After Hours: The Magic of a Hotel Bar Done Right
There’s something irresistible about a hotel bar done right—an alchemy of atmosphere, design, and drinks that transforms a space into a destination in its own right.
Whether it’s the clink of crystal glasses in a chandelier-lit salon or the quiet hum of conversation over negronis with a view, the finest hotel bars do more than serve cocktails: they tell stories.
Punch Room, The EDITION Collection
Across the EDITION hotels—from London to Barcelona to Miami—the Punch Room concept brings a throwback glamour to modern travellers. With plush interiors, candlelight, and an inspired menu of creative punches served in silver bowls, these bars attract both locals and guests. In West Hollywood, it’s a velvet-clad hideaway from the Sunset Strip. In Madrid, a handsome enclave tucked within one of the city’s most theatrical hotels. Each iteration offers an elevated revival of communal punch-drinking—equal parts convivial and chic.
Bar Gabbiano at Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice
Belmond Hotel Cipriani, tucked on the tip of Giudecca Island, is famously a world unto itself — and its bars are no exception. Bar Gabbiano, just steps from the legendary Olympic-sized pool, is a sun-soaked haunt for classic cocktails, including its renowned Bellini — prepared, naturally, with fresh white peach purée and prosecco, just as Giuseppe Cipriani intended. As the evening progresses, the atmosphere shifts seamlessly into a more tranquil ambiance, with the mellow sounds of a piano filling the air. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a vibrant pre-dinner cocktail or relax with a soothing nightcap, Bar Gabbiano embodies the relaxed sophistication of Belmond Hotel Cipriani.
The Library Bar – The Lanesborough, London
Regal, rich, and undeniably British, The Library Bar at The Lanesborough evokes the grandeur of a private club, with a healthy dash of mischief. The bar’s cognac collection is one of the most impressive in London, and its signature cocktails — including the celebrated “Lilibet” — are both elegant and bold. Velvet armchairs, oil paintings, and the soft clink of crystal make this a bar for quiet conversation and deep appreciation. It’s London at its most grown-up.
The Lounge – Aman Tokyo, Tokyo
High above the city, The Lounge by Aman offers a tranquil yet striking retreat, capturing the essence of refined Japanese design. Inspired by the soft glow of a traditional shoji paper lantern, the space blends understated elegance with panoramic views over the Imperial Palace Gardens and the Tokyo skyline. Guests can enjoy Aman’s signature afternoon tea, seasonal dishes served throughout the day, and impeccably crafted cocktails—all in an atmosphere where nature, architecture, and serenity coexist in perfect balance.
Atrium Bar – Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence, Italy)
Nestled within a Renaissance palazzo surrounded by one of Florence’s largest private gardens, the Atrium Bar is a tranquil yet luxurious escape from the city. Its soaring ceilings, rich décor, and gentle natural light make it an elegant setting for everything from morning coffee to late-night cocktails. Head mixologist Edoardo Sandri crafts imaginative drinks using unexpected ingredients, often in collaboration with the hotel’s spa to create wellness-inspired cocktails that elevate the traditional aperitivo. On warm days, guests can also enjoy al fresco cocktails on the leafy poolside deck, perfect for languid Tuscan afternoons.
La Coquille d’Or – Château Voltaire, Paris
Tucked behind a lantern-lit entrance in the chic Saint-Honoré quarter, La Coquille d’Or is one of Paris’s most elegant new addresses for elevated cocktails. Inspired by the 16th-century golden shell motif that adorns the building’s historic corner, the bar exudes understated glamour and quiet intimacy. Inside, warm lighting and textured interiors create a convivial yet discreet atmosphere that mirrors the spirit of Château Voltaire itself. The mixology menu is refined and inventive—crafted with Parisians and worldly guests in mind—making this a coveted hideaway for those in-the-know.
Titsou Bar – Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s, New York
Tucked discreetly behind a velvet curtain, this intimate speakeasy brings the spirit of 1920s Paris to modern-day Manhattan. Low lighting, candlelit tables, and Art Deco flourishes set a moody, elegant tone, while a marble-topped bar anchors the space with quiet glamour. The drinks menu leans bold and imaginative — a nod to classic French mixology reinterpreted with New York flair. Ideal for a clandestine rendezvous or a late-night escape, this hidden haunt offers a transportive experience, where every cocktail invites conversation and every evening lingers just a little longer than planned.
Final Sip: Why Hotel Bars Matter
The power of a great hotel bar lies not only in its exceptional cocktails but in its ability to weave together a tapestry of experience — where every detail, from the décor to the drink in hand, creates a sense of place. It’s where travellers and locals alike can escape, unwind, and connect, all while feeling as though they’ve discovered a hidden world. A great bar doesn’t just serve drinks; it crafts memories and invites conversations that linger long after the last sip. In the right setting, the bar itself becomes as iconic as the destination itself, ensuring that every visit is a moment to savour.