The Best Hotel Bars In New York City

Let’s face it, New York City is home to some of the trendiest hotels, all replete with Instagram-worthy lobbies, restaurants, and rooms. These hotels are more than just a place for weary travelers to rest their heads; they’re whole destinations unto themselves. As any savvy New Yorker knows, these hotels are the places to see and be seen. Each has its own bar scene hip enough to attract locals and travelers alike, so check out our guide to our favorite must-try hotel bars.

1. Mr. Purple, Hotel Indigo

Bar, Restaurant, American

On the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo is the posh Mr. Purple bar and restaurant. This sprawling space is complete with two roof deck terraces, views of NYC’s downtown scene, and a pool. The design is minimal, allowing the gorgeous views to speak for themselves. Design firm Crème Design fell in love with the space for good reason, and wants both locals and travelers to enjoy the golden ambiance. Hotel Indigo is located on the Lower East Side, and attracts a young, hip crowd on weekend nights. Come in and enjoy their signature cocktails, and street-food style bar food.

2. JIMMY at The James Hotel

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Contemporary

JIMMY at the James Hotel boasts some of the best panoramic views the city has to offer. With an interior that’s both sexy and sleek, this bar induces a 70s vibe with a modern pub twist. It’s nestled right atop the SoHo skyline, with a spacious deck and comfortable seating area that’s a feast for the eyes. It’s ever-bustling with lively patrons enjoying cocktails like the pumpkin margarita and the ‘Grapes of Wrath’. The bar is perfect to lounge in during the summer or winter, as its interior is both warm and inviting with huge, floor-to-ceiling windows to peer out from. Plus, there’s a fireplace to cozy up next to when nights get too cold to mosey over to another SoHo hotspot.

The Jane Rooftop, The Jane Hotel

Overlooking the Hudson River is the Jane Hotel’s rooftop bar, The Jane Rooftop. It’s a 70-person space with an outdoor terrace and an octagonal indoor room adorned with antique furniture, evoking the space’s famous bohemian vibes. It’s open Thursdays through Sundays but can book up quickly, so plan ahead with your friends. The cocktail menu features eight options, including the delicious lavender and white peach bellini.

The Jane Rooftop, 113 Jane Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 924 6700

3. The Ides Bar, The Wythe Hotel

Bar, Restaurant, American

The Ides Bar is a sleek rooftop establishment located inside Williamsburg’s Wythe Hotel that draws hoards of customers, both local residents and visitors alike. It has an unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline, ample seating at the bar, and in the stylish red banquettes suitable for eating. The bar is operated by Andrew Tarlow, who runs the Reynards restaurant downstairs, and serves an eclectic mix of cocktails. It’s a perfect late-night hang, but come early because there’s usually a crowd lined up outside starting at around 10pm.

4. The Crosby Bar, Crosby Street Hotel

Bar, American

The Crosby Bar is a staple go-to for those downtown locals in the know. It’s open daily from 7am through 1am, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and most importantly, cocktails! The venue is located in the heart of SoHo, and the bar spans the entire hotel’s ground floor. It’s a comfortable, homey spot that kicks it up a notch at night with delicious, inventive cocktails. The bar food menu is one of the best in town, with moderately-priced options to choose from. Whatever you’re into, this SoHo bar will surely please both the palate and the eyes.

5. The Gordon Bar, SIXTY SoHo Hotel

Bar, Cocktail Bar, American

The Gordon Bar, a bar and lounge operated by John McDonald and Mercer Street Hospitality, exudes an uptown feel in its downtown location. It’s the go-to bar for people in the area for after-work drinks or late-night hangs, and its patrons love its laid-back vibe and living room-style ambiance. Located in the ever-swanky SIXTY SoHo Hotel, this bar serves up classic and house cocktails, plus an impressive Italian-influenced menu. The lounge is also perfect for people-watching, since celebrities are known to hang out there during their stay.

6. Rose Bar, Gramercy Park Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Inside the historic and boutiquey Gramercy Park Hotel is the exclusive Rose Bar, a cool kids’ playground located in the heart of the Flatiron District. It’s a grand space with impressively high ceilings, and an equally impressive clientele. The bar features a one-of-a-kind billiards table, artwork by top 20th century artists, and beautiful, customized furniture. Its dark, sultry, velvety atmosphere is both lavish and comfortable, and the cocktails are equally as chic. This is one hotel bar you won’t forget.

7. Forty Four, Royalton Hotel

Bar, Pub Grub

The Forty Four bar at the Royalton hotel is a popular hangout for the elite Midtown crowd during the day, and kicks things up a notch at night. It’s a sleek space located in the hotel’s lobby, that offers inventive cocktails and a delicious seasonal food menu. The bar is run by the Cocktail Collective, an all-star team of bartenders who dish out well-curated ‘classic’ and ‘original’ drinks. It’s a place to see and be seen, so sink into any one of their plush leather couches and stay awhile.

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