From San Francisco to Seoul, 58 outstanding hotel bars have been recognized for their exceptional cocktails, striking design, and top-tier service.
Hotel bars have evolved into destinations themselves. The best ones offer a familiar yet unique atmosphere. They provide a relaxing spot for tired travelers, a lively start for an exciting night out, or simply the elegance of a perfectly made cocktail.
For the first time, Forbes Travel Guide has introduced the Star Bars list for 2025. This list honors the world’s most remarkable hotel bar experiences. Classic favorites like Le Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in Monaco have been delighting guests since the 1930s. Its jazzy vibe and nightly music have attracted famous visitors, from Josephine Baker to Lady Gaga. Newer additions include the BKK Social Club at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. This bar connects Asia with the Americas by offering Mexico-inspired drinks in a stunning Art Nouveau setting that recalls Buenos Aires.
The list also features spectacular sky bars, such as SkyHigh on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and the Lounge & Bar on the 102nd floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. Unique spots like Rosewood London’s Scarfes Bar draw inspiration from English caricaturist Gerald Scarfe’s artwork. Meanwhile, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa’s Library by the Sea in Grand Cayman offers creative cocktails inspired by famous literary works.
This year, Forbes Travel Guide honored 58 bars to mark its 65th anniversary since launching as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958. Expert inspectors visited each bar multiple times without revealing their identity. Winners were chosen based on detailed data collected for FTG’s 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings. The bars scored highest in beverage quality, presentation, seamless service, and overall guest experience. The focus was on hotel bars open to the public.
London led the list with seven honored bars, followed by Paris with five and Dubai with four. In terms of hotel brands, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts secured eight spots. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company each earned five winners.
“These awards highlight sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, artfully curated wine lists, and cocktails that are skillfully crafted and creatively presented,” said Bastien Gardrat, Forbes Travel Guide’s Global Spirits Ambassador. “These elements come together to create an unforgettable hotel bar experience.”
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