5 Min

These Are the Best Hotel Bars in the World, According to Luxury Travel Advisors

We asked industry insiders where to go for that perfect pick-me-up - and our A-List experts delivered recommendations around the globe.

18 December 2023

We asked industry insiders where to go for that perfect pick-me-up - and our A-List experts delivered recommendations around the globe.

Each year, we ask our A-List travel advisors about their favorite destinations, growing trends in the industry, and lesser-known tips for creating the best vacation possible.

When it comes to choosing the best hotel bars - havens of food, drink, and local flavor - these experts have scouted far and wide and shared their intel below. From Kathmandu to New York City, bookmark these spots for your next trips.

Fusion Bar at The Dwarikaâs Hotel Kathmandu in Nepal — The poolside Fusion Bar at Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal. VIRAN DE SILVA/COURTESY OF DWARIKA’S HOTEL KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Fusion Bar in Kathmandu

“There are so many great bars across the Indian subcontinent. For me and many of my clients, Fusion Bar at Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal, is one of my all-time favorites. This former cottage of the hotel’s curator has been converted into a wonderful place to relax that serves world-class cocktails, local beers, and Nepali snacks such as momos, or meat dumplings. A superb place to unwind on a hot day by the pool, [relax] after a long flight, or share travel tales after an exciting journey through the Himalayas.” - Niall Causer, Audley Travel

The Sunset Pool Bar at Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas at night — Evening at the Sunset Pool Bar at Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas. GERRY O’LEARY/COURTESY OF ANANTARA MAIA SEYCHELLES VILLAS

Sunset Pool Bar in the Seychelles

“Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas‘ Sunset Pool Bar overlooks a perfectly situated lagoon.” - Cherri Briggs, Explore, Inc.

A bartender making a cocktail at a bar at Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina — Mixing a cocktail at Bar Timeo, in Sicily. TYSON SADLO/COURTESY OF BELMOND

Bar Timeo in Sicily

“Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel in Taormina, Sicily, has one of the most enchanting views in the world. Imagine sipping an Aperol spritz or a Negroni at Bar Timeo while watching Mt. Etna smoldering in the distance.” - Gary Portuesi, Authentic Explorations

The main bar at Singita Boulders Lodge in South Africa — ADRIAAN LOUW PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY OF SINGITA

Wine Cellar at Singita Boulders Lodge

“While it may not be considered a traditional hotel bar, the wine cellar at Singita Boulders Lodge is a can't-miss for wine lovers on safari. Located in South Africa's Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, the cellar has been built around the multiple massive boulders that gave the camp its name. You can count on a perfectly curated wine experience - which isn’t surprising, seeing that Singita has the largest collection of South African wine in the entire Southern Hemisphere.” - Craig Beal, Travel Beyond

Interior of Le Bar Aristide at Hotel Lutetia, Paris — The cozy Bar Aristide in Paris hosts electronic music dj sets every Thursday evening. COURTESY OF HOTEL LUTETIA

Bar Aristide in Paris

“Bar Aristide, a jazz club/cigar bar at Hôtel Lutetia on Paris’ Rive Gauche, is a cozy throwback, helmed by an Italian bartender. They’ve created a cocktail menu inspired by alternative music albums from the last 30 years.” - Jennifer Schwartz, Authentic Explorations

Interior of The Libraries at The Hotel Britomart — Inside the Lounge, one of the private spaces of The Libraries at Hotel Britomart. COURTESY OF THE HOTEL BRITOMART

The Libraries in Auckland

“Newcomer alert: The Libraries at Auckland's Hotel Britomart offer private dining and drinking spaces, each with their own personality. One of the rooms, the Chef's Library, is perfect for private dinners for up to eight guests - it’s adjacent to the kitchen, which allows for conversation with the chefs as each course is served. Meanwhile, the loft-like Wine Library, with its high shelves filled with bottles from around the globe, is ideal for personalized wine tastings at the central kauri-wood table, lit by an artisan-made chandelier.” - Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings

Blaue Bar in Vienna

“Go to Blaue Bar at Hotel Sacher Vienna. Everyone is there - politicians, movie stars, dignitaries, and hotel guests!” - Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter International

A view from The Rooftop at SUBA restaurant at Hotel Verride PalaÌcio Santa Catarina — A view from The Rooftop at Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina, in Lisbon. FILIPA SCARPA/COURTESY OF HOTEL VERRIDE PALÃ¡CIO SANTA CATARINA

Rooftop in Lisbon

“In Lisbon, the Rooftop at Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina overlooks the Tajo river and the city’s beautiful skyline.” - Danilo Cerqueira, TempoVip

The Rooftop bar at Peponi Hotel Lamu — The alfresco bar at Peponi Hotel, on Lamu Island in Kenya. JAHAWI BERTOLLI/COURTESY OF PEPONI HOTEL LAMU

Peponi Hotel Bar in Lamu, Kenya

“The bar at Peponi Hotel, located on the tiny island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya, is one of my all-time favorites. The Old Pal cocktail is a must - it’s a mix of of vodka, lime, bitters, and soda. Take a sip and enjoy the cool breeze blowing in from the Indian Ocean.” - Sandy Cunningham, Uncharted

Bar at The Connaught in London — Inside The Connaught Bar, in London. COURTESY OF THE CONNAUGHT

The Sunken Lounge in New York City

“Nothing compares to a martini made with homegrown lavender bitters and served from a trolley at London’s beloved The Connaught. Stateside, at JFK airport, I love TWA Hotel‘s Sunken Lounge, which boast retro, ’60s-inspired drinks. A vintage Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation airplane is parked outside the original terminal.” - John Clifford, International Travel Management