Drinking in Style: The 5 Most Design-Forward & Inviting Hotel Bars in the World

Just because you can’t afford to stay in a luxury hotel, doesn’t mean you can’t swing by and drink in one. Some of the best hotels in the world are also known for having some of the most design-forward and inviting bars in the world. And while we love sports bars and dive bars almost any night of the week (or every night of the week, really), every once in a while we get the urge to get dolled up in our Sears Collection threads and see what kind of trouble we can get into amongst the socialites, jet-setters and glitterati of the world. The following is a round up of the 5 Most Design-Forward & Inviting Hotel Bars in the World:

5) Connaught Bar at the Connaught, London

If black marble, exotic leathers and glimmering silver accents don’t turn you on, then what does? Brazen in its opulence, this elegant parlor bar takes luxury drinking to a whole new level while catering to well-heeled clientele that include famous entertainers, politicians and sports figures. Sip a Julep laced with herbal Fernet-Branca, while taking in the sex-appeal oozing atmosphere. (the-connaught.co.uk)

4) Redwood Room at Clift, San Francisco

It comes as no surprise that someone would build a bar in Northern California made from the abundant redwood; that it would turn out as stunning as it did here is what’s hard to believe. Copious amounts of redwood paneling and a vast bar stretching across the room make a striking first impression. As the night wears on, it’s impossible not to slip into a state of relaxation in this dark haunt. Ironically, a “green” clientele flocks to this swanky joint to take in the hip digital art and a modernish towering wall of booze bottles. Buck the trendsetters and go old-school by ordering a Pisco Sour – a drink that was extremely popular in San Francisco in the mid-1800’s. (clifthotel.com)

3) Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles

No, we’re not talking about the Valley boy-magnet, Bar Marmont, situated next door; we actually mean the hotel proper. A vast patio, designed in the Old Hollywood style and lush with well-groomed greenery, is easily the best place in the city to have a drink. The place was good enough for Jim Morrison to jump from a room window so it’s definitely good enough for you. While you’re here, drink a Hollywood with vodka, black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. (chateaumarmont.com)

2) Grotto Bar at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui

So in this particular instance, you need a key card to access the bar. But if you were ever going to splurge on a luxury hotel, this would be the one at which to do it. Grotto Bar – a bonafide swim-up bar – is designed as a dim cave enclosed by dual waterfalls. This is a decidedly adult venue that is perfect for sipping cocktails, flirting and slipping that cute guy or girl that aforementioned key card. Enjoy an ice-cold Piña Colada while you’re here. (maui.hyatt.com)

1) Rock Bar at Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali

If for no other reason than the fact that you have to ride a special cable car down a dramatic cliff face to get to this brilliantly engineered bar perched just 46 feet above the Indian Ocean, this is the coolest and most design-forward hotel bar in the world. Once you have arrived, it only gets better as bartenders pour imaginative cocktails and DJs crank out the beats from a booth made from carved stone. Drink a Sex on the Beach here and if that doesn’t do the trick, try a Screaming Orgasm. (ayanaresort.com/rockbarbali/wp/)

Life is usually pretty boring. That’s why we at Styleture have taken the time to put together this list of the most exotic and design-forward hotel bars in the world. Don’t let our efforts go to waste. Book your flight and go!