15 Best Hotel Bars In New York City [December 2024]

New York is truly home to some of the world’s trendiest and most fabulous hotels. With its remarkably cushy rooms, world-class restaurants, and Instagrammable lobbies, the top hotels in New York are more than just a place to crash for weary travelers.

The truth is, these hubs are destinations on their own, full of colors and surprises for everyone. In fact, every premier New York hotel has its own hip bar scene to lure both travelers and locals.

Wondering where to go in New York for fine wines, stunning city panoramas, historical connections, and signature cocktails? Then, make sure to check out this list of the hotel bars in New York City.

#1 – King Cole Bar – St. Regis New York

• Elegant and historic ambiance
• Stunning murals
• The birthplace of Bloody Mary

Founded by John Jacob Astor IV over a hundred years ago, this world-famous hotel recreates the glamor and charm of a bygone era at the most elegant address in Manhattan.

And, downtown chic meets the sophistication of uptown New York at the celebrated King Cole Bar and Salon – the most iconic meeting place in Manhattan.

The menu and drinks at King Cole Bar are tailored for the social elite of the Big Apple as well as to the new generation of classy, luxury travelers.

A must-try here is its renowned Bloody Mary, which was invented at this bar in 1934 by Fernand Petiot.

 

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#2 – JIMMY – The James Hotel

• Sweeping city views
• Modern pub interpretation
• Comfortable and relaxing interiors

Located perfectly on the 18th floor of the James Hotel, JIMMY boasts some of the most breathtaking bird’s eye views of the vibrant metropolis. With a sleek, sexy, and stylish interior, this trendy New York bar exudes a retro 70s-ish ambiance with modern pub touches.

What’s more, it offers a smorgasbord of delightful cocktails to its patrons, including the “Grapes of Wrath” and the pumpkin margarita.

And, it is absolutely a cozy bar to chill and lounge in during winter or summer, thanks to its inviting and warm interiors.

 

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#3 – The Jane Rooftop – The Jane Hotel

• Open from Thursday to Sunday
• Unique cocktail menu

They don’t call Jane Rooftop as one of the best hotel bars in New York for nothing. Overlooking the beloved Hudson River, this 70-person bar will sweep you into bliss with its stunning city views.

Moreover, it has a picture-perfect indoor space as well as an indoor, octagonal room embellished with gorgeous antique furniture, exuding the space’s famed bohemian atmosphere.

Of course, the bar has a diverse and unique array of cocktails, such as the heavenly white peach and lavender bellini.

 

#4 – The Press Lounge – Ink48 Hotel

• Pricey but super delicious cocktails
• Outstanding city views

Perched atop NYC, the Press Lounge rewards patrons with striking views of the Hudson River and Manhattan. For years, it has won awards and accolades with its unrivaled service, magnificent vistas, and top-notch offerings.

As a matter of fact, it’s often named and awarded as New York’s most exquisite rooftop bar.

Aside from its impressive views, the bar also has an impressive selection of cocktails, making it a favorite among NYC locals who are looking to impress their dates or clients.

While the drinks are poured and served for a premium price, they are totally worth every penny.

 

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#5 – Westlight – The William Vale Hotel

• Best views of Manhattan’s skyline
• Near New York attractions
• Design is pretty remarkable

Swanky and chic, the Westlight is hands down one of the best hotel bars in New York City. Although it will cost you some money to pass the time at this bar, you’re just not paying for the drinks but for the awe-inspiring aesthetics as well.

Truthfully, only a handful of the best hotel bars in New York city can rival the gorgeous views from this drinking oasis.

As a bonus, it is a short walk away from a few New York attractions, including The Williamsburg Bridge.

 

#6 – Raines Law Room – The William

• Delicious and extraordinary cocktails
• Sophisticated ambiance

Even though its original version is in Chelsea, some think NYC’s version of Raines Law Room is a tad better. As you step inside the bar, you’ll feel like you’re in a sophisticated Victorian parlor.

But, once you take an up-close look at its wallpaper, you’ll soon discover a rather raunchy surprise.

Raines is spearheaded by one of the world’s top and most talented bartenders – Meaghan Dorman. So, expect some creative takes on your favorite classic cocktails, as well as some perfectly executed new experiments.

 

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#7 – The Crosby Bar – Crosby Street Hotel

• Inventive and delicious cocktails
• Mouth-watering bar food
• Comfortable indoor space

The Crosby Bar is a favorite and a go-to spot for New Yorkers in the know. Not only does it serve dinner, lunch, and breakfast, but it offers splendid cocktails as well.

Located in SoHo, it’s a homey and snug bar that kicks it up a couple of notches at night with inventive and delicious cocktails.

The food menu at the bar is one of the city’s best, with plenty of reasonably-priced options available.

And, it’s an excellent spot to chill after a day of touring in New York since it’s conveniently located near a few noteworthy sites. Places like the Washington Square Park and The Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral are within walking distance from the hotel.

 

#8 – The Gordon Bar – SIXTY SoHo Hotel

• Mouth-watering Italian dishes
• An impressive selection of cocktails
• A celebrity’s favorite in NYC

Operated by Mercer Street Hospitality, this lounge and bar exude an uptown feel in the heart of downtown New York.

It’s one of top spots for locals in the area for late-night hangouts and after-work drinks, thanks to its laid-back ambiance. Nestled in the posh SIXTY SoHo Hotel, the Gordon Bar offers house and classic cocktails as well as boasts an exceptional Italian menu.

Even better, it’s a terrific place to do a little people watching, especially since celebrities often drop by here.

 

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#9 – NoMad Bar – NoMad Hotel

• A wide array of cocktails
• Hearty and savory bar bites
• Sleek library vibes

Hotel bars in New York City are nothing new, but the NoMad Bar takes it up a whole new level. This swanky bar mirrors the fabulous design of the hotel, with its dark wood as well as posh leather seats that make you feel like you’re chilling in a finely aged library.

The menu is a little low key, with bar goodies like tasty dry-aged burgers and meaty hot dogs wonderfully topped with truffles.

And, while there, don’t forget to check out one of the bar’s renowned cocktails.

 

#10 – The Rum House – The Hotel Edison

• NYC’s best piano bar
• Incredible rum selection
• Decent bar food and cocktails

Rum House is a famous piano bar that seems like a world apart from the surrounding Times Square. Perfect for a relaxing night out, this bar is timeless, simple, low-key, and of course, cozy.

Besides its extensive rum selection, the bar also has remarkable live music and offers extremely delightful cocktails.

 

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#11 – Mr. Purple – Hotel Indigo

• Has a rooftop pool
• Amazingly spectacular city views

Mr. Purple is a posh place that has all the ingredients of a top and must-visit hotel bar in NYC. Nestled in Hotel Indigo, this sprawling spot is complete with mesmerizing views of New York’s downtown scene, a couple of roof deck terraces, and even a pool.

The hotel bar has a minimalist design, just allowing the spectacular view to speak for itself. Not to mention, it’s close to a bunch of attractions, like Tenement Museum and Economy Candy, making it the perfect night spot after a day of sightseeing in New York.

 

#12 – The Lobby Bar – Ace Hotel New York

• Serves coffee, cocktails, and beer
• Upbeat and trendy DJ music
• Best for people-watching

Watching people alone makes the Lobby Bar at Ace Hotel New York worth a pit stop. The versatile and roomy space functions as a busy office for NYC’s creative and hip types during the day.

When nighttime comes, flocks of fashionable visitors and New Yorkers come here to mingle as well as enjoy the upbeat music courtesy of some rotating DJs.

Besides its amazingly affordable beer and cocktails, the bar serves Stumptown coffee as well.

With a plethora of cool offerings, you definitely won’t get bored inside The Lobby Bar.

 

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#13 – Rose Bar – Gramercy Park Hotel

• Reservations are up to 9 PM
• Tons of visually appealing art
• Luxurious and posh ambiance

With its velvet chairs, checkered floor, grand chandelier, and high ceiling, this stylish bar is a work of art in itself. And, with the curated works of Julian Schnable adorning its walls, the bar is really a dream come true for Instagram junkies.

Additionally, it has an easygoing and romantic vibe, making it a perfect date spot. Just be ready to pay a slightly hefty price for their cocktails.

 

#14 – The Bar Room – The Beekman

• Classy vintage interiors
• Financial District’s hottest bar
• Temping classic cocktails

Downtown hotel bars in New York City are fighting to be today’s hottest nightlife destination. The Bar Room in the Financial District, on the other hand, is a drinking paradise with barely any competition.

Unlike other rooftop bars in New York, the Bar Room doesn’t have gorgeous overlooking views. Even so, it will enthrall guests with its delicious classic cocktails that blend perfectly with the bar’s vintage, literary decor.

 

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#15 – Bemelmans Bar – the Carlyle

• Iconic and mind-blowing Martinis
• One of NYC’s historic bars
• Vintage and classy vibes

The Bemelmans Bar tucked away inside the historic Carlyle, is a veritable institution in NYC. In 1947, Ludwig Bemelmans, known for his children’s book illustrations, painted the hotel’s eccentric murals in exchange for a year and a half’s worth of accommodations.

Ever since then, the Bemelmans Bar has been hosting visiting royals, politicians, socialites, and A-listers.

And, by the way, their Martinis are as iconic and legendary as the beguiling bar itself.

 

Want to add something on our list of the best hotel bars in New York City? Just feel free to share your suggestions and thoughts on our comment section.

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