Hotel Bars Are Back: A Modern Cocktail Renaissance
Italians are rediscovering hotel bars. A trend that’s been quietly gaining momentum: after decades when hotel bars were primarily frequented by guests, these spaces are now drawing a broader clientele.
It’s a small cultural revolution, especially in Italy. Until the 1960s, the most prestigious hotel bars were the real temples of cocktail culture. Legendary bartenders ruled here, service was impeccable, and the experience of drinking was elevated to an art form.
For decades, however, hotel bars were largely ignored. Formality—sometimes bordering on stuffy—combined with hotels focusing on other amenities like spas, gyms, and restaurants, made them feel less appealing.
A Historical Toast
The influence of hotel bars on drinking culture has been enormous. Once exclusive to elites, they began to open up in the 2000s, becoming more inclusive and accessible. From London to Singapore, to Canada, modern hotel bars are redefining what it means to socialize over a drink.
The “Golden Age” of hotel bars, between 1860 and the start of Prohibition in the U.S., gave birth to many classic cocktails still enjoyed today. Fast forward to the early 2000s: bars like Sasha Petraske’s Milk & Honey in New York triggered a global renaissance, inspiring a new wave of innovative hotel bars worldwide.
From London to Singapore
Take the Connaught Bar in London, opened in 2008 and led by Agostino Perrone. With its iconic Martini Trolley and artisanal bitters, Connaught balances old-school elegance with interactive service. Perrone’s secret? Making every guest feel involved: personalized cocktails, custom mixers, even bespoke ice and notes accompanying drinks—all designed to create a connection.
Then there’s the Artesian at the Langham Hotel, where Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale redefined hotel cocktails between 2012 and 2016. Forget the “boring hotel bar.” Signature drinks came with playful presentations—like a Piña Colada served via a slushie machine—and earned the Artesian four consecutive spots in The World’s 50 Best Bars.
In 2014, Ryan Chetiyawardana opened Dandelyan (now Lyaness) at London’s Sea Containers Hotel, turning the traditional luxury hotel bar on its head. A botanically inspired menu, DJs spinning hip hop, and an approachable vibe created a “neighborhood bar in a five-star environment.”
Not to forget London’s historic Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel, dating back to 1837. With Salvatore Calabrese at the helm, it’s elegant yet informal, welcoming guests regardless of their status—a design choice that makes everyone feel at home.
Asia and Beyond
From London, the modern hotel bar movement spread globally. Singapore, for instance, has become a hub of cocktail culture. The city hosts Bar Convent Berlin spin-offs, Tales of the Cocktail events, and the World’s 50 Best Bars gala.
Proof & Company, co-founded by Paul Gabie and Spencer Forhart, launched Singapore’s Manhattan Bar at the Regent Four Seasons in 2014. Inspired by New York’s cocktail scene, it’s now an independent-feeling destination, complete with the world’s first Solera-aged cocktails and a lively Sunday brunch. The concept proved so successful that it sparked a hotel bar boom in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Even in Canada, location matters. Edmonton’s JW Marriott in the ICE District leverages proximity to Rogers Place arena to attract locals and visitors alike. Their Alchemy Bar combines craft cocktails with a heated patio overlooking the bustling district—a mix of sophistication and approachability.
The Modern Hotel Bar
Today, hotel bars are thriving like never before. They stand out for their strong sense of identity, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and a commitment to high-quality craft. Over the past 15 years, they have experienced a remarkable resurgence, with some of the most exciting and innovative bars now located within hotels around the world. The message is clear: a hotel bar is no longer just a convenience for guests—it has become a destination in its own right, a place where creativity, socializing, and exceptional cocktails come together.
The Orientalist – The New House Of Nine Cocktail Bar
At The Orientalist, every cocktail tells a story. It’s a place where memories, symbols, and timeless journeys converge, offering guests a chance to relive past adventures or create new ones. Guided by our talented bartender Leonardo Polvani, each drink becomes a portal to far-off or imagined destinations, awakening the senses, especially taste and smell.
Born in Kenya and shaped by experiences in the experimental nightlife of Tenerife, the eclectic energy of Berlin, and the vibrant clubs of Portugal, Leonardo pours his passion for travel into every glass. Here, the world unfolds in your hands, transporting you across continents and cultures… all while you remain comfortably seated. Every sip is a story, every aroma a memory, and every cocktail a journey.
This November 8th, join us for a night of Paolo Conte’s timeless music with Gabriele Mori & The Monkeys. 🎶
✨ Special guest: one of the world’s top 100 bartenders from the award-winning Moonshiner Cocktail Bar, Paris, shaking up exclusive cocktails to celebrate Top 500 Bars Week in collaboration with Jameson.
🍴 Dinner & Live Show | 🎤 Show starts 10:30 PM | 📍 Daisy’s, Florence
