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Around the globe, certain hotel bars have become destinations in their own right. You can’t pass by a St. Regis without popping in to try a Bloody Mary (every property around the globe has its own version), nor can you miss sipping on a Singapore Sling at Raffles.
Now, Forbes Travel Guide is elevating even more watering holes to the “must-visit” category with the release of its second annual Hotel Star Bars.
Spanning 18 countries, 37 bars were selected to join the prestigious list – including 13 from Europe.
Hotel bars were chosen after visits from anonymous inspectors who evaluated the beverage programme, service, and overall guest experience.
This year, Shanghai and Tokyo led the list with three winners each.
The best hotel bars in Europe
Two bars in Europe made the cut for a second year in a row: Le Bar Américain at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Le Bar Botaniste at Shangri-La Paris.
It’s good timing that the Monte-Carlo bar, which is near the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, was recognised this week following the F1 race at the weekend.
According to Forbes Travel Guide, La Roseraie, a tribute to late actress and former Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, is a must-try, as is the Bellini, which is only available during peach season from June to August.
As for Le Bar Botaniste, you should be pairing the Caesar 52 with the mini truffle croque-monsieur or the caviar chicken nuggets.
France was well-represented among the 2026 Hotel Star Bars, with two more spots making the cut: Abysse Bar at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in Champillon, which is known for its bubbly-based cocktails, and Martinez Bar at Hôtel Martinez in Cannes.
London was hot on the tails of Shanghai and Tokyo, with two bars making the cut this year.
The tipple to order at Claridge’s Bar is undoubtedly the dirty martini, while The Northall Bar at Corinthia London deserves its moment in the spotlight for its Crystal Chandelier cocktail (inspired by the fixture in the hotel’s lobby), which is “light and effervescent”.
The Scottish capital equalled London’s numbers, with Bar Prince at The Balmoral, whose Connected Icons menu is inspired by people and places connected to the hotel, and The Wallace at 100 Princes Street, which is only open to guests who can get dram recommendations from the whisky ambassador.
In Italy, Lounge Bar at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti was praised for its use of local ingredients, including alpine liquors and elderflower, while visitors to Tiepolo Lounge & Terrace at Rome Cavalieri will want to order from the Art Collection menu that takes its cue from famous creatives.
Ashford Castle’s The Prince of Wales Bar in Ireland might be named for the future King George V, but the drink to order is the Last High King, which contains three ingredients as a nod to Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, who united the three Irish kingdoms.
At the Vault Bar at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, it’s the creative flair that drew in inspectors, with ice cubes stamped with locks and gold skeleton keys used as stirrers.
Finally, Alelia Bar at One&Only Aesthesis in Glifada, Greece, is a must-visit thanks to its views over the Athenian Riviera.
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