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The magic of a truly great hotel bar lies in its ability to be both an escape and a destination. These are not mere waiting rooms or convenient pit stops; they are stages for theater, sanctuaries of taste, and often, the living, breathing heart of the hotel itself. Think of the iconic rituals they inspire: you cannot pass a St. Regis without feeling compelled to sample their unique interpretation of the Bloody Mary, a tradition born in its New York flagship. Similarly, a visit to Singapore’s Raffles feels incomplete without sipping the legendary Singapore Sling in the very spot it was conceived over a century ago. These institutions set the standard, proving that a bar, when executed with vision and excellence, can become as compelling a reason to visit as the hotel or the city that surrounds it. It is in this rarefied atmosphere that Forbes Travel Guide has sought to identify the next generation of iconic watering holes with its annual Hotel Star Bars list, a curated collection of spaces where the art of the cocktail is matched by the depth of the experience.
This year, Forbes Travel Guide’s anonymous inspectors—the same seasoned evaluators who assess hotels for their prestigious Star Ratings—visited countless bars globally, judging them on a rigorous set of criteria. The focus extended far beyond the liquid in the glass to encompass the entire symphony of a guest’s experience: the innovation and quality of the beverage program, the intuitive and polished service, and the undeniable ambiance of the space itself. The result is a list of 37 bars across 18 countries, a global tour of excellence where Shanghai and Tokyo emerged as leading cities, each boasting three winners. However, it is Europe’s strong showing, with 13 bars recognized, that offers a fascinating tapestry of history, luxury, and regional flavor, from the sun-drenched Rivieras to historic capital cities.
Two European bars have achieved the distinct honor of being named to the list for a second consecutive year, solidifying their status as classics. In Monaco, Le Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is the epitome of timeless glamour. Its recognition feels particularly timely following the roar of the Grand Prix, offering a refined counterpoint to the track’s adrenaline. Here, the cocktails are narratives. “La Roseraie” pays homage to the principality’s beloved former princess, Grace Kelly, while their Bellini is a seasonal treasure, available only during the fleeting peach harvest from June to August. Meanwhile, in Paris, Le Bar Botaniste at the Shangri-La Paris embodies a lush, garden-inspired elegance. The experience is designed for indulgence, where a signature drink like the Caesar 52 is perfectly paired with exquisite bites like mini truffle croque-monsieurs or the decadent surprise of caviar chicken nuggets, proving that luxury can be both opulent and playful.
France’s influence on the list extends beyond Paris, showcasing the diversity of the country’s hotel bar scene. The Abysse Bar at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in Champillon is a celebration of its region’s most famous export, specializing in bubbly-based cocktails that mirror the surrounding vineyards. Further south, the Martinez Bar at the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes is a staple of the Croisette, a legendary art deco spot where the golden glow of the French Riviera seems to be infused into every glass. Across the Channel, London asserted itself with two standout bars. Claridge’s Bar remains a bastion of classic sophistication, where the dirty martini is not just a drink but a perfectly executed rite. At The Northall Bar within the Corinthia London, the inspiration is literally overhead: the Crystal Chandelier cocktail, a “light and effervescent” creation, draws its sparkle from the magnificent lobby centerpiece, a beautiful example of a bar drawing its identity from its home.
The United Kingdom’s representation was notably matched by Scotland, with Edinburgh contributing two distinctive spots. Bar Prince at The Balmoral crafts its “Connected Icons” menu around the people and places linked to the hotel’s storied history, turning each cocktail into a chapter of local lore. The Wallace at 100 Princes Street offers an exclusive, club-like atmosphere, accessible mainly to hotel guests and members, where the presence of a dedicated whisky ambassador ensures a profoundly personal dram recommendation. This theme of locality continues in the Italian Dolomites at the Lefay Resort & Spa, where the Lounge Bar proudly utilizes alpine liqueurs and foraged elderflower, grounding the luxury experience in the mountain terroir. In Rome, the Tiepolo Lounge & Terrace at Rome Cavalieri takes a more artistic approach, with a menu inspired by famous creatives, allowing guests to savor a cocktail designed to evoke the spirit of a great painter or composer.
The journey through Europe’s best concludes with a celebration of unique character and narrative. At Ireland’s Ashford Castle, The Prince of Wales Bar may bear a royal name, but its signature drink, “The Last High King,” tells a deeper Irish story. With three key ingredients representing the three ancient kingdoms united by Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, it’s a history lesson in a glass. In Amsterdam, the Vault Bar at the Waldorf Astoria delights with whimsical creativity, serving drinks with ice cubes stamped like old locks and stirred with gold skeleton keys, a playful nod to the building’s banking past. Finally, Alelia Bar at the One&Only Aesthesis in Glifada, Greece, offers a different kind of magic. Here, the cocktail menu, though undoubtedly superb, is rivaled by the breathtaking panorama over the Athenian Riviera, where the setting sun paints the sky and sea in hues of gold and pink. Ultimately, the Forbes Travel Guide Hotel Star Bars list is more than a ranking; it is an invitation to explore these nuanced spaces where every detail—from the first greeting to the final, memorable sip—is crafted to create not just a drink, but a lasting story.
