Lifestyle: Happy Hours in Hotels

Rock Bar, Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali

It’s Wednesday and you are looking for something to get over hump day.  Why not go out and enjoy yourself.  A nice social scene, a good drink and some company is perfect to get things going for the weekend.  There is your normal happy hour, or cocktail bar, but if you want to experience something different, look to visiting the bar inside a hotel.  There are a lot of bars and lounges inside hotels that are just as good, if not better than those outside.  One benefit is that people who stay at the hotel, or nearby will be there, thus giving you an opportunity to meet more people who are from across the country or around the world rather than just the local.  They have great drinks and a good atmosphere.  Who said Vegas has all the fun?  Trying to figure out if the one you are looking at is good, well let's help you decide.

Simple
Do you want a more formal experience, then a hotel bar is for you.  A majority of the time professionals hang out here because they are traveling and the bar downstairs is close.  Additionally its near corporate buildings so the atmosphere is almost a given, yet not guaranteed.  You can go casual, but expect business  casual there.  Moreover, its the simplest way to meet women.
 
Sophisticated
They have speak easy drinks and/or a hidden menu.  The view is great, the atmosphere is remarkable, but there is nothing like ordering something that is off the menu or not the norm.  When with friends, I stick to the normal stuff, but alone, or with a special someone, I opt to try something different or off the menu.  I can tell you that those are the best drinks.  Easiest way to find out is ask the bartender what they like that inst on the menu or a popular bar favorite.  Additionally, ask for something they used to carry that was popular, but is no longer on the menu.  Moreover, ask for what is seasonal if they have that at all.  Those drinks tend to be fresher. 
 
Classic
Great drinks and great service. It doesn't matter if you pay $4 or $20 per drink, if its not good, watered down or just not plain quality, then its not worth your price or time.  Additionally, if you are not treated as a valuable guest, then you and your business are valuable somewhere else.  So by all means leave and Yelp your experience. 

SF Area: Americano, Hotel W, Bar 888 @ The Intercontinental
L.A Area: Rooftop Bar @ The Standard, Veranda Bar, Bona Vista Lounge
Chicago: Rood of theWit, The Bar at the Peninsula, Le Bar @ Sofitel Hotel
NYC: Bemelmans Bar, A60, Hudson Bar, Rose Bar
Washington DC: Cure Bar and Bistro, Firefly, Off The Record, The Willard
Top 30 Hotel Bar's in the World:  Top 30