What and How to Order at a Luxury Hotel Bar

For travelers, there’s nothing quite like the experience of a high-end hotel bar. It’s more than just a place for a drink — it can reveal a lot about the hotel itself, from the cocktail menu and pricing to the service and ambiance.

A luxury hotel bar can be the highlight of a trip — a pre-dinner cocktail with a view, or a quiet glass of wine to unwind at the end of the night, with soft music playing and conversations murmuring around you.

For travel advisors new to the luxury space, knowing what to order at a high-end bar can be an unexpected but valuable skill — one that helps them feel confident, connect with clients, and better understand the experiences they’re recommending.

This week, TMR spoke with Jeff Bell, a renowned mixologist who just developed the cocktail program for Peacock Alley and Lex Yard at the Waldorf Astoria New York hotel, about the luxury hotel bar experience, including where the category has been and is headed, and what and how to order so you’ll fit in amongst the crowd, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or stepping into a luxury bar for the first time.

Q: What are some go-to classic cocktails that align with the luxury experience at a high-end hotel bar?
Bell: The Martini, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned are all cornerstones of a luxury hotel bar experience. They all have an inherent timelessness that lands with the atmosphere we’re cultivating at Waldorf Astoria New York’s Peacock Alley. These cocktails are iconic for a reason; they embody tradition and craftsmanship that guests expect in this kind of setting.

Q: Are there cocktails that are the most popular order? Classic cocktails? What about beer or wine?
Bell: The Old Fashioned has been incredibly popular for quite some time now. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the ability to showcase high-quality spirits and guests appreciate the consistency and familiarity it offers. We also find that classic cocktails, in general, are highly sought after. Gone are the days of overly complicated “Martini” lists; guests are returning to the well-executed classics.

Q: For someone newer to luxury settings, what’s a smart way to approach ordering a drink with confidence?
Bell: The key is to be able to articulate a few preferences. Don’t hesitate to share what flavors you enjoy – perhaps a preference for sweet, sour, or bitter. A luxury bar should have a knowledgeable staff capable of guiding you towards a fitting drink without extensive input.

Q: Are there any brands that people should avoid that typically aren’t offered in higher-end bars?
Bell: I am a firm believer in guests drinking what they enjoy. Taste is subjective, and any luxury bar should respect and accommodate individual preferences. Our approach at Peacock Alley is to provide a wide range of high-quality spirits and ingredients, allowing guests to explore and discover new favorites.

Q: Are there any subtle “tells” that might indicate someone is unfamiliar with a luxury bar setting?
Bell: In the luxury hospitality space, it is crucial to avoid making judgments. Everyone is on their own journey, and if someone happens to be experiencing their first visit to a five-star hotel bar, our goal is to ensure it’s a memorable and welcoming one.

Q: What are some etiquette mistakes guests make when ordering at a high-end bar?
Bell: A great bartender maintains confidentiality.

Q: How much should guests lean on the bartender for recommendations versus ordering from the menu?
Bell: The menu serves as a snapshot of the team’s current creations, essentially representing our house recommendations. However, we’re always happy to accommodate off-menu requests. If a guest has a specific preference or desire, we’re more than willing to oblige.

Q: Have guest preferences or expectations changed in recent years when it comes to high-end bar experiences? Are N/A drinks trending now?
Bell: Non-alcoholic drinks are indeed significantly more sought after as of late. Fifteen years ago, it was challenging to find a bar that offered inventive non-alcoholic options beyond simple juice mixtures. Today, we have a vast array of ingredients and techniques available, allowing us to create sophisticated and flavorful N/A cocktails. This reflects a broader trend towards inclusivity and mindful drinking.