Aug 11, 2011
Recently at Tales of the Cocktail I had the pleasure of attending a seminar entitled “Classic Hotel Bars”. The seminar covered some of the best hotel bars you can find all across the world from the impressive Savoy in London to the Royalton in New York. Hotels are great at providing some of the comforts of home, but the Hotel bar is around to give you the luxury experience you won’t find in your kitchen. I felt it was only right for me to share some of my favorite Hotel Bars in New Orleans. These selections are beautiful, rich with history and phenomenal mixologist that will truly make you want to visit over and over.
Hotel Monteleone: Carousel Bar
It’s only right I start this off with the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar! The bar has been a part of New Orleans culture since 1949. Visited by many including local favorites such as William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams. What makes this bar so great is the fact that it rotates; you can enjoy a Vieux Carre cocktail as you rotate around the bar with friends. Located on Royal Street this is a great location to also visit some great art in the area, the street is lined with different local shops.
Ritz Carlton: Davenport Lounge
After a recent visit to Ritz Carlton for a conference I could never deny the Ritz again. Beyond being a beautiful hotel and I must add a wonderful courtyard perfect for working on your laptop, there is Davenport Lounge. It’s a great location to enjoy a cocktail particularly a Mint Julep. What makes this location so special is the fact Jeremy Davenport performs! On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays you will get a chance to enjoy and relax to Davenport’s musical styling.
Roosevelt Hotel: Sazerac Bar
The Roosevelt is absolutely one of my favorite hotels! Rich in history and beauty makes for a special treat each time I get a chance to visit. The hotel has been a part of local history as the Roosevelt since the early 1900s, but opened in 1893 as the Grunewald Hotel. The Roosevelt was the hotel of choice for many such as Huey P. Long, whom became a permanent fixture inside the Sazerac Bar. Named after New Orleans drink of choice, the Sazerac Bar inside the Roosevelt was built. A location built around a well-crafted drinks. If you need a little fresh air the Roosevelt also has a wonderful Rooftop Bar with a pool and garden terrace.
Royal Sonesta: Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse
I absolutely adore this place, not just because I love Irvin Mayfield, but because I absolutely love the live music. On each visit, I am able to relax to some of the best live music by stellar New Orleans musicians, such greatness as Jason Marsalis. It doesn’t hurt there are some yummy cocktails and a great Happy Hour.
Hotel Le Marais: Vive!
First off, I love everything about The Le Marais; it’s a beautiful hotel and surprisingly close to Bourbon; hiding on a side street. When you walk in you are greeted with greatness and beautiful vivid colors which I love in this boutique Hotel. Vive! Bar is awesome lounge setup, which makes me, want to sit down and talk for hours. It’s truly relaxing and located perfectly next to a saltwater pool.
I probably could go on and on about the phenomenal Hotel Bars you can find in New Orleans, but I prefer for you to go out and enjoy and search for yourself.
(Photo Credit: Vive! on Facebook)