Why should you go to a hotel bar instead of any of New York City's typically crowded, packed, overrated bars?
If there are two things we can't stand, it's 1) not being able to hear your friends, and 2) move freely about the bar.
If there's a third thing we can't stand, it's boring drinks crafted by inexpert hands. We also can't stand the pretentious, snooty vibe at those midtown hotel bars. (So yeah, that's four-- but who's really counting, right?)
At all the hotel bars listed below, you'll actually be able to hear your friends, and-- wait for it --you'll actually be able to move around.
You'll also have the pleasure of drinking in beautiful, relaxing environments.
Some of these bars are on rooftops, but all of these bars serve delicious, meticulously crafted cocktails that will rock your world. The best part is that none of them-- and we mean absolutely zero-- are located in midtown.
So which NYC hotel bars should you absolutely spend an evening inside this fall? Read on to discover 8 of them below...
1. Gansevoort Park Rooftop (420 Park Avenue South)
The Drift, the bi-level rooftop bar and lounge at The Gansevoort Park Avenue features beach inspired bites, cocktails, games and Coconut Cartel coconuts.
If you're in depressed denial about the fact that it's officially fall, The Drift is where you need to be.
It's always popping off at The Drift, with Game Night Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and rotating DJs for Drift Away Wednesdays.
You'll certainly need to pay a pretty penny for drinks at their upscale Meatpacking District location, but things tend to be a tad more relaxed during happy hour with both prices and dress code. So we recommend that.
2. The Jane (113 Jane Street)
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This hotel bar is decked out with a gorgeous interior, excellent service, and is once again so lavish inside that you'll spend the whole night feeling like a rockstar for drinking in such a pretty bar.
It's complete with antique rugs, wing chairs, a grand fireplace, a very old disco ball, and giant velvet-draped windows. They've got beer from Belgium and Singapore, and a balcony for beautiful city views.
If you want to sip on delicious cocktails and spend the whole night rocking out to oldies and new songs, let The Jane's DJs curate your dance jams.
We will say that once again, the drinks at The Jane cost a lot. We'd recommend pre-gaming hard.
3. Raines Law Room (48 West 17th Street)
lokelyapp Whether it's your 1st or 100th date, bring the 🍎 of your eye to Raines Law Room in Chelsea. Don't let the semi secret entrance fool you, an exclusive prohibition-style speakeasy is only a doorbell ring away. The sophisticated, upscale vibe and plush couches will surely impress. 📷: @raineslawroom #lokely #localtravel #bealocaleverywhere #raineslawroom #chelsea #cocktailsforthepeople
There's a newer location in The William Hotel, which now makes this spot eligible for this particular hotel list.
That being said, the original Flatiron speakeasy location absolutely lives up to its hype as well. It's easily one of the best craft cocktail bars in NYC.
They've got a "doorbell," which enables you to contact your bartender. It's got a cozy, comfortable, dimly lit vibe with amazing drinks.
Might we recommend the McKittrick Old Fashioned and the 10 Gallon Hat? They're both perfect, so we will, in fact, recommend them.
It's got an intimate, swanky atmosphere, and is extremely inviting. It's easy to check your watch and realize you've had a blast whiling your night away at Raines Law Room.
If you come once, you'll probably find yourself frequenting either of their exceptional spots.
4. Hotel Giraffe (365 Park Avenue South)
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Let's talk about what's so amazing at the bar at the Hotel Giraffe. They've got a piano player during wine hour, a rooftop view, comfortable cushioned furniture, and a quaint vibe.
Its best feature is its size; if you're looking for a rooftop spot for a large group, the Hotel Giraffe is definitely the move. It would also be a lovely date spot for a nice fall night outside.
Its rooftop is also, as you may have guessed, decorated with huge giraffe sculptures. Their cocktails are also, as they say, to die for. If you love whiskey, order the Salerno Sidecar, as long as you're willing to get extremely buzzed.
,5. The Conrad (102 North End Avenue)
conradnewyork Now, you can have your popsicle and drink it too! While the weather is still nice, stop by #LoopyDoopy for a Prosecco & Ice Pop.
Everyone's been talking about Loopy Doopy, the rooftop bar at The Conrad. First, because of the incredible, stunning, breathtaking rooftop views.
The second is because they'll dip a popsicle in a glass of Prosecco and serve it to you like it's no big thing. This drink is absolutely delicious, especially, in our opinions, when you get it with a peach ginger pop.
If you can manage to get a seat at Loopy Doopy it's a lovely environment on the top of the world.
The drinks at Loopy Doopy are, as to be expected in the hotel bar environment, pricey. We've said it before and we'll say it again: if you want to get drunk, you should start off with a couple of drinks at home.
6. The NoMad Library (1170 Broadway)
This is a beautiful library den with both booth and bar seating. It's spacious and beautiful, but tends to get cozy when it's rowdier and more crowded on the weekends.
The drinks at the NoMad Library are, in a word, amazing. They've got a various selection of hand crafted cocktails with ingredients like sheep yogurt and genmaicza, that will probably be some of the most delicious cocktails you've ever tried.
It's upscale while evading pretense, and the bartenders are extremely friendly.
The NoMad definitely has a sexy, hip ambiance. Our main advice is to bring your A game when it comes to looking good at The NoMad, because everyone else here does.
7. The Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery Street)
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There is an excellent late night cocktail vibe at this staple hotel bar. It's lush, cozy, and fancy, and the perfect spot to turn up with friends or get buzzed with a date.
This bar definitely nurtures an old world charm, complete with hardwood floors, brass fixtures, and ornate woodwork. The bartenders at The Bowery are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and their bourbon selection is off the chain.
It gets busy on the weekends. If you're lucky, you might even run into a celebrity or two at this bar, but we can't make any guarantees.
We'd be remiss if we didn't say it. Like all of the other hotel bars on this list, drinks here cost. A lot.
8. Jimmy at The James (15 Thompson Street)
This classy establishment offers gorgeous rooftop view of the Hudson River, delicious, strong drinks, and bumping house music.
Jimmy at The James is a great time in an exquisite atmosphere, whether you're looking for pre-or-post dinner drinks.
It doesn't matter whether you're rolling with a crew or looking to turn up at a date, you'll find an inviting atmosphere at Jimmy for both.
P.S., The Garden at the David Burke Kitchen downstairs is also available, if you're looking for a more casual vibe in an outdoor space.
Wanna Feel Warm and Fuzzy This Fall? 7 Most Comfy and Cozy Foodie Hotspots in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy of Gothamist]