Top 5: Old School Vibing Hotel Bars
We are dreaming of traveling again sometime in the near future! One of our favorite parts of exploring new places is the pre-dinner cocktail. We love to find old school vibing hotel bars to kick off the night. We’ve rounded up five of our favs to get you ready for your next adventure-whenever that may be!
#5 The Club Bar: The Peninsula Hotel-Beverly Hills, U.S.A
Rated one of Forbe’s World’s Best Bars in 2019, The Club Bar does not disappoint. This power bar is the gathering place of the “Who’s Who” from near and far. Known for the barrel-aged cocktails, the staff always aims to please and takes great care to perfect each drink and maintain the bar’s superb reputation.
The vibe is very comfortable, and reminiscent of an elegant gentlemen’s club, with dark wood paneled walls, antique lamps, and plush carpeting throughout. It is easy to see why this has become a destination for international travelers passing through town. Check it out and ask for the seasonal offerings while you’re there- the spiked apple cider really hits the spot on a cold afternoon!
#4 Alexander Cigar Lounge: Hotel Grande Bretagne- Athens, Greece
Ok, this one is more about the cigars than the drinks, but trust us, it’s not to be missed. The lounge is located inside the renowned Hotel Grande Bretagne. From the moment you pull up to the hotel there is an air of luxury and history that is palpable. Originating in 1874, this was heralded as Athen’s finest hotel, with everyone from Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas and Jose Carreras visiting- many regularly.
The Cigar Lounge is on the first floor, in the hotel’s inner garden. It is a sophisticated space, perfect for cigar and cognac aficionados. The space is elegant, with sleek leather seating and historical prints lining the walls. The lounge carries a great selection of Cubans that range from a mild to full bodied assortment. This is an excellent stop for a cigar and brandy before heading out for the night. We won’t say it’s for men only, but the gentlemen do seem to quite enjoy it!
#3 Bluesman Cocktail Bar: El Palace- Barcelona, Spain
A place as cool as it's name, the Bluesman Cocktail Bar is high on our list for so many reasons. Situated inside El Palace, (the former Ritz) there is an Old World hotel feel upon entering- with gilded accents, Greek statues and marble columns. This basement bar and Belle Epoque gem has an elegant and inviting vibe with its velvet wallpaper, leather upholstery, and mood-lighting. This distinctly red room is home to some of the best live jazz, blues and soul this vibrant city has to offer. Bluesman is unpretentious, but do not underestimate its star power as everyone who is anyone has passed through here- actors, politicians, musicians, and many have even performed! The latest being Ronnie Woods of the Rolling Stones.
Stop in for a cocktail, some music for the soul-and if you want to light up, The Cigar Club is just off the main bar. Make sure you ask for the wasabi peanuts- you can thank us later!
#2 American Bar: The Savoy- London, U.K
If you’re looking for a piece of history- this is the place. Originally open in 1893, The American Bar is Britain’s oldest surviving cocktail bar. It sprung up as a destination for the wealthy, and famed global tourists. Everyone from Mark Twain, Churchill, Frank Sinatra and the Prince of Whales were served fancy “American” drinks. If you are a fan of the Netflix hit The Crown, you will notice that it makes a cameo!
The bar has since tried to create a new chapter by focusing on its unique cocktails, while still showing appreciation for its grand past, and finally won “World’s Best Bar” in 2017. They’ve been able to find a nice balance between the piano-club feel and creating a drink menu to rival any modern cocktail bar.
The drinks are pricey, but we still recommend checking out the lively and elegant American Bar on your next trip to London.
#1 Bar Hemingway: Ritz Paris- Paris, France
And the number one spot, because..Paris, obviously! Seriously though, there is so much to see in this tiny bar tucked away inside the Ritz Paris at Place Vendôme. Appropriately named after the original hotel’s most famous regular, Ernest Hemingway. The 25 seat iconic bar is reminiscent of the old world vibe it hails from, decorated in tufted leather banquettes and bar stools. There is memorabilia covering every wall, well-dressed people filling the space, and a distinct sentiment of the great conversations, events and memories that have taken place, lingering about.
Ask for a Serendipity, the signature drink created by the incredible Colin Field, renowned and Head Bartender, ranked “Best Bartender” by Forbes and Travel + Leisure. You will feel right at home, as if you’ve been part of the great history that came before you. It is definitely worth checking out, if you can snag a seat, that is!
We had so much fun putting this list together and can’t wait to start exploring again!
xo, VOOVIBE