The Best Hotel Bars in NYC, From Classic Martini Haunts to Rooftops With Central Park Views
While truly exceptional hotel stays are one means to experiencing luxury, sometimes all you have to do is simply visit the outstanding on-site bar. For the price of a cocktail you can experience world-class hospitality or check out the most up-and-coming new hotel—and for guests, a pre-dinner drink or end-of-evening night cap is often the cherry on top of a memorable stay.
Increasingly, hotel bars can also doubles as a solid place to post up and work, read, or dine during the day—and what better place to dive into a legendary hotel bar scene than New York City? From jazz lounges to panoramic rooftops and quintessential old-school New York favorites, there’s an NYC hotel bar for every type of drinker. Our advice? Even if you can't snag a room for the night, hit as many of these simply unmissable spots as you can. Here are the best hotel bars in NYC, and some of their tipples our editors have enjoyed most.
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Eric Medsker/SonderhotelRaines Law Room at The William powered by Sonder
$$Ironically named after Raines Law, the infamous bill that attempted to curb alcohol consumption in the late 19th century—and also permitted its Sunday distribution solely to hotel premises—Raines Law Room offers a gorgeous, library-inspired space for cocktails and strong pours in East Midtown. Designed to resemble a classic Victorian home, the bar’s numerous rooms are equipped with book-adorned walls, couches, and cozy fireplaces perfect for warming up with a cocktail (or dram) on a chilly New York evening. Contrary to the standard practice of listing cocktail offerings by names, Raines’ bar menu is divided into three sections: Bright & Fresh, Stirred & Strong, and With a Hint of Spice. Curious Old Fashioned lovers, be sure to try the Choose Your Own Adventure route, where guests can select their bitters, sweet addition, and spirit of choice.
The St. RegishotelKing Cole Bar at the St. Regis New York
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Gold List 2019 
Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019Few hotel bars boast the classic, Old New York charm of the King Cole Bar. Located in Midtown at the St. Regis Hotel, this quintessential cocktail bar hosted the legendary likes of Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon—and continues to captivate the hearts of curious cocktail lovers who want to step back in time. Set beneath a Maxfield Parrish mural of Old King Cole himself, the bar is best known for its signature Bloody Mary (though it offers an array of classic cocktails). Legend has it that the well-known bartender Fernand Petiot refined George Jessel’s original version of the drink behind this very bar—though at the time, it went by The Red Snapper, as upscale clientele didn’t take too well to the then-controversial name. Expect to spend a pretty penny, and don’t come too hungry—although the bar’s snack trio dish promises to keep you salivating.
Courtesy Baccarat HotelhotelThe Bar at Baccarat Hotel New York
$$$ | Gold List 2020 Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023For a taste of the city’s most luxurious bar offerings—and copious amounts of crystal all around you—look no further than the gleaming bar at the Baccarat Hotel. In addition to afternoon tea service and dinner, The Bar offers an extensive wine list (including one of the most extensive champagne offerings in the country), specialty cocktails, and all-day dining spearheaded by two Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuther. Offerings range from the bright and fruit-forward Luz Negra (Bacardi Ocho, Tesseron Composition Cognac, blackberry, coconut, and acid-adjusted pineapple) to more spirit-forward libations such as La Dame de Coeur (Laphroaig 10-year, Carpano Antica, Cappelletti, bitters, and Bowmore 18-year Spritz). Whether indulging at the 60-foot bar or at the Grand Salon next door, sipping straight from crystal-cut cocktail glasses has never tasted so good.
Courtesy Hoxton WilliamsburghotelLaser Wolf at the Hoxton Williamsburg
$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2021, 2023Craft cocktails and Israeli cuisine with a New York skyline view? Sign us up. Named after the iconic butcher from Fiddler on the Roof, this Israeli shipudiya, otherwise known as skewer house, everything from shareable mezze to charcoal grilled skewers, both meat and vegetarian, all finished off with a brown sugar soft-serve ice cream for an optional sweet end to the experience. Ten signature cocktails, including three non-alcoholic options, highlight a number of Israeli ingredients, including the Saz-Arak, made with Sazerac Rye, Arak, and fennel, as well as the Aunt Debbie, which is essentially a Gibson Martini finished with a Za'atar spiced cocktail onion. The well-curated wine list features a slew of natural and organic/biodynamic gems, including bottle picks from Los Bermejos, Francois Chidaine, Muxagat, and Chartogne-Taillet. In short, you really can’t go wrong here.
Durston SaylorhotelBemelmans Bar at the Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
$$$ | Gold List 2018, 2019, 2022 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The hotel bar to end all hotel bars, Bemelmans needs no introduction. If you are truly unfamiliar, the best way to change that is to get thee there and get thee there now—this New York institution has been the authority in Manhattan living since it opened in 1947. Little has changed since then—the witty wall murals paying ode to beloved namesake illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, the uber-low lighting, the fabulous drinks and even more fabulous company. There's a smart dress code policy—collared shirts required for the gentlemen, and no shorts nor hats are allowed—and a roster of resident pianists and singers that keep the atmosphere just right, so that whether you're staying upstairs at the Carlyle or have made a pilgrimage for your beverage, all you have to do is order a martini, lean back in your chair, and relax.
Courtesy Annie Schlechter/The Bowery HotelhotelThe Bowery Lobby at the Bowery Hotel
$$Since opening its doors in 2007, The Bowery Lobby at the Bowery Hotel has remained one of the trendiest places to grab drinks in downtown NYC. Complete with wood-paneled walls, spacious leather armchairs, and a variety of quirky antiques (and taxidermy) scattered about, this dimly lit space offers specialty cocktails, wine, beer, and an excellent selection of whisky. Frequented by hotel guests, celebrities, and locals alike, the bar makes for an excellent date night location, as well as a great place to catch up with friends, especially during cooler weather months, when the bar’s fireplace is alive and thriving. Added bonus: The Bowery Lobby also offers an extensive list of aperitivi and digestivi, and with regards to pricing, the bar’s signature cocktails all clock in under $20 a pop—a steal, with regards to other NYC-based hotel bar offerings.
Courtesy Thompson HotelshotelThe Bar Room at the Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
$$ | Gold List 2019 Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023For a Victorian-inspired bar room that promises to leave a lasting impact on even the most seasoned cocktail-bar hoppers, check out The Bar Room at The Beekman. Set in the hotel's embellished, nine-story atrium in the heart of downtown Manhattan, the airy space offers strong drinks, lounge vibes, and ample seating, though it's recommended that you make a reservation to secure your spot. Signature libations include the Paper Plane, Sidecar, and an Empire State Negroni made with New York-produced spirits. The kitchen’s steakhouse-inspired offerings—think oysters on the half shell, steak tartare, and caramelized-onion dip—are prepared with the oversight of beloved New York chef Tom Colicchio (Gramercy Tavern, Temple Court). Those with a sweet tooth should be sure to save room for the bar’s chocolate semifreddo, made with praline ice cream and hazelnut tuile.
Richard MandelkornhotelThe Champagne Bar at the Plaza
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2023There's perhaps no other New York hotel as iconic as The Plaza, the Eloise-famous establishment ideally located on Central Park South that opened its doors in October of 1907. The Champagne Bar—formerly known as the Champagne Porch—has been a hotel bar staple since its very first days. Lavish and luxurious, the effervescent spot overlooks the hotel’s famed Pulitzer Fountain and offers the hotel breakfast, cocktails, and an all-day dining menu from 11:00 onwards. In addition to big-name staples, including Moët & Chandon, Krug, and Dom Perignon, the list also features more budget-friendly bubbles from the likes of Taittinger, Duval Leroy, and Billecart-Salmon. Sure, the experience is a splurge—but for the sake of an iconic New York moment, it’s definitely worth it. (For those with kids in tow, the afternoon tea here is and alternate option worth the price tag.)
The Wall Street HotelhotelLounge on Pearl at The Wall Street Hotel
$$Whether stopping in for a late morning coffee or popping in for an early afternoon cocktail, the all-day Lounge on Pearl at The Wall Street Hotel beckons to all who pass by. Glad with gorgeous textiles, high ceilings, and a sprawling communal space, the bar makes for a perfect place to catch up with friends over signature cocktails and numerous by-the-glass wine options. It's also highly regarded for its raw bar offerings like freshly shucked oysters, which pair gorgeously with the spot’s signature martini menu (spring for the Manzanilla Martini, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Valdespino sherry, Routin Blanc Vermouth, and an anchovy-stuffed olive).
Stephen Kent JohnsonhotelLobby Bar at Ace Hotel Brooklyn
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Hot List 2022 Readers' Choice Awards 2023Although Williamsburg has long been Brooklyn’s haven for go-to hotel bars, The Ace BK’s Lobby Bar is giving the popular neighborhood a run for its money. Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Hoyt-Schermerhorn stop in Downtown Brooklyn, this second Ace New York outpost comes 12 years after its original Manhattan-based location first opened its doors. Beloved for its all-day bakery and numerous places to post up and work, this unofficial coworking hub has become a go-to spot for digital nomads and visiting out-of-towners alike. Best of all, the bar opens at 2pm, making grabbing an afternoon libation easier as ever. Simply grab a spot at the communal table, take in the plant-filled ambiance, and enjoy the peaceful reprieve that this cozy-yet-practical space offers.
Courtesy Park Lane New YorkhotelDarling at Park Lane New York
By all accounts, the Darling should be a real scene. The rooftop bar at the Park Lane New York, which reopened in late 2021 after a total renovation, touts plenty of inventive cocktails and tasty bites with which to enjoy them—plus sprawling, frankly unrivaled views over Central Park. Happily, though, it feels convivial and relaxed (minus the occasional Gen Z-ers snapping selfies against a turf wall); grown-up but not too self-serious. The indoor space houses the bar and a handful of cozy banquettes, but you’re really coming here for the view—so head out to the terrace, grab a table beneath the twinkling string lights, and ask for one of the specialty cocktails. Here Comes Trouble, a potent blend of tequila, blood orange, lime, and—in a surprise-and-delight twist—spicy wasabi-lavender honey, is a total palate-tingler. The Darling Unlimited offers a tart mashup of vodka, spiced pear, ginger, lemon, and angostura. Soak up the views while you sip, then soak up the booze with something from the tight snack list; the crispy chicken sliders are a no-brainer, though if you’re down to splurge the tender Wagyu sandwich on crisped milk bread feels as decadent as a three-table banquet. —Betsy Blumenthal, features and franchise editor
Annie SchlechterhotelLobby Bar at Hotel Chelsea
$$ | Hot List 2023The early bird gets the drink, as does the latest—Lobby Bar at Hotel Chelsea opens at 7 a.m. daily and does not close until 2:00 a.m. the next morning. In the time between, guests and members of the public alike sip martinis and munch on cheeseburgers in a setting far more gilded and regal than any modern New Yorker would dare outwardly appear. While everybody is welcome here, only those staying at the hotel are able to make reservations—these open one week in advance for parties of five and under. Vast and decadent as the space is, however, it's worthwhile to poke your head in no matter how jumping the joint may seem—there's often a dark corner someplace that you can carve out for yourself.
Stephen Kent JohnsonhotelThe Swan Room at Nine Orchard Hotel
$$$ | Hot List 2023In Lower Manhattan's Dimes Square (if you know you know), hit the lobby lounge Swan Room and don’t be embarrassed if you gasp as soon as you walk in; I certainly did. The old restored bank ceilings, rich velvet booths snaking through the center of the room, bar staff in white jackets mixing magical concoctions for guests’ delight—it all draws you into a world with competing elements of old-timey flair and modern visual treats. There are a few light snack options on the menu, but don’t come here planning to eat: You’re here for the cocktails. And boy are there a lot of cocktails. Featuring over 20 different options, the menu offers everything from digestifs to martini service. If you’re looking for a cocktail recommendation, treat yourself to The Jardin, an expert mix of gin, cantaloupe, dill, aquavit, and lime. One important note: Be sure to make a reservation in advance to enjoy the lobby Swan Room. (The space isn’t large, but the wait list for those without a reservation definitely was.) —Lara Kramer, global audience development director
Annie SchlechterhotelArt Williamsburg at Arlo Williamsburg
$For the best views of the Manhattan skyline, leave the borough and head straight to Arlo Williamsburg's Art Williamsburg. Conveniently located between Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Bowl (two of the neighborhood’s most dynamic places for a good time) The rooftop bar offers a stark contrast to the dimly lit, speakeasy-inspired bars listed above. Set against a breathtaking skyline backdrop, and conveniently next to the hotel’s outdoor pool (reservations required), the bar’s al fresco setting is perfect for enjoying bites and cocktails year-round, with the bar open from noon daily. Spring for refreshing, watermelon-flavored Playa Margarita or tequila-based Permanent Vacation for something with more of a spicy kick (appetizer-sized portion of guac to pair strongly encouraged).
Teddy Wolff/Chez ZouhotelChez Zou at Pendry Manhattan West
$$$ | Hot List 2022Four floors above Pendry Manhattan West's stylish street-level spots (Zou Zou's restaurant and the speakeasy-esque Bar Pendry), don't miss the absolute vibe of a lounge that is Chez Zou—a sprawling cafe-turned-club space of greenery and pulsating music that's slinging Manhattan West neighborhood's most inventive martinis, not to mention twist-heavy highballs (try the fig and honey one floated with red wine), stiff elixirs (a sazerac made with arak and date syrup that's true to Zou Zou's Middle Eastern flare), and vacation-in-a-glass milk punches served as a double (choose between the mango or cheesecake bourbon). Don't miss the two signature cocktails for a pick-your-poison martini; the Dirty Zou olive-oil vodka paired with a grape-leaf brine; or the Saffron Gibson—both are just as herbaceous as they sound, but with the added bonus of an adjustable infusion-to-spirit ratio thanks to chilled serving decanters that allow you to dispense more of either your spirit or your infusion. The menu and the space alike make the space one of Manhattan's best little-known parties. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor
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Matthew WilliamshotelBar Blondeau at the Wythe Hotel
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2021This French-style bar sits on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg. From chef partners Aidan O'Neal and Jack Leiber, the minds behind Le Crocodile (also located on the premises) and the excellent Greenpoint eatery Chez Ma Tante, Bar Blondeau is so-called for its choice of panelling. Light wood is abundant, it clads not just the floors but also crawls up the walls, the chairs are blond, and so on. When the sun sets, the light sets the palette ablaze in golden-amber halcyon bliss. You can get beer here, of course, or select a fine wine from their extensive list, but you'd really do best to sip a signature cocktail in these surroundings. If whiskey's your thing, go for the Nepeta Hill (dry vermouth and sicilian amaro, anyone?), while from the food menu the Burger au Poivre is not to be missed.
The Graduate Roosevelt IslandhotelThe Panorama Room at Graduate Roosevelt Island
$Whatever your reason is for having made your way to Roosevelt Island, be sure to swing by the Panorama Room. The bar's selling point is in its name—panoramic views of Manhattan, the East River, and Queens from this unusual vantage point are well worth the visit. And the bar itself, located on the 18th floor of Graduate Roosevelt Island, is incredibly sexy in its own right; evocative of the old-school jazz clubs that used to pepper the city but now are so hard to come by, the Panorama Room is as smooth as the cocktails it slings. To boot, getting here affords the scenic tram ride over. —Charlie Hobbs, Destinations editorial assistant
The Ned NoMadhotelLittle Ned at The Ned NoMad
$$$Think of Little Ned as a sampling of the wider offerings of The Ned NoMad, a members-only club and hotel in Manhattan's burgeoning NoMad (that's North of Madison Square Park) neighborhood. Interiors pay homage to the original London location—seating is booth-style, while burl wood tables and club chairs on the mezzanine level bask in primo views of the Empire State Building. Sip on a Scrumpy Sour (apple brandy, green apple two ways, lemon, vanilla, pear cider) while munching on everything from caviar to the bar's signature hot dog—taleggio, bacon jam, aioli, ketchup, brioche roll. Notably, hotel guests who are not members currently only have access to Little Ned, which is also open to the public, but a ride up the elevator reveals members-only privileges: The Magic Room, located on the second floor, with its marbled wall coverings and deep-hued upholstery, is inspired by cozy cabaret clubs and primed for smaller performances. Further up, a rooftop bar and terrace with a beautiful cupola, available for private dining and direct views of the Empire State Building, spotlights a cocktail menu created by Chris Moore (formerly of Dante) that's also available throughout the hotel. —Arati Menon, global digital director
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Read McKendreehotelWestlight at The William Vale
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023Williamsburg does a lot of things well, and rooftop bars are no exception. Located in the iconic The William Vale hotel, Westlight offers panoramic city views from both an outdoor terrace and glassed-in lounge, making it a perfect year-round spot for unforgettable imbibing. Spearheaded by Chef Andrew Carmellini of NoHo Hospitality Group, this 22nd floor bar features a mix of classic and signature cocktails, as well as a collection of fine and rare spirits, craft beer, and much more. For an original, spirit-forward libation, check out Bamboo, where fino sherry is mixed with vermouths dry and blanc. The bar’s small plates take inspiration from a variety of global cuisines, feature offerings from coconut curry cashews to tempura bass buns, duck carnitas tacos, and more.
