By Gigi Starr
The Best Hotel Bars in New York City
City is rife with high-end hotels, and most of these have a super-trendy bar. However, only some of these nightspots make the cut among the trend-setters. Several leading area publications, including New York Magazine, rank hotel bars on a yearly basis. Some bars are consistently mentioned (like Bemelmens), while others are new concepts.
Cellar Bar
Located in the lower level of the swank Bryant Park Hotel, the Cellar Bar has long been a Manhattan hot spot. It was ranked Citysearch's Best Hotel Bar for 2008. Drink prices are normal for a popular boutique hotel bar, so expect to pay around $10 or more for a mixed drink. It can also get super crowded, so try to arrive unfashionably early in order to get a good spot by the bar.
Cellar Bar at Bryant Park Hotel
40 W. 40th St.
New York, New York 10018
(212) 642-2260
www.bryantparkhotel.com
Bemelmens Bar
The Carlyle Hotel's Bemelmens Bar is a classic in the tradition of cocktail dresses and dry martinis shaken, not stirred. Cited on the Forbes Best and Worst Hotel Bar list, Christina Valhouli states, "If you are looking for a civilized bar with white-jacketed waiters, a little Gershwin in the background and ice-cold martinis, then Bemelmans is your spot." This bar pulls in many of the Upper East Side's denizens--socialites, business people and fashionistas mingle in the midst of hand-painted murals, music from the grand piano, and classic wood fixtures.
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel
35 E. 76th St.
(212) 744-1600
www.thecarlyle.com/dine4.cfm
Bar at Grace Hotel
New York Magazine rates this combination bar and swim club as an Editor's Pick. Formerly known as QT Bar, hipsters can come in, purchase an American Apparel swimsuit, and chill in the underlit pool or sauna with the drink of their choice. The decor "amounts to a Park City spa in miniature with its blonde-wood walls and ceilings, pillow-dotted velveteen banquettes, and fluorescent amber glow," with exotic drinks and "Miami Vice" on the big screen. It's only open till 2 a.m. on the weekends, and 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, so get your night started early to join in the fun.
Bar at Grace Hotel
125 W. 45th St.
New York, New York 10036
(212) 380-2700
Rise Bar & Terrace
Hidden away in the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park is a 14th-story view of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Rated one of the best New York terrace bar views by Jacqueline Carnegie of Frommer's, she advises, "All of these bar/terraces can get very crowded on the weekends. Best to head up during the week; Monday night is usually a good bet." However, you won't get in if you're not on an event list, so be ready to finesse the door for this super-trendy treat.
Rise Bar & Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park
2 West St.
New York, NY 10004
(212) 344-0800
About the Author:
Gigi Starr is a freelance fashion writer. She previously served as the blog editor for a major online fashion blog and has more than a decade of backstage experience in the beauty and high fashion industries. She has worked for businesses like an internationally renowned theatrical touring company and events such as the Mercedes-Benz N.Y.C. Fashion Week.
Photo Credits:
2008 Rob inh00d / Creative Commons
