. Search by location, venue, or hotspot in 225 countries and territories around the world to find the most convenient accommodations for your group.
Create a free GroupSync account today and start your search.
Ready to find the perfect hotel for your next group adventure?
Save up to 60% on hotel room rates with GroupSync™
