The Tropicana at the Hollywood Roosevelt
The Tropicana, Hollywood Roosevelt’s hip poolside bar, is infamous for its exclusivity and ’60s-style vibe. You’re likely to find a hip 20-something crowd getting into the sort of antics befitting of a legendary hotel like this. But with a whimsical Olympic-sized pool painted by David Hockney, a bunch of palm trees surrounding it and a full bar, things are bound to get a little wacky. Guests are guaranteed entry.
Renowned chef José Andrés’ new digs at the SLS Hotel's The Bazaar also features Bar Centro, which has caught on like wildfire for its amusing, circus-like cocktails. Using what Andrés calls “culinary chemistry,” bartenders concoct drinks such as the tableside “nitro” raspberry daiquiri, which uses liquid nitrogen for a “puff the magic dragon” effect (smoke literally comes out of your nose).
Given the elegance of this Beverly Hills hotel bar, we deem it likely that you might find someone like Prince Charles ordering a drink here — that is, the Club Bar at the Peninsula Hotel is fit for royalty. California birch walls give the bar a rich interior, and white-jacketed bartenders add to the sense of decorum. Best bets: fine wine, single malts and its signature Peninsula cocktail.
No matter how many times you go, the Champagne Bar at the Hotel Bel-Air doesn’t seem to get old. Its timeless décor — richly paneled wood, roaring fireplace, oversized couches and a grand piano — paints a decent picture of this old-school manor. This doesn’t mean the bar is boring. A-listers and LA hipsters have continually turned to the bar for stiff drinks and a lively atmosphere. Weather permitting, grab your drinks and take a stroll on the Bel-Air’s beautifully landscaped grounds.
The Biltmore’s historic character finds its way into the notoriously sexy Gallery Bar. Some liken it to a scene from The Shining, and others say it’s taken right out of a scene from The Great Gatsby. One thing is for sure: its polished granite bar and ornate décor make it one of the most popular hotel bars in LA. Featuring the legendary Black Dahlia, a cocktail named after the 1947 murder mystery at the Biltmore, the bar is known for its long list of signature martinis.
There’s something refreshing about Bar 1200 at the Sunset Marquis. It’s hip but not overly pompous, the intimate atmosphere is sexy in a restrained sort of way, and it has a fun tongue-in-cheek kind of humor (“our intimate bar can hold 45 normal people or 145 supermodels”). If you’re staying at the hotel, you’re guaranteed access — which is actually something to brag about.
No list is complete without mentioning the Standard Rooftop Bar. Heated swimming pool, dance floor, outdoor fireplace, vibrating waterbed pods, nightly DJs and red Astroturf, all with a view of Downtown LA’s skyscrapers. What more can we say about it? Oh wait, the gorgeous clientele features LA at its most alluring.
For those who dig poolside bars, Hopscotch at the Custom Hotel has you covered. Featuring two levels, stadium seating and strawberry trees, the bar really uses LA weather to its advantage. Playful and whimsical, the décor is refreshingly unstuffy, and if you’re looking to truly relax, four poolside cabanas are available for private parties.
Coastal glamour doesn’t come across much better than at Cameo Bar, Viceroy Santa Monica's premier watering hole, whose chic vintage interior and classy drinks provide an atmosphere worth talking about the next day. Custom-made furniture comes across retro and modern at the same time, winning over customers with its great vibe.
Known for its 360-degree rotating views — yes, the bar actually rotates — the Westin Bonaventure's Bona Vista features some of the best views of Downtown LA, especially at night, making it one of those LA things you have to do at least once. Complimentary snacks are a plus.
Renovated in the spring of 2009, Windows Lounge carries on the tradition as celeb hangout and nightlife hotspot. The decor: garden style motif with earthy browns and fresh spring greens. The goods: champagne cocktails and special creations from LA's best mixologists. The sound: live entertainment featuring bues, Latin, jazz, pop and the classics.
