The Elysian Hotel – Bernard’s Bar
When a member of the staff at the pristine Elysian Hotel reaches out to you and asks if you've been to their bar yet, and you haven't... You go! And that's exactly what we did! There’s been much buzz about Bernard’s Bar, housed inside this hotel, for quite some time. However, with a recent drink feature on the cover of Time Out Chicago’s February 2012 issue, the buzz has broadened to an all out vibration, and we couldn’t wait to get in there.
Read MoreThe Thoroughbred Club – Charleston Place Hotel
Close your eyes for a moment and try to visualize what the lobby of a grand and luxurious southern hotel might look like. It would be expansive with an inlaid Italian marble floor and an elegant split spiral staircase rising majestically from its center under the watchful gaze of a magnificent chandelier. Elegant shops surround the lobby and off to the right stands the perquisite baby grand piano.
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The Vendue Inn – Rooftop Bar
Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, the Vendue Inn is a small, quaint, and intimate hotel with a rich and storied southern tradition. Among its many amenities is their two level rooftop bar. I’m not sure what I expected when I first visited this cocktail oasis, but it wasn’t a bar voted by readers of the Charleston City newspaper as the best Charleston bar for 5 consecutive years.
Read MoreThe Cheshire Inn – Fox and Hound Tavern
Walking in, you immediately feel like you just walked into an English-style hunting lodge. There's the fireplace, leather chairs, some mounted animals. Only 1 TV (above the bar), and it's not big (at most 40 people could fit comfortably), but a very cool place to have a Sam Smith Winter Warmer on a cold December night.
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W Hotel Chicago City Center – The Living Room Bar
Call me closed minded, pessimistic, or perhaps even sheltered. Go ahead. But I’m going to just come out and say it. I highly doubt there is anywhere else in this city that you can go at 5pm on a Wednesday and have it be this freaking cool! Just trust me. And if you still think I’m wrong or think you’ve found something to challenge this statement, I want to hear about it. However, right now, all we’re going to focus on is the cool factor at this particular W hotel.
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Hyatt Century Plaza – X Bar
Nestled between fashionable Beverly Hills and the UCLA campus is the Century Plaza Hyatt. A great location for any travelers to the Los Angeles area thanks to being short drives from LAX, Westwood, Hollywood, Santa Monica as well as the popular attractions within LA; such as, the La Brea tar pits and the other famous museums on the Miracle Mile.
Read MoreThe Standard – Rooftop Bar
The bar is fancy and well lit with a great atmosphere. No sports, it is an upscale bar and the decor is sophisticated. They have a unique glass layout with nice chairs that compliment the bar. The room has an open feeling to it.
Read MoreMarriott Renaissance – Flights Cocktail Lounge
The Flights Cocktail Lounge inside the Marriott Renaissance. This bar exclusive to the hotel is about the size of your elementary school cafeteria. Good place to go for a night out with your friends but also comfortable enough to sit alone and have a drink by yourself if you want to be a creep. Crowd at the time David was there was just a few stragglers that were mostly suit types.
Read MoreJW Marriott Chicago – The Lobby Lounge
There is a lot to be said for hotel bars this time of year. I don’t think there’s one out there that holds back when it comes to decorating for the holidays. The JW Marriott located in the heart of The Loop district is no exception. This Asian inspired Lobby Bar is the perfect spot for an after work drink, anytime of year. We showed up on a Thursday eve and the place was bumpin’. We scored a couple seats at the bar, but if there weren’t any, there’s plenty of other seating options we could have picked.
Read MoreThe Wit Hotel – ROOF at The Wit
Overpriced drinks were expected, but overpriced food wasn't. I would eat beforehand even though the food is decent, I wouldn't pay that much for such a small amount of food again. We were there on a Friday night, and it was still early enough for it not to be super loud...they turned up the volume way too early. Earlier than 9pm is too early for blasting the beats...we still wanted to chat at that point.
Read MoreThe Drake Hotel – Palm Court
I hope you’re wearing something decent when you walk into this place. Not because its required, but because you ARE going to feel cool, so you may as well look cool, too. Coming up to the main lobby area of check in, you’ll be greeted by a grand staircase that serves as the entrance to the Palm Court. Go ahead, pretend you’re someone else, or that all eyes are on you as you elegantly stroll to the top of the stairs. There’s something about this special place that takes you somewhere else, makes you feel like someone else.
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The Allerton Hotel – M Avenue Lounge
First impressions are big for me. They make an impact. I always refer back to my first impression. That is, until my second chance mindset starts to kick in and question those first impressions. Am I alone here? Anyone else know what the hell I’m talking about? Maybe it will after you read about the M Avenue Lounge.
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The Westin Chicago – Hana Lounge
Ahhh, The Westin. I love Westin Hotels for many reasons, but probably my favorite is what happens the moment you walk in one. That smell. Incase you are unaware, Westin has its own signature scent and it is nothing short of pure bliss. We walked through the revolving door and were instantly greeted by the beautiful scent of white tea. Its magical. Unrelated, but that signature scent of theirs is actually available for purchase. It ain’t cheap, but for about 30 smacks (give or take) it can be yours.
Read MoreHotel Felix – Lobby Bar & Elate Bar and Grill
I am really starting to appreciate the diversity in what makes up a hotel bar. I don’t want to get in the habit of using cliches. But, I’m not afraid to admit, I love using cliches. So here it is...Never judge a book by its cover. I couldn’t wait to go to Hotel Felix. Why? Because I drove by it and was instantly attracted to the monster sign that poured down the side of the building, made it look intriguing, even inviting - thats why. We walked through the revolving door and I was like, ok... um wait. This is the lobby, but no way can this be the lobby bar?! Well, guess what... it was the lobby bar.
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