Ah, the hotel bar. Some are mere lobby fixtures: convenient yet forgettable, and then there are the ones that become destinations unto themselves, serving up a sense of place along with an ice-cold martini or a frosty piña colada. As a travel writer, I’ve pulled up a seat at my fair share of stunners: the Schloss Bar at the Rosewood in Salzburg, the Connaught Bar in London, and Fifty Mils at the Four Seasons in Mexico City. These are the kinds of bars that travelers seek out—and locals return to again and again.
To spotlight a few of the world’s most memorable hotel bars, I tapped trusted advisors from Fora (including co-founder Henley Vazquez) for their personal favorites.
My Pick: Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, New York, NY
A gilded jewel box of old New York glamour, the walls of Bemelmans were hand-painted by Madeline illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. In the background, a pianist plays standards on a baby grand, while tuxedoed bartenders bring you ice cold martinis. It's like its own little universe, where everything is fabulous. A tip: Arrive early to snag a coveted table, as seating is first come, first served, and the bar fills quickly. Make sure to dress the part as well, leaning into the timeless elegance of it all.
Fora Co-Founder Henley Vazquez’s Pick: Treetop Bar, One&Only Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
“It’s small, feels like a magic garden perched up above the sea, and it has incredible views,” says Vazquez of her favorite hotel bar. “You almost can’t see it from the restaurant that’s nearby. It’s the perfect place for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail.” With panoramic views and a menu rooted in sustainability, this tucked-away bar is known for agave spirit cocktails that illustrate the flavors of Nayarit. Vazquez’s advice? Skip the menu, share your preferences with the bartender, and let them create something bespoke with locally sourced ingredients.
Fora Advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson’s Pick: Peponi’s in Lamu, Kenya
At the heart of the dreamy Swahili coast, the Peponi Hotel’s bar in Lamu overlooks the Indian Ocean. Jackson calls it her favorite for good reason, explaining that “it’s the heart and soul of its ‘neighborhood,’” and that everyone passes by at some point in the day, whether for a light lunch by the beach or for a dawa (Kenya’s signature honey-lime cocktail) at sunset. “Peponi sets the pace in Lamu. In our first few days, my son and I recovered from long-haul flights on the terrace, watching the waves. Outside on that sandstone terrace, under fragrant tellises of bougainvillea and a smattering of palm trees, we slowed way down.”
