Hotel Watering Holes: Miami’s Top Hotel Bars

June 24, 2009 2:02 PM
by Marcos Colón

Whenever you take a vacation a big decision always arises when it comes time to pick the right hotel. But sometimes it’s not all about the mini bar in the room, the cabanas by the pool, or how quickly the bellboy kneels at your beckon call. Sometimes, well maybe a lot more than what we’d expect, it’s all about the bar. While some hotels really overlook how important this aspect is to their establishment, others truly pride themselves in attracting the best guests, and even those who don’t happen to staying as a guest. In Miami there’s definitely an over abundance of hotels, but we’ve narrowed the list down to the top hotel bars in Miami.

Top Hotel Bar in Miami
Rose Bar – Delano Hotel
1685 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Whenever you come into Miami and you’re looking for a hotel to start your night off at (because that’s just what a lot of the SoBe crowd does) the Rose Bar at the Delano is definitely on everyone’s list. If you’re lucky to get there in time, you’ll find that the intimate and exclusive Rose Bar is otherworldly. The rosy colors all around the bar seem to relax you once you walk in, and you’ll also find that the immense variety of bottles behind the bar will undoubtedly be able to please any drink you have in mind, exactly why it’s on our list of top hotel bars in Miami.

Top Hotel Bar in Miami
The Bar – The Setai
2001 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Isn’t there always something special about an Asian-themed bar? We’re not sure if it’s the aesthetics located all around that give us that sense of allure, but The Setai have done one hell of a job with The Bar, one of the top hotel bars in Miami. Talk about sophistication, if you’re really trying to impress someone, we suggest having them meet you here. Not only do they serve up contemporary cocktails with interesting ingredients, but also their wine list is also superb. Open from Monday to Thursday (3PM to Midnight) and Friday and Saturday (11AM to 1AM) there’s never a dull moment when you’re at The Bar.

Top Hotel Bar in Miami
The Standard Miami
40 Island Ave.
Miami, FL 33139

An important characteristic that all bars shoot for is hominess. Basically, they want you to feel so comfortable having a drink there that you’d forget that you’re outside of your home. When it comes to this aspect, The Standard Miami definitely has one of the top bars in the city. The bamboo bar gives off that natural feel, while the bookshelf gives hints of a cozy living room. Go there on any given Wednesday night, and you’ll find yourself at ‘Off the Radar,’ a weekly music party whose happy hour is superb and music selection is one of the best around.

Top Hotel Bar in Miami
D’Lounge – The National
1677 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

This one’s a bit of a throwback for you. When you walk into D’Lounge at National Hotel you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. At first glance this place looks a bit too old school, but the hotel has managed to utilize Art Deco style and combine it with a glamorous vintage bar to create a comfortable vibe for hipsters looking for a drink at South Beach. The bar offers up anything you need, from champagne and cocktails, to whiskies and brandies. The National likes to describe this place as having a ‘Timeless chic’ atmosphere, but for us it’s simply one of the top hotel bars in Miami.

Top Hotel Bar in Miami
Sky Bar - The Shore Club
1901 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

There’s only one word that we can use to truly describe the Sky Bar at the Shore Club in South Beach, swanky. We’re not sure if it’s because of the high ceilings or the red Moroccan-themed décor, but there’s something magnetic and superbly sexy about this place. Split up into two areas, the Redroom and the Redroom Garden, Sky Bar matches any mood with any form of entertainment that you can imagine. It’s tropical, modern and downright sensual. A perfect place to catch up with an old friend or a new flame, Sky Bar is definitely one of the top hotel bars in Miami.

Top Hotel Bar in Miami
V Bar - Hotel Victor
1144 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139

If you live in Miami and haven’t been to V Bar, then make plans to go this weekend. If you’ve never been to Miami, then we suggest writing this down in your future travel itinerary. If you’re a Vodka man or woman, look no further than Hotel Victor’s V Bar, a one of a kind frozen vodka bar made with real ice! Don’t believe us? Well you’re just going to have to go and check this out for yourself. This is vodka heaven people! Order anything you can imagine with that particular poison and it’s yours.

Top Hotel Bar in Miami
Mandarin Oriental
500 Brickell Key Drive
Miami, FL 33131

Luxury, class, style, and majestic service. These are all words to describe the Mandarin Oriental in downtown Miami. If it’s a great view that you’re looking for while you sit back and sip on your martini and wine, then look no further than M Bar at the Mandarin, one of the top hotel bars in Miami. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bar. This is the perfect place to either sit down with a good friend for a drink, or even go as far as popping the big question. Here you’ll witness Japanese décor at its best and you can even enjoy insanely delicious sushi and seafood platters.