The Evolution of the Hotel Bar: From Afterthought to Destination

Once a quiet corner tucked beside hotel lobbies, the hotel bar has transformed into a global stage for creativity, connection, and culture. In 2025, Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its inaugural Star Bars — a curated list of 58 extraordinary watering holes that transcend expectations.

These aren’t just spots to sip cocktails. They’re immersive experiences where artistry, architecture, and hospitality converge — from Monaco’s timeless Le Bar Américain to Bangkok’s vibrant BKK Social Club. Each bar represents the pinnacle of mixology and atmosphere, capturing the soul of its city through flavors and design.

The Americas: Glamour, Sunsets, and Timeless Spirit

The Americas dominate the 2025 Star Bars with a blend of classic elegance and contemporary sophistication. Each bar tells a story — of heritage, local ingredients, and a love for hospitality.

The Bar at Baccarat Hotel, New York

With its crystal chandeliers and velvety textures, The Bar at Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan glows like a jewel box. Inspired by 19th-century Paris, it fuses Old World opulence with modern flair. Each cocktail feels like performance art — elegant, precise, and unforgettable.

33 North, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Orange County

Perched along the Pacific, 33 North embodies California’s coastal luxury. Its sea breeze-infused cocktails are crafted to complement the ocean views — a refreshing take on West Coast glamour.

CUT Bar, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

At CUT Bar, sophistication meets edge. This sleek space by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck delivers inventive cocktails that pair perfectly with Manhattan’s energy — bold, modern, and irresistibly metropolitan.

The King Cole Bar, The St. Regis New York

A legend since 1934, The King Cole Bar is where the Bloody Mary was born. With murals by Maxfield Parrish and a clientele of icons, it remains the quintessential New York meeting place — timeless yet always relevant.

Library by the Sea, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Grand Cayman

Here, literature inspires liquor. Every cocktail at Library by the Sea is a chapter — crafted to reflect classic novels through taste, texture, and storytelling. It’s a destination for both dreamers and drinkers.

Manor Bar, Rosewood Baha Mar, The Bahamas

Sipping under moonlit palms, guests experience a symphony of rum, rhythm, and relaxation. Manor Bar fuses Bahamian warmth with refined service, making every evening feel cinematic.

SkyHigh, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

Set on the 60th floor, SkyHigh offers breathtaking views and boundary-pushing mixology. Its ethereal design and elevated cocktails turn each visit into an experience between heaven and earth.

Other notables include Tower Suite Bar at Wynn Las Vegas, Lester’s Bar in Jamaica’s Half Moon Resort, and Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba — each celebrating the diversity of the Americas’ drinking cultural.

Asia Pacific: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Asia Pacific’s hotel bars are havens of storytelling and sensory mastery. They merge deep-rooted traditions with avant-garde artistry, redefining luxury through contrast and craft.

BKK Social Club, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

Recently crowned Asia’s bar of the year, BKK Social Club bridges continents with flair. The menu draws inspiration from the spirit of Latin America, while its Art Nouveau interiors shimmer in gold and emerald tones. Every pour feels like an invitation to dance.

The Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

A Bangkok legend since 1953, The Bamboo Bar is synonymous with jazz, charm, and impeccable cocktails. Its dark, moody ambiance is perfect for intimate evenings steeped in nostalgia.

VIRTÙ, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Combining Parisian elegance with Tokyo precision, VIRTÙ is a love letter to craftsmanship. Here, the bar team reimagines French classics using Japanese ingredients — a cultural fusion in liquid form.

The Lounge & Bar, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Hovering above the clouds on the 102nd floor, this bar redefines what “sky-high luxury” means. Signature cocktails like the Smoked Negroni pair perfectly with panoramic views that stretch beyond the South China Sea.

MO Bar, Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Known for its theatrical presentation and impeccable attention to detail, MO Bar brings Asia’s dynamic spirit into every glass. Its signature “Nomadic Forager” series pays tribute to local ingredients and global influences.

The Study, Four Seasons Macao

A sophisticated hideaway, The Study invites reflection and discovery — where cocktails are designed like academic experiments, balancing precision with creativity.

From Le Bar in Shanghai to Limited Edition Sip Bar in Chengdu, Asia Pacific’s scene thrives on artistry — a world where every drink is a crafted narrative.

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Europe, the Middle East & Africa: The Cradle of Elegance

The old world meets the avant-garde in this region — where history, design, and decadence come together in unforgettable style.

Le Bar Américain, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Since the 1930s, Le Bar Américain has hosted royalty, artists, and legends. With its warm wood paneling and nightly jazz, it’s a timeless sanctuary of refinement — the definition of Monaco glamour.

Artesian, The Langham London

A recurring winner among the world’s best bars, Artesian blends creativity with wit. Known for playful yet masterful cocktails, it continues to set the benchmark for London’s cocktail renaissance.

Scarfes Bar, Rosewood London

Named after British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, this bar feels like stepping into an illustrated dream. Guests sip beside shelves of books and live jazz, surrounded by art that seems to wink back at you.

Le Bar Botaniste, Shangri-La Paris

A floral masterpiece in motion, Le Bar Botaniste is inspired by the spirit of discovery. Each cocktail is infused with herbs, flowers, and Parisian allure — a toast to nature’s sophistication.

Ritz Bar, Ritz Paris

Steeped in history, Ritz Bar remains one of the most enchanting drinking destinations in Europe. Its cocktail craftsmanship and luxurious intimacy make it a must-visit for any connoisseur.

The Polo Bar, Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai

Glamorous and commanding, The Polo Bar pairs Arabian opulence with British charm. From rare whiskeys to signature martinis, it’s where global elites unwind under chandeliers.

Library Bar, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai

Soft lighting, plush textures, and a curated whiskey list — Library Bar feels like an escape from the city’s futuristic energy. It’s refined, discreet, and endlessly elegant.

Europe and the Middle East together claim over 20 of the world’s best hotel bars — from The Guards Bar at Raffles London to MO Bar, Geneva, each echoing a legacy of artistry and hospitality.

The Science of Sophistication: How Forbes Travel Guide Selects Star Bars

Every bar on this prestigious list was visited by Forbes Travel Guide’s anonymous inspectors, who assessed each venue across dozens of criteria — from presentation and service to ambiance and creativity.

Only the highest-scoring establishments earned the Star Bar designation, recognizing excellence in both beverage programs and guest experience. It’s a celebration not just of luxury, but of hospitality elevated to an art form.

London, Paris, and Dubai: The Capitals of Cocktail Culture

London led the 2025 list with seven winners, followed by Paris (five) and Dubai (four) — proof that Europe’s great cities remain the epicenters of cocktail innovation.
Whether it’s the timeless glamour of The Goring Cocktail Bar, the romance of Le Royal Monceau’s Le Bar Long, or the modern energy of Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Dubai, these cities continue to push boundaries in service and style.

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Crafting the Future of Luxury: A Global Toast

The world’s best hotel bars aren’t merely venues — they’re cultural crossroads. They bring together travelers, artists, and locals in a shared celebration of taste and design.
As Bastien Gardrat, Forbes Travel Guide’s Global Spirits Ambassador, notes:

“Sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, and cocktails that are both skillfully crafted and creatively presented — these are the hallmarks of a true Star Bar.”

The 2025 lineup proves that hospitality is a living art — evolving, expressive, and deeply human. Whether high above the clouds or nestled by the sea, these bars remind us that luxury isn’t about excess — it’s about experience.

Here are the Star Bars for 2025

33 North at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Orange County

1826 Tequila Bar at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

The Bar at Auberge du Soleil, Napa

The Bar at Baccarat Hotel New York

The Bar & Lounge at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary, North Carolina

Carlotta Reforma at The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City

Cocina del Mar Bar at Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, Los Cabos

CUT bar at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

▼ King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York

Europe, Middle East, Africa

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Armani/Bamboo Bar at Armani Hotel Milano

Artesian Bar at The Langham, London

Bulgari Bar at Bulgari Resort and Residences Dubai

The Goring Cocktail Bar at The Goring, London

The Guards Bar and Lounge at Raffles London at The OWO

The LaLee at The Cadogan, London

Le Bar at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

Le Bar Américain at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Le Bar Botaniste at Shangri-La Paris

Le Bar Long at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris

▼ Le Fumoir at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Les Ambassadeurs at Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

Library Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Mandarin Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London

Manhattan Lounge at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

Newman’s Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, Germany

Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre

The Pine Bar at The Biltmore Mayfair, London

Pinzelada Lounge at Bless Hotel Madrid

▼ The Polo Bar at Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai

Ritz Bar at Ritz Paris

Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London

St. Regis Bar at The St. Regis Venic
Scarfes Bar (Rosewood London)
St. Regis Bar (The St. Regis Venice)

In an era when travel is defined by connection, these 58 hotel bars stand as sanctuaries of craftsmanship and culture. From the jazz echoes of Monte Carlo to the skyline vistas of Philadelphia, they celebrate what luxury truly means — not just indulgence, but intimacy, artistry, and the timeless pleasure of a perfectly made drink.