Sip in Style at the Most Design-Forward Hotel Bars
From Kyoto hideaways to Tuscan terraces, these hotel bars prove that the setting matters just as much as what’s in your glass.
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Hotel bars possess an alluring sense of anonymity that’s hard to find elsewhere. From the elevated service to the revolving door of elegant patrons, imbibing in a lobby bar is an experience unto itself, allowing guests to forget the routine of their daily lives as they sip an ice-cold martini or a smoky Old-Fashioned.
While the quality of cocktails plays a crucial role, a thoughtfully designed setting is an equally important factor. Decor is a key part of the design process, but more complex components like architecture, lighting and even texture can make or break a space. Various layouts and seating arrangements can be manipulated to create an air of privacy and exclusivity, even when tables are sandwiched together.
Rather than keeping things simple with a standard marble bar top, many of the best hotel bars have upped the ante with curved designs, transparent resin or patterned tiles that add a pop of color. While these malleable elements always stand out, utilizing breathtaking views or naturally stunning landscapes often yields the most unforgettable setting.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy some of Kyoto’s best cocktails in a modern, dim-lit den or sip a Negroni while admiring the rolling hills of Tuscany, we’ve rounded up the world’s most noteworthy design-forward hotel bars.
The Best Design-Forward Hotel Bars
- Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba
- Den Kyoto at Dusit Thani Kyoto
- Bud’s at La Playa Hotel
- Bar Ecrù & Lounge at Castelfalfi
- Le Bar at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
- The Stables Bar at The Milestone Hotel
- Sora Rooftop Bar at Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol
- The Bar at Hotel Bel-Air
- The Duchess at Matild Palace Budapest
- The Connaught Bar at The Connaught
- Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
- Don't Worry Music Bar at Le Sirenuse
- Freddy’s Bar at De L’Europe Amsterdam
- Bar Les Ambassadeurs at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
- Old Imperial Bar Tokyo at The Imperial Hotel
Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba
- Chetumal Km 298, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Named North America’s 74th Best Bar in 2025, Zapote Bar is the heart of Rosewood Mayakoba. Though the property boasts white sandy beaches, an emerald green lagoon lined with sprawling Mangrove trees and a cenote-side spa in the middle of the jungle, this stylish lounge is the ultimate hub for guests and locals looking to sip some of Riviera Maya’s best cocktails. Almost Brutalist-like concrete walls lend a contemporary edge, contrasting with light wooden furnishings, vaulted ceilings and bohemian decor. Outside, vibrant palm leaves and tropical foliage remain in view, allowing patrons to feel somewhat cocooned by the outdoor elements. The wall to the left of The Bar is lined with locally made ceramics and pots, while delicate tea lights provide a gentle glow on tables in the evening. There is live music every night, and the resident DJ duo Frank & Chui know how to get the entire bar dancing. If you prefer a more mellow setting featuring cocktails topped with smoking bubbles and flaming garnishes, opt for an early evening visit before heading to Aquí Me Quedo for a beachfront dinner.
Den Kyoto at Dusit Thani Kyoto
- 〒600-8327 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Nishinotoincho, 466
Kyoto’s Dusit Thani is a one-Michelin-key hotel that fuses Japanese hospitality with Thai influences. Located on the garden level of the hotel, Den Kyoto is a refined yet cozy hideaway that boasts curved ceilings reminiscent of a zen cave. Though you can unwind at the spacious booths that line the slate walls, the focal point of the room is the square marble bar. A massive glowing light that mimics the shape of The Bar hovers above, connected to a floating wooden shelf that looks like a more contemporary and chic take on a wine crate. While your attention will be drawn upward, don’t forget to admire the herringbone wood floors below. The Roselle Negroni puts a floral spin on the Italian classic, but if you’re in the mood for something on the sweeter side, indulge in the Brandy-based Tearamisù.
Bud’s at La Playa Hotel
- Camino Real &, 8th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Located within Carmel-by-the-Sea’s historic La Playa Hotel, Bud’s is a time capsule rich with dark wood paneling, intricate crown moldings and a masculine edge that’s more elegant than rugged. Deep red leather booths line the mahogany walls, creating cozy corner moments that pair perfectly with the signature drink, The Mayor—a whiskey-based beverage created in honor of former mayor and director Clint Eastwood. Like the rest of the hotel, this intimate cocktail bar makes the old feel new. Dim lighting and antique accents lay a timeless foundation, while innovative cocktails and seasonally driven bites add a hint of modernity. Many of the tables feature old-world coins that have been engraved and plastered into the wood, while vintage photos and posters are illuminated by retro sconces. If you prefer a brighter setting, head to the terrace and take in La Playa Hotel’s rolling green lawn and picturesque ocean views.
Bar Ecrù & Lounge at Castelfalfi
- Località Castelfalfi, 50050 Montaione, Firenze, Italy
Set in a medieval village where stone cottages and rolling hills abound, Castelfalfi Hotel is a seasonal property with 146 sophisticated rooms and suites. Though you’ll certainly want to enjoy wood-fired pizzas on the patio at on-site Il Rosmarino, Castelfalfi’s indoor/outdoor Bar Ecrù is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting spots for an afternoon cocktail. The lounge is connected to the main lobby, featuring a small, four-seat bar along with plenty of cozy tables and couches beneath a cream coffered ceiling. Along the back wall, glass-encased artifacts, fossils and sculptures surround a modern, black fireplace, while large windows offer a peek at the stunning views just outside. On a nice evening, venture to the scenic terrace and kick back on one of the plush couches while watching the sunset over green hills and picturesque vineyards. There is also a second dedicated bar outside with more stools, if you’re looking to sip on a Negroni solo and mingle with other guests.
Le Bar at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
- 25 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Located in the heart of the Champs-Élysées, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of Paris’ most iconic palace hotels. After enjoying a multi-course Michelin-starred dinner at Jean Imbert, head across the hall to Le Bar for a more modern setting complemented by craft cocktails and a live DJ. Though classic wood-paneled walls and engraved, arched doorways serve as the foundation for the space, the star of the show is the transparent bar top made from a single, curved block of resin. On the ceiling, ethereal, dark blue fabric creates an abstract scene as the light fixtures begin to dim in the evening. While I recommend snagging a leather barstool (if you can), you’ll also find spectacular people-watching at the low-lying booths as you sip on innovative libations from the cocktail menu, created by bar director Benoit Marin. The Pickles Margarita features a pickle-infused tequila, while the Cappuccino Martini gives you the boost you need on a night out in Paris.
The Stables Bar at The Milestone Hotel
- 1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL, United Kingdom
Stables Bar, located at the Milestone Hotel in Kensington, dates back to the 19th century. The cozy bar, which underwent renovations in 2024, embodies classic English style, with dark wood paneling, green and navy plaid accents, tufted leather banquettes and equestrian-inspired paintings by artist Elie Lambert. Though dim lighting and cozy corners create a moody atmosphere on the left side of The Bar, the right side features a high-ceilinged glass conservatory that lets in ample natural light during the daytime. You might come for the ambiance, but you’ll stay for the cocktails at this boutique hotel bar. Innovation and creativity don’t even begin to describe the concoctions, which range from a blue cheese-washed martini to a playful Peanut Butter and Jelly Fizz.
Sora Rooftop Bar at Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol
- Carretera Transpeninsular Km 10.3 Cabo del Sol Estado de México MX, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., México
At Sora Rooftop Bar, Cabo’s dramatic oceanside landscape meets soft architecture, neutral tones and modern Mexican decor. The round bar is covered by a large, almost octagonal rooftop, but the open-air setting ensures that all guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the roaring ocean and rocky coastline. A bohemian tilt meets contemporary design, where guests can enjoy epic views while sitting in comfortable and spacious cushioned sofas by a fire or next to local cacti strategically landscaped behind curved booths. Though most of the furniture is cream or white, hand-embroidered pillows provide pops of color with shades of red, pink and orange, inspired by Cabo’s stunning sunsets. There’s no better place to enjoy an ocean breeze while sipping a mezcalita or zesty Paloma.
The Bar at Hotel Bel-Air
- 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Tucked away in the hills, Hotel Bel-Air is one of L.A.’s most exclusive and historic hotels. The light-pink exterior and terracotta rooftop are quintessentially Los Angeles, but it doesn’t get more Hollywood than The Bar, which features life-size black-and-white photos of legends like Cher, John Belushi and Joni Mitchell. In addition to a cozy, fireside lounge, guests can also choose to sit at one of the indoor/outdoor booths situated behind elegant French doors, allowing you to enjoy a breath of fresh air while still being in the middle of the action. The Hotel Bel-Air Deluxe Martini is served ice-cold, with your choice of gin or vodka, and is the perfect libation to enjoy while listening to live music.
The Duchess at Matild Palace Budapest
- Budapest, Váci u 36, 1056 Hungary
Budapest’s Matild Palace is a grandiose property that fuses Art Nouveau, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Though you’re within walking distance to all of the best restaurants and bars in the Pest side of the city, the hotel houses its own rooftop bar, The Duchess, which locals and visitors flock to every weekend. After a short ride up to the top floor, the elevator doors open to an Art Deco-style space with emerald-green booths, bronze giraffe statues and peacock-stand side tables. When you walk around the corner, prepare to be greeted with some of the best views of the city, along with a glowing bar surrounded by fringed, avant-garde stools. When the weather permits, head to the outside area of the rooftop and take in the twinkling skyline and the Erzsébet Bridge.
The Connaught Bar at The Connaught
- Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL, United Kingdom
From interior designer David Collins, The Connaught Bar is a London landmark for craft cocktails in a posh setting. The Art Deco interior features intricate crown moldings, engraved ceilings and cool, almost icy tones, yielding a polished yet inviting setting that beckons you to drink something sleek and stiff. The lobby bar itself showcases a silver top, while a backdrop of textured panels and foxed glass adds a hint of timeless glamour that avoids being too busy. When it comes to drinks, the Connaught Bar is most famous for its signature martini, served trolley-style. After selecting your gin, customize your martini with your choice of bitters, all made in-house.
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
- 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
Upon sitting down at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, guests are immersed in a world of art, history and New York City culture. Author Ludwig Bemelmans’ iconic murals are lit beautifully by dim bulbs behind tufted booths, while a grand piano sits at the center of The Bar and curates a cozy ambiance, with live pianist performances starting at 5:30 p.m., and continuing on with a jazz trio at 9 p.m. Even the lampshades that sit on each table feature Bemelmans’ drawings, creating a playful yet sophisticated setting that tempts an A-list crowd on the regular—past patrons of Bemelmans include former president John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel, has even performed at this Manhattan hot spot. If you’re in the mood for a martini, the Gibson is a savory alternative made with gin, vermouth, Japanese umami bitters, pearl onions and a sprinkle of nori dust.
Don't Worry Music Bar at Le Sirenuse
- Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Don’t Worry Music Bar is an elegant speakeasy that blends classic Italian design with retro decor. The Bar, which opened in May 2024, features a neon “Don’t Worry” sign that hangs from the cross-vaulted ceiling, greeting guests with a more modern and youthful touch that contrasts with the hotel’s elegant, timeless nature. The tiled floors feature hints of purple, yellow and orange that match the furniture throughout the bar, while antique paintings and lush greenery adorn every corner. Though the color scheme remains bright throughout, dim lighting in the evening sets the tone as you watch the cliffside town light up through large, French-style windows, allowing you to sip an Aperol Spritz as you listen to the resident DJ spin vinyl hits or take in the sweeping ocean views and colorful buildings in the distance. Keep in mind that Le Sirenuse is a seasonal property, open only from the end of March to late October.
Freddy’s Bar at De L’Europe Amsterdam
- Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for its wild (and sometimes controversial) nightlife and overall eclectic energy, but if you’re looking to sip in style without the fuss, head to Freddy’s Bar at De L’Europe Amsterdam. Inspired by the gentleman’s pubs of Europe’s past, Freddy’s was named after Alfred “Freddy” Heineken and is considered one of the best live jazz bars in the city. The hotel’s prime location along the Amstel River makes Freddy’s a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Olive-green curtains separate two different areas of The Bar, while dark paneled walls contrast with light furnishings and metallic gold accents. Renovations made during the summer of 2024 brightened up the space a tad, but it still maintains masculine undertones and a vintage appeal.
Bar Les Ambassadeurs at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
- 10 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
Stepping into Hôtel de Crillon’s Bar Les Ambassadeurs feels like being hosted in one of the dining rooms of Versailles. Dreamy, cloud-covered ceilings create a heavenly scene that’s complemented by towering marble walls and hand-painted, storytelling murals. Detailed gold moldings catch the eye, but it is the glistening crystal chandeliers, reflecting off mirrored arches, that remind guests of France’s royal history. In true Rosewood fashion, even the stemware is as delicate as can be, evoking a sense of elegance from sit to sip. The signature A Sense of Memories menu includes 15 creative cocktails that are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, with highlights including the candy apple-infused Fun Fair and the Bourbon-based Thanksgiving made with real chicken skin.
Old Imperial Bar Tokyo at The Imperial Hotel
- 〒100-8558 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Uchisaiwaicho, 1 Chome−1−1 本館 中2階
At Tokyo’s Old Imperial Bar, warm wood and red brick blend beautifully to create a transportive space in honor of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright, who designed the original Imperial Hotel, was known for his love of organic architecture and nature, and though most of the original property was demolished in 1968, the Old Imperial Bar contains relics from Wright’s 1923 building that fused Japanese and Western influences. As the name suggests, drinking at this cocktail bar feels like stepping back in time, but the beverages are as modern as ever. The Mount Fuji cocktail uses fresh egg whites to mimic the look of snow, but if you prefer something more spirit-forward, Old Imperial Bar boasts an impressive array of Japanese whisky.
