Forbes Travel Guide Unveils 37 Hotel Bars Across the Globe for 2026

A New Recognition for Hotel Bars

Forbes Travel Guide has published its 2026 Hotel Star Bars list, spotlighting 37 hotel bars in 18 countries that have earned recognition for their cocktail programs, service standards, and overall guest experience. The list marks a focused effort to celebrate the drinking culture within luxury hotels—spaces that often serve as local gathering spots as much as they do guest amenities.

Unlike the annual Star Ratings that grade entire properties, this bar-specific list isolates the quality of what happens behind the counter, from mixology to ambiance. It’s a useful filter for travelers who prioritize a strong cocktail program or simply want to know where the talent is pouring.

What the List Evaluates

Forbes Travel Guide evaluates bars on criteria including ingredient quality, technique, service attentiveness, and the ability to create a memorable experience. Anonymous inspectors visit each venue, ordering multiple rounds and observing how staff handle requests, recommend drinks, and maintain the environment.

The 37 bars span a wide geography—North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East all have representatives. While the full roster wasn’t detailed in the announcement, past editions have included bars in Tokyo, Paris, Dubai, London, and New York.

Why It Matters to Travelers

For hotel guests, a strong bar can anchor an evening without requiring navigation of a new city. For locals, hotel bars often offer higher consistency than standalone cocktail spots, especially in markets where beverage service training is still developing.

If you’re spending several nights at a property, knowing the bar has been independently vetted can shift how you plan your evenings. It also signals that the hotel is investing in its F&B program, which usually correlates with better room service, breakfast, and overall attention to detail—as we’ve seen with hotel brands refining their guest experience strategies.

What This Means for the Industry

Hotel bars have historically been ancillary revenue centers, but the rise of craft cocktail culture has elevated them into destinations. The Forbes list formalizes that shift, giving properties a marketing tool and guests a curated shortlist.

For hotels, landing on the list can drive local foot traffic and elevate the property’s profile. For travelers, it’s a layer of assurance in an industry where quality varies wildly—even within the same chain. As technology continues to reshape hotel operations, service-driven experiences like a well-run bar remain difficult to automate and increasingly valued.

How to Use the List

If you’re planning a stay and the hotel’s bar appears on the Forbes roster, it’s worth setting aside an evening to sit at the counter and order something off-menu. Ask the bartender what they’re experimenting with or what’s seasonal. These bars tend to have the latitude and budget to take risks.

If you’re a local, hotel bars often welcome walk-ins, though reservations are becoming more common at high-profile spots. Dress codes vary—some skew formal, others are surprisingly relaxed.

The 2026 list continues Forbes Travel Guide’s expansion beyond room ratings, acknowledging that the best travel experiences often happen outside the guest room—sometimes just a few floors down, in a well-lit corner with a carefully balanced drink in hand.