New York

Hotel Bars & Lounges in NYC

The best bars and lounges at New York's finest hotels worth drinking at. Great cocktails, better interiors, no room key required.

Browse Hotel Bars & Lounges

64 places at hotels — worth visiting whether you're staying or not.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go to a hotel bar in NYC without staying at the hotel?

Yes. Nearly every hotel bar in New York is open to the public. You walk in through the lobby like anyone else, and no one asks for a room key.

What are the most iconic hotel bars in New York?

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, the King Cole Bar at The St. Regis, and Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria are the classics. Newer rooms like The Portrait Bar at the Fifth Avenue Hotel have earned a place beside them.

Do NYC hotel bars have a dress code?

Most land at smart casual. The uptown classics like Bemelmans and the King Cole Bar expect a little polish; downtown hotel bars are more relaxed. When in doubt, skip the sneakers-and-shorts combination.

Do you need a reservation at a NYC hotel bar?

Many are walk-in only, which means a line at peak hours. Bemelmans famously queues from 5pm. Some rooms take reservations through Resy or OpenTable, so it's worth checking the bar's page before you go.