15+ Best Hotel Cocktail Bars in NYC for a Fancy Night Out (2025)
There’s something undeniably cool about drinking at a hotel bar. It feels a bit like you’re a character in a movie—sophisticated, mysterious, and probably on some fabulous adventure. Forget your usual neighborhood dive for a night; we’re talking about plush velvet seats, expertly crafted cocktails, and an ambiance that makes you feel like a million bucks. This is your ultimate guide to the best hotel cocktail bars in NYC, from timeless classics to sky-high rooftops with killer views.
Note: The city’s cocktail scene is always shaking things up. It’s a good idea to check the bar’s official website or Instagram for the latest on hours, reservation policies, and any dress codes before you go.
15+ Best Hotel Cocktail Bars in NYC
Midtown Classics: Old-School Glamour & Modern Luxury
This is the heart of classic New York, and these bars are some of the best hotel bars NYC has to offer.
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle
Stepping into Bemelmans is like stepping into a storybook. The walls are covered in the whimsical, one-of-a-kind murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the Madeline books. It’s charming, timeless, and serves up perfectly executed classic cocktails.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Classic Cocktails & Upscale Bar Bites
- Location: 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10075 (The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel)
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/bemelmansbar | (212) 744-1600
Pro Tip: There’s often live piano music in the evenings, which adds to the magical atmosphere. Be prepared for a cover charge after a certain time, and know there’s a dress code (smart casual).
The King Cole Bar at The St. Regis
This is a place of legend. The King Cole Bar is famously the birthplace of the Bloody Mary (originally called the “Red Snapper”). The vibe is pure old-world elegance, with a massive Maxfield Parrish mural behind the bar.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Classic Cocktails
- Location: 2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022 (The St. Regis New York)
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/stregisnewyork | (212) 753-4500
- Pro Tip: You absolutely have to order their signature Red Snapper. It’s a rite of passage for any cocktail lover in NYC.
The Bar at Baccarat Hotel
If you want to feel incredibly fancy, this is your spot. Dripping in crystals and shimmering with Baccarat glassware, this bar is the definition of opulence. The cocktails are as exquisite as the surroundings.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Craft Cocktails & Small Plates
- Location: 28 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 (Baccarat Hotel New York)
- Contact: http://baccarathotels.com | (212) 790-8867
- Pro Tip: This is one of the best cocktail bars NYC Midtown has, hands down. It’s a splurge, but perfect for a very special occasion. Dress to impress.
The Campbell
Okay, so it’s not technically a hotel bar, but this place inside Grand Central Terminal has the same grand, historic vibe. It’s the former office of a Jazz Age tycoon, with soaring ceilings and a massive stone fireplace. It’s an absolute stunner.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Classic Cocktails
- Location: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017 (Grand Central Terminal)
- Contact: http://thecampbellnyc.com | (917) 209-3440|info@thecampbellnyc.comÂ
- Pro Tip: It’s an amazing place to meet for a drink before catching a train, or just to soak in the incredible historic atmosphere.
The Lambs Club at The Chatwal
A sophisticated, art deco-style bar and lounge that feels straight out of old Hollywood. With its red leather banquettes and a grand fireplace, it’s a cozy yet glamorous spot for a classic cocktail.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Classic Cocktails & American Fare
- Location: 132 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 (The Chatwal)
- Contact: http://thelambsclub.com | (212) 997-5262
- Pro Tip: It’s located in the heart of the Theater District, making it the perfect spot for a stylish pre- or post-show drink.
Downtown Cool: Trendy & Intimate Spots
Looking for something with a bit more of a modern, edgy vibe? Head downtown.
The Ludlow Lobby Bar at The Ludlow Hotel
This is one of the coziest, coolest lobbies in the city. With its distressed leather sofas, huge fireplace, and beautiful adjacent garden patio, it feels like the living room of your incredibly chic downtown friend.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Craft Cocktails & Bar Bites
- Location: 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 (The Ludlow Hotel)
- Contact: http://ludlowhotel.com | (212) 432-1818 | info@ludlowhotel.comÂ
- Pro Tip: It’s a top pick on best hotel cocktail bars in nyc reddit threads for its amazing vibe. It can get crowded, so go early to snag a spot by the fire.
The Django at The Roxy Hotel
Head down the spiral staircase at The Roxy and you’ll find this subterranean jazz club. It’s designed to look like a Parisian boîte from the Jazz Age, with vaulted ceilings and a lively atmosphere.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Craft Cocktails
- Location: 2 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013 (The Roxy Hotel)
- Contact: http://thedjangonyc.com | (212) 519-6649
Pro Tip: This is one of the best bars in NYC for young adults who love live music. Check their schedule and book a table for a guaranteed great night out.
The Bar at The Bowery Hotel
A dimly lit, old-world bar with a gothic-chic vibe. It’s a popular spot for celebrity sightings and is filled with cozy velvet chairs and a crackling fireplace. It’s the definition of downtown cool.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Classic Cocktails
- Location: 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003 (The Bowery Hotel)
- Contact: http://theboweryhotel.com | +1 212-505-9100 | reservations@bohonyc.comÂ
- Pro Tip: The outdoor patio, The Bowery Terrace, is a beautiful, plant-filled oasis in the summer.
The Crosby Bar at The Crosby Street Hotel
A vibrant and colorful bar in the heart of SoHo. The decor is eclectic and artistic, with a beautiful private garden courtyard. It’s a bright and cheerful spot, perfect for a daytime cocktail or afternoon tea.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Cocktails & Modern American Food
- Location: 79 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012 (The Crosby Street Hotel)
- Contact: http://firmdalehotels.com | (212) 226-6400Â
- Pro Tip: Their afternoon tea service is fantastic and a bit of a hidden gem.
Rooftop Stunners: Cocktails with a View
These spots are easily some of the best rooftop bars Manhattan has to offer.
Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton Nomad
Located on the 50th floor, Nubeluz is a dazzling “lightbox in the sky” from Chef José Andrés. It offers spectacular 270-degree views of the city skyline in a super glamorous, modern setting.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Craft Cocktails & Luxe Small Plates
- Location: 25 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001 (The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad)
- Contact: http://nubeluzbyjose.com | (212) 804-9070 | guestrelations@joseandres.comÂ
- Pro Tip: Reservations are essential and can be hard to get. Book as far in advance as possible for a sunset time slot.
Salon de Ning at The Peninsula
A chic and sophisticated rooftop bar with two outdoor terraces and a cozy, 1930s Shanghai-inspired interior. It offers stunning views down Fifth Avenue and feels like a glamorous escape from the city below.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Cocktails & Asian-inspired Bites
- Location: 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (The Peninsula New York)
- Contact: http://peninsula.com | (212) 956-2888
- Pro Tip: It’s a fantastic spot for a special occasion. The east terrace has a more relaxed, loungey feel, while the west terrace is perfect for catching the sunset.
Daintree at Hotel Hendricks
An intimate rooftop bar with an Aussie-meets-NYC vibe. The main draw is its absolutely killer, straight-on view of the Empire State Building from its outdoor terrace. It’s an unbeatable photo op.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Cocktails & Australian-Asian Bites
- Location: 25 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 (Hotel Hendricks)
- Contact: http://daintreenyc.com | (332) 333-3181Â
- Pro Tip: Good for: That perfect Empire State Building selfie. It’s a smaller space, so it feels more intimate than some of the mega-rooftops.
Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric Times Square
Perched high above the chaos of Times Square, Bar 54 is one of the city’s tallest rooftop lounges. It offers incredible views of the Chrysler Building and the Hudson River, making you feel worlds away from the crowds below.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Cocktails & Small Plates
- Location: 135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 (Hyatt Centric Times Square)
- Contact: http://hyatt.com | (646) 364-1234
- Pro Tip: They have cozy indoor seating with floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a great year-round rooftop option, even in the winter.
More Greats Worth the Visit
The Blue Bar at The Algonquin Hotel
Step into a piece of literary history. The Algonquin was the famous meeting place of the “Round Table,” a group of witty writers in the 1920s. The Blue Bar has a moody, historic vibe and serves up classic, no-fuss cocktails.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Classic Cocktails
- Location: 59 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 (The Algonquin Hotel)
- Contact: http://algonquinhotel.com | +1 212-840-6800Â
- Pro Tip: It’s a must-visit for any literature or history buff. You can almost feel the ghosts of Dorothy Parker and her friends.
The Gold Room at the Lotte New York Palace
This place is pure Gilded Age extravagance. Located in the historic Villard Mansion part of the hotel, The Gold Room is an ornate, glittering space that will make your jaw drop.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Wine, Champagne, & Cocktails
- Location: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022 (Lotte New York Palace)
- Contact: http://lottenypalace.com | +1 212-888-7000Â
- Pro Tip: It’s not open every day, often just on weekends. Check their hours before you go. It’s the perfect place for a glass of champagne to feel like royalty.
Little Sister Lounge at Moxy East Village
Hidden away in the Moxy East Village, this subterranean lounge has a super cool, speakeasy vibe. The decor is dark and mysterious, with a DJ spinning vinyl, making it one of the best cocktail bars in NYC for young adults.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Craft Cocktails
- Location: 112 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003 (Moxy East Village)
- Contact: https://moxyeastvillage.com/little-sister-lounge | +1 212-888-1095Â
- Pro Tip: It gets very busy and club-like later in the night on weekends. Go earlier in the evening for a more relaxed lounge experience.
No matter your vibe, this list of the best cocktail bars Manhattan has to offer is your ticket to a perfect night out. Cheers.
Want to Take Your Drinks to Even Greater Heights?
If you’re all about those skyline views, you’re in the right place. Check out our dedicated guide to the Top Rooftop Bars In New York City With The Best Skyline Views for even more amazing options.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, details such as operating hours, prices, and dress codes are subject to change. Please verify all information with the official venues or organizers before making any plans.
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