Life> Travel

Travel Picks: Top 10 hotel bars

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-09-20 09:17

After a long day sightseeing or working, it is comforting for guests to know that they can simply retire to their hotel bar for a drink, and reflect on the day's experiences. From New York to London, Hotels.com has untapped the secret of the world's top ten hotel bars.

Bar: Blue Bar on 36

Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, Australia, 5* Blue Bar, on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, is one of the top cocktail bars in Sydney. With uninterrupted views spanning Sydney Harbour and up to the Blue Mountains, this intimate and stylish bar is perfect for a memorable Sydney experience.

Bar: Bellini Bar Hotel: Hilton Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Named after the "Bellini" cocktail created in 1948 at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, the Bellini Bar is a favorite among New Zealand's stylish set. The bar, with its striking interior and floor-to-ceiling windows, has expansive views over Auckland's Waitemata harbour.

Bar: Skyview Bar

Hotel: Burj Al Arab, Dubai, 5* Spending the night at the Burj Al Arab may be out of reach for many, but experiencing the extravagance is still possible by visiting the Skyview Bar. Suspended 200 meters above sea level on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab, many say the spectacular views make the pricey drinks worth every penny.

Bar: Galaxy Bar

Hotel: The Hilton Athens, Greece, 5* It's easy to understand why Greek celebrities frequent the roof-top Galaxy Bar at the recently revamped Hilton Athens, with its relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere and majestic views over the Acropolis. Located on the hotel's rooftop 13th floor, on a clear day, guests can see as far as the island of Aegina.

Bar: La Purificadora Bar

Hotel: La Purificadora Hotel, Mexico, 4* The Hotel La Purificadora is a swanky upscale hotel in Puebla, Mexico, built from the wreckage of a 19th century water-bottling factory. The rooftop bar runs parallel to a long glass-walled lap pool so guests can watch swimmers pass them by as well as take in views of the city. Once the sun sets, the bar is one of the hottest nightspots in Puebla.

Bar: New York Bar

Hotel: Park Hyatt Tokyo, Japan, 5* The New York Bar is located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Tokyo, an ear-popping 235 meters (yards) up in the air. Remarkably, on a clear day guests can see all the way to Mount Fujiyama. The stunning bar is known for its live music and is frequented by top international jazz stars.

Bar: The Artesian Bar

Hotel: The Langham Hotel, London, UK, 5* The Langham Hotel's Artesian Bar was named after the 360-foot artesian well under the hotel which originally supplied all the fresh water for the guests. Opened in 2007, the bar features unique interiors which mix Orientalism with romantic Victorian influences. The hotel has a tempting cocktail menu with a tasting option for those who cannot decide.

Bar: M Bar

Hotel: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5* Sample a variety of 'Mo' themed cocktails and Chinese tapas at the Mandarin Oriental's famous M Bar. Located on the 25th floor of the hotel, the M Bar has impressive views over Victoria Harbour as well as a lotus bud-shaped bar and is a favorite among tourists and locals.

Bar: The Penthouse

Hotel: ME Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 4* The Penthouse is located on the roof of the ME Madrid, once a traditional bullfighting hotel. The popular bar was created by Scott and Rande Gerber (Cindy Crawford's husband), and possesses impressive views of Madrid from its rooftop terrace location. Guests are whisked up via private elevator to The Penthouse, where they can relax in the comfortable lounges and day beds and take in the amazing view of Plaza Santa Ana.

Bar: Bascule whisky, wine & cocktail bar

Hotel: Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa, 5* Bascule whisky, wine & cocktail bar is located right on the water's edge of Cape Town's international yacht marina. There are over 400 whiskies from around the world and an impressive selection of the finest Cape wines on offer, by day or by night.