Australia’s very best hotel bars

For a long time, Australia’s hotel bar scene was nothing to write home about. Daggy, carpeted afterthoughts open only for the red-eye wearies, jet-lagged businessmen and, of course, the all-important buffet breakfast. A far cry from the sexy Chateau Marmonts of the world. We seemingly skipped the golden age of Don Draper and James Bond, and landed somewhere between the fluorescent purples of the ’80s and savage aquas of the noughties…sigh. 

But not anymore – the rise of the boutique hotel changed everything. Now, there are premium hotels with their electrifying bars all across Australia, each offering unique and lavish experiences. And like our international counterparts – think London’s Savoy or Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental – the new wave of Aussie hotel bars takes an elevated approach to snacking and cocktail experiences, with many housing our very best kitchens and bartenders. Best of all? You’ll find them throughout the country. They’re overlooking the NSW coast, watching the sunset over a city skyline, or down slinky steps to a bottom-floor wine bar famous for an extensive aussie wine list. 

There is truly nothing like the boutique Australian hotel bar scene. So, whether you're here for a long time, a good time, or just a drink or two, stop in at one of these special hotel bars and restaurants.