Best Hotel Bars

The J.S.F.’s Favorite’s

The Nomad Hotel Bar – I discovered the Nomad Hotel Bar in 2012 when I was still living in NYC and fell in love! After reading about The Nomad Hotel in both Travel & Leisure and Food & Wine Magazines I finally checked it out and couldn’t have been more impressed. The Hotel is gorgeous. Very elegantly decorated with dark wood/mahogany coloring and rich antique looking decor and furniture. The rooftop Restaurant is to die for featuring spectacular views and gorgeous white table’s (you feel like you’re in a french garden not a NYC rooftop).  Since the rooftop only serves dinner (what I would guess is a divine tasting menu at $150 per person) we decided to check out the Bar.  On the way down we met the Bar Manager Leo who was the most gracious host. Talk about excellent customer service and a Manager spoiling his customers….  The drinks were divine with fun, fresh drink options or they’ll happily surprise you. 1170 Broadway New York, NY 10001. 212-796-1500.

Crosby Hotel Bar & Terrace – This is one of my favorite hotel bars in NYC. I’ve been for cocktails numerous times. It’ also perfect for a Saturday/Sunday afternoon if I’m shopping in Soho and want to chill with a delicious latte and enjoy some people watching. They serve the BEST gimlet I’ve experienced in NYC. The bartender was nice enough to share the recipe with me although it’s never the same when you make it yourself.  79 Crosby Street.  New York, NY 10012. 212-226-6400.

The Breslin at the Ace Hotel – NY, NY .  After having drinks at the Breslin multiple times it wasn’t until my most recent visit attending a Meals on Wheels Chef’s Tribute 2012 Chef’s After Party (Shout out to my hosts Jane and Chef Alex, Eataly) that I ordered a gimlet. Who knew that I’d been missing one of the most delicious vodka gimlets in the city all this time? It was extremely fresh, tasty, and the perfect blend of vodka/lime juice (which is pretty hard to do). I ran into The Breslin Chef/Owner April Bloomfield (she was hosting the after party in their private basement dining room) and complimented her on the bartender’s delicious cocktail. That may have been the first time a drink was mentioned before her fabulous food but I was that impressed! 16 West 29th Street. New York, NY 10001. 212-679-1939.

Les Sources de Caudalie – While in Bordeaux I stayed at Les Sources de Caudalie, which was an amazing hotel with fabulous restaurants and one of the coziest, most intimate bars I’ve ever been to. Each of the three nights I was there was a new memory meeting interesting travelers from all over the world (see my Swiss friends below) not to mention a fabulous bartender Ugh (shown below with me). If you make it to Bordeaux I’d highly suggest staying here if not at least visiting the restaurant and bar for sure.  Les Sources de Caudalie Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte – 33650 Bordeaux-Martillac Tél : +33 (0)5 57 83 83 83.

My Swiss friends, sharing their delicious Chocolate with me

The fabulous Bar Tender Ugh

The Setai  – The Setai Miami is in a league of its own from the ridiculous lobby (in a good way) to the extravagant pools, so I shouldn’t have been surprised even the drinks were very unique. The gimlet here (yes, that’s my drink of choice, so easy to use as a standard to evaluate a bar/bartender’s skills) was served with a pimento pepper, which to me was that extra touch differentiating the gimlet and the hotel bar. Clearly it worked since I’m raving about it to you!.  2001 Collins Avenue. Miami Beach. FL. 33130. 305-520-6000.

Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental – London, England. If you happen to be in the Knightsbridge area (possibly after a shopping trip to Harrod’s) this is a fabulous bar for a cocktail. Although they cost 25 pounds during my last visit (2005) – no, I’m not joking — it’s well worth it for the experience and their delicious drinks.  66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, England. 020 7235 2000.

Jade Bar at The Gramercy Park Hotel – NY, NY. Yes, you’re reading it correctly I prefer the Jade Bar to the Rose Bar. Why? Because it is way more intimate, and a better bar experience   with its smaller, cozy, more intimate feeling room. I also am a Gramercy Park local so not only is this a great scene with fabulous drinks it’s also two blocks from home; so super convenient. 2 Lexington Ave. NY, NY 10010. 212-920-3300.