Five magnificently minimalist hotel bars...
American Bar, Sofitel Vienna
On the banks of the Danube Canal in central Vienna is the arresting 18-story architectural triumph of the city’s Sofitel. And prominent and dazzling – even from the streets below – is Le Loft, a rooftop structure containing the restaurant and bar. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, this avant guard space has wrap-around 10 meter high floor to ceiling windows. The space mixes minimalism with a vast painted and illuminated, multi coloured ceiling by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist. It contrasts wildly with the monochromatic guest rooms and the dark colours and simple raised platform of the American Bar. ‘Le Loft’ signature cocktail is Cîroc Vodka, Midori liqueur, Rose´s Lime Juice, and Champagne. See Sofitel Vienna
Le Bar Long, Le Royal Monceau, Paris
Off the Champs-Elysees and nearby the Arc de Triomphe, Philippe Starck has designed interiors that hark back to the 1930’s and the French ‘art de vivre’. The hotel boasts an acoustic guitar in every room, a private cinema and the cities first Art Concierge. In the bar are white linen curtains and on mode lamps and chandeliers. The conventional bar top is enlarged with a long luminous bar jutting perpendicularly into the room - barmen taking orders and serving drinks from behind. New in February 2015 is a celebration of chocolate with Pierre Herme, who has created indulgent hot chocolates with corn foam, Chantilly cream and South American spices. Le Royal Monceau
Bamboo Bar, Armani Hotel, Milan
In the heart of Milan’s ‘quadrilateral of fashion’, the Armani Hotel is topped off dramatically the Bamboo Bar. It’s in the 7th floor ‘glass hat’ - a two-story rooftop structure with floor to ceiling glass-panelled walls that reveal terrific views of the city’s Duomo and skyline. The traditional array of bottles is pruned back in favour of a bottles spread along two sleek shelves. Backlit onyx walls and cream coloured box table lamps infuse a gentle light over the white leather sofas and black marble floor. Drinks include a Blue Cheese Daiquiri, Tiramisu Martini, and the signature Caprese Mary – a Bloody Mary with mozzarella foam, fresh basil and tomatoes. Armani Hotel Milan
Café Gray Deluxe Bar, Upper House, Hong Kong
Walk through the candle lit colonnade into this chic 49th floor bar and relax and slink into a semi private window side curved banquettes for superb sunset views over Hong Kong Harbour. Or be entertained by the skilled moves of the mixologists behind the 14m long white marble bar. Alternatively, sink into one of the low leather green tea and mineral blue coloured armchairs in the high ceilinged lounge. Champagne cocktails are the forte here, like the Hong Kong Highball made with Belvedere vodka, ginger, honey, cassis, pomegranate and champagne.Upper House
Upstairs Bar, Ace Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles
Opened in 2014 in Downtown LA’s unmistakable Spanish Gothic style United Artists building, the Ace Hotel is a solid new addition to the up and coming hipster enclave here. The rooftop ‘Upstairs’ bar attracts an in crowd to its bare concrete floored bar – décor is sparse, save for a large faux industrial chandelier made from chains, hoists and movie lights. Outside of the bar are two large outdoor patios – one with a small pool. Bar bites are Moroccan inspired, specialty cocktails are frozen, although not the potent Wing Wing – mescal, green chartreuse, pineapple, lime and angostura. Ace Hotel
