USA TODAY 10Best
Best Hotel Bar? Check out The Sazarac Bar in New Orleans
Best Hotel Bar (2022)
Pull up a stool, and look over our list of the 10 Best Hotel Bars. These hotel bars have a great ambiance, stellar mixologists, signature cocktails, food menus, and happy hours, and at most of them, you don't have to be a guest to enjoy.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Hotel Bar are as follows:
Photo courtesy of The Wort Hotel
No. 10: Silver Dollar Bar - The Wort Hotel - Jackson, Wyoming
Located in the historic Wort Hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Silver Dollar Bar is a favorite with locals and hotel guests alike. Taking its name from the 1921 Morgan silver dollars inlaid in the bar surface, this unique establishment provides a taste of the old west with live music, daily specials, and the best nightlife in town. With outdoor seating, signature menu items like elk gyros, and unique cocktails, there’s no better place to people-watch and experience the history and tradition of Jackson Hole.
Photo courtesy of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
No. 9: Beachhouse - Moana Surfrider - Honolulu, Hawaii
Expert Kyle McCarthy supports her nomination of this picturesque patio bar, "There is nothing more sublime than a sunset drink at this beachfront bar, where a century-old banyan tree frames the view."
Photo courtesy of Courtesy of McMenamins/Kat Nyberg
No. 8: McMenamins - Mcmenamins Kennedy School Hotel - Portland, Oregon
Set in a repurposed elementary school, this hotel echoes Portland's quirky vibe with several unique drink options. Choose from the Honors Bar with ales and cider on tap, the Theater Bar for drinks and a quick bite before a movie, the multi-level Boiler Room for pizza and a beer, or the Detention Hall for a fine single malt or whiskey.
Photo courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
No. 7: Mai Tai Bar - The Royal Hawaiian Resort - Honolulu, Hawaii
Guests at the Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian enjoy tropical umbrella drinks within a few steps of Waikiki Beach. The outdoor space hosts live music by Hawaiian musicians every evening.
Photo courtesy of Baccarat Hotel
No. 6: The Bar at Baccarat Hotel - Baccarat Hotel - New York, New York
The Bar at New York’s Baccarat Hotel takes inspiration from American long bars of the past, paired with glamorous details from the ballrooms of French hotels, including barrel vaulting and crystal chandeliers. The crimson and merlot-colored space sets the scene for wine and craft cocktails, served in Baccarat crystal.
Photo courtesy of Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
No. 5: Round Robin Bar - Willard InterContinental - Washington, D.C.
The iconic Round Robin Bar has been quenching the thirst of capital movers and shakers since 1847. The space, with its circular bar and oak paneled walls, is best known for its mint julep. It is believed that Kentucky senator Henry Clay first introduced the capital city to the mint julep, now their signature drink, at this bar.
Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
No. 4: Elway's Downtown - Ritz-Carlton Denver - Denver, Colorado
Elway's Downtown in the Denver Ritz-Carlton Hotel prides itself on providing an approachable yet exceptional experience. Treat yourself at happy hour or dig in for a winemaker dinner. The bar selection includes a variety of Colorado craft beers, signature cocktails, and wines from California to New Zealand.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Bennett
No. 3: Camellias - Hotel Bennett - Charleston, South Carolina
Camellias, a champagne lounge at the Hotel Bennett in Charleston, gets its name from the its colorful namesake flower. Guests can order from an extensive list of bottles or by-the-glass selections, paired with a menu of ceviche, tartare and caviar. There’s also a champagne-inspired cocktail program for those who prefer something a bit different.
Photo courtesy of The Spectator Hotel
No. 2: The Bar at The Spectator Hotel - The Spectator Hotel - Charleston, South Carolina
The Prohibition-style bar at The Spectator Hotel serves up 1920s-inspired cocktails, served alongside a menu of equally sophisticated bar bites. Mixologist Allen Lancaster helms the cocktail program.
Photo courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans
No. 1: The Sazerac Bar - The Roosevelt New Orleans - New Orleans, Louisiana
Named after the world's first mixed drink (according to some), The Sazerac Bar has been quenching New Orleans's thirst for decades. Located within The Roosevelt New Orleans, this classic space features an African walnut bar and murals by Paul Ninas; it was once a popular haunt of politician Huey P. Long.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning hotels!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world on spa travel and a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. She transforms the idea of a regular spa day into a full wellness adventure! You can always find this freelance writer searching for unique experiences near and far. Follow her adventures at Spa Travel Gal and @SpaTravelGal to get inspired!
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world on spa travel and a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. She transforms the idea of a regular spa day into a full wellness adventure! You can always find this freelance writer searching for unique experiences near and far. Follow her adventures at Spa Travel Gal and @SpaTravelGal to get inspired!
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys–a chocolate vanilla imperial stout–geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys–a chocolate vanilla imperial stout–geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Lawrence Horwitz
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic... Read More
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Based in Washington DC, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, the official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, include more than 300 of America’s most prominent historic hotels and more than 300 of the finest historic hotels in 45 countries worldwide. As the leader in marketing to the global historic, heritage and cultural travel market, both programs include historic hotels from more than 40 of the finest global chains, brands, and collections. As active partners of organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, White House Historical Association, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Organization of American Historians, and National Park Foundation, Horwitz leads a global marketing and tourism organization dedicated to increasing the recognition and celebration of the finest historic hotels and to promoting cultural and heritage travel to the world’s greatest prestigious treasures.
Lawrence Horwitz
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Based in Washington DC, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, the official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, include more than 300 of America’s most prominent historic hotels and more than 300 of the finest historic hotels in 45 countries worldwide. As the leader in marketing to the global historic, heritage and cultural travel market, both programs include historic hotels from more than 40 of the finest global chains, brands, and collections. As active partners of organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, White House Historical Association, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Organization of American Historians, and National Park Foundation, Horwitz leads a global marketing and tourism organization dedicated to increasing the recognition and celebration of the finest historic hotels and to promoting cultural and heritage travel to the world’s greatest prestigious treasures.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.