Forbes Travel Guide unveils 2019's best global hotel bars

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The Verified List for 2019’s World’s Best Hotel Bars recognises 44 distinguished bars, across 13 countries.

The Verified List is not the same as a Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating; the list represents hotel bars that performed exceptionally on standards related to the quality of their beverage program, presentation and luxurious service.

Each hotel bar was meticulously inspected and achieved an impeccable score using criteria such as:

Elements of luxury standards, which reflect sumptuous comfort, choices and conveniences, including a special level of attention to details such as:

• The beverage program showed creativity in the composition and presentation of the drinks, including unique offerings that were, in many cases, completely destination- or property-centric

• The bar committed to using the very best service ware and showed evidence of careful selection to ensure it complemented the individual beverages on the menu

• The overall bar experience included exceptional snacks that enhanced the beverage menu and enticed guests to linger longer

Food and beverage quality standards, which play an important part in the guest experience. Bars must also demonstrate technical aptitude such as:

• The bar delivered beverages at correct temperatures, with a complete balance of flavour for mixed drinks and attention to the garnishes used

• Listening to guests’ individual preferences – and fulfilling those requests is also an important service requirement

"We’ve seen hotel bars evolve enormously in our 60-plus years of operating Forbes Travel Guide, hence the focus of our fourth Verified List,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide.

"Hotel bars are now destinations in their own right and have the ability to transform a hotel experience. We congratulate all of the bars on the list, which were vetted and verified based on the most rigorous standards. They not only scored highly, but also provide the most luxurious experience for hotel and local guests alike."

The Verified List throws a spotlight on hotel bars in China, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Morocco, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The six top hotel bars in London are:

1. GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London;
2. Connaught Bar at The Connaught;
3. The Bar at The Dorchester;
4. Artesian at The Langham, London;
5. American Bar at The Savoy; and
6. The Executive Lounge at Hotel 41.

Other notable winners include 11 hotel bars in the United States:

1. Rowes Wharf Bar at Boston Harbor Hotel;
2. MO Bar + Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami;
3. 33°North at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California;
4. Park Lounge at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California;
5. The Oak Room at The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons, Georgia;
6. The Club Bar at The Peninsula Beverly Hills; Z Bar at The Peninsula Chicago;
7. Thirsty Camel at The Phoenician in Scottsdale;
8. The Great Room at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana;
9. The St. Regis Bar & Wine Vault at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami; and
10. Garden Room at Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, Rhode Island.

View the full Verified List for 2019’s World’s Best Hotel Bars.