Top Nightspots in the World

many of which are in hotels
read up on them to learn
why they are special

Chic and Classic

The lobby bar at the Bowery Hotel

1. The Doheny, Los Angeles, CA

A members-only joint for top power brokers, art stars and the occasional hip celebrity, The Doheny offers a break from the standard Hollywood scene. Lauded for its world-class cocktails, smoker’s greenhouse and irreverent house rules (“no brown-nosing,” “no starlets” and “no cellphones”), this is widely considered to be the hippest joint in town.

2. The Lobby Bar at the Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, CA

Built in 1927, this legendary hotel has hosted almost every celebrity ever made. The Spanish-style estate with cathedral ceilings and threadbare couches seems frozen in time, which is why it’s so charming. Visit the Chateau for a heavy dose of old-Hollywood glamour or spot today’s biggest stars kickin‘ it on the down low.

3. The Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY

Artist Julian Schnabel and owner Ian Schrager’s hotel bar is masculine, palatial, dark and trés chic. If you are on the doorman’s list outside, you gain entry into the cavernous lounge, equipped with a pool table, a shark chandelier and waitresses poured into black Narcisso Rodriguez sheaths. This is a go-to hot spot for the young, rich and decadent.

4. Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Hotel, Paris, France

Perhaps the most famous hotel bar in the world, Hemingway has been celebrated by some of the 20th century’s greatest authors, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Although “ritzy,” it’s not exclusive—anyone with 27 euros to spend on a cocktail can enjoy stiff drinks, dark leather couches and five star service.

5. The Lobby Bar at the Bowery Hotel, New York, NY

With its dark wood walls, Persian rugs, indoor fireplaces and regal antique furniture, this lobby bar looks like the inside of an old castle mixed with an English country house. Cozy, relaxed and never too crowded, many a New Yorker or visiting Brit chooses to relax and enjoy a drink here before and after a night out.

6. Teddy’s at the Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

Dark and cavernous, Teddy’s has become one of Hollywood’s celebrity clubhouses. Named for late film director Ted Demme, its discreet and ultra exclusive vibe makes celebs and VIPs feel safe enough to relax and let their hair down. The tiny space includes a specialized cognac room and soft lighting, so everyone looks gorgeous.

7. Simachev Bar, Moscow, Russia

Nutty Russian fashion designer Dennis Simachev’s 24-hour bar situated underneath his Collette-like boutique is the most gossiped about bar in Moscow. Filled with eccentric décor—airplane ejector seats, old compartment carriages, crystal chandeliers and sinks that turn into tables—the crowd is equally eclectic and cool.

8. Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, New York, NY

Immerse yourself in old fashioned, upper crust, timeless New York at this upscale watering hole that’s been around for more than five decades. It’s old school charm at its best, with dim lighting, 24-carat gold leaf ceilings, chocolate leather banquettes and Woody Allen live on the piano once a week.

9. Mahiki, London, England

A favourite of Princes William and Harry, Mahiki invites revellers to enjoy island living in Mayfair. The vision of Piers Adam, Nick House and Guy Pelly, Mahiki’s tropical cocktails recently helped snag it the title of Best Bar at the 2009 London Club & Bar Awards. Or maybe the Armada Treasure Chest had something to do with it—this cocktail serves eight for a grand total of 650 pounds.

Hipster Favs


Le Baron Tokyo

1. Le Baron, Paris, France

A French graffiti artist and nightclub impresario Andre’s flagship club is an ex-bordello in the heart of the 8th arrondissement. The red velvet, black ceilings and peep show vitrines are still there, but the prostitutes have been replaced with hard-dancing hipsters, fashionistas and rock stars.

2. Le Baron, Tokyo, Japan

An outpost of the hit Parisian club in the hush-hush location of Tokyo’s Omotesando, this tiny basement lounge is the darling of the fashion crowd. Next to the Plexiglass stripper booths and DJ spinning vintage pop and acid rock, expect to see a smattering of celebrities, socialites and fashionistas like Marc Jacobs and Heidi Slimane.

3. Le Montana, Paris, France

A communist hangout in the 1930s and an iconic Parisian nightclub in the 1960s, Le Montana was recently re-opened by a veritable dream team of French cool: Andre, Olivier Zahm and interior designer Vincent Darré. The fashion crowd’s favourite spot to party during fashion week, Le Montana is always on every fashionista’s dance card.

4. Automat, London, England

Carlos Almada’s New York-inspired gastropub on trendy Dover Street is a 1950s diner upstairs—think booths, burgers and milkshakes—and the trendiest nightspot in town downstairs. P. Diddy, Anna Wintour, Jade Jagger, Sienna Miller and Renee Zellweger have all been spotted exiting in the wee hours.

5. The Groucho Club, London, England

Groucho Marx once said, “I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.” If he were around today, he would want to hangout at this Dean Street club. The members-only hotel/restaurant/bar is a favourite of celebrities and artists who appreciate its laid back, unpretentious atmosphere and cozy country house glamour.

6. The Back Room at Café Select, New York, NY

“Friends” of Serge Becker’s newest European restaurant make their way to the “secret” party spot through its kitchen nightly. The bi-level space, adorned with Christmas lights, a few stools, café tables and a makeshift bar under the stairs, is shabby, homey and lots of fun. Check your attitude at the door.

7. P1, Munich, Germany

Located under the Haus der Kunst museum, P1 opened in 1949 as a bar for US Army officers and evolved into a notoriously hip celebrity hangout. Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts have partied in the space, which features décor by star designer Matteo Thun and a spectacularly patterned lighting scheme.

8. The Beatrice Inn, New York, NY

Despite the recent shuttering of its doors, rumour has it that Manhattan’s most popular hipster den, the “Bea” to those in the know, will reopen by the end of the year. The three-room underground serves a plethora of dirty hipsters, models and celebrities. Lose the diamonds and don your ripped jeans—the Bea is grungy glam and fabulous.

Eurotrash Stomping Grounds


Jimmy’z in Monaco

1. Annabel’s, London, England

Although many argue that Annabel’s, the first members-only restaurant and nightclub in London, has been eclipsed by newer models like The Groucho Club, others insist that the posh Berkeley Square venue has stood the test of time. It counts Kate Moss, Hugh Grant and HRH the Prince of Wales among its members. And it’s the only nightclub the queen has ever visited.

2. Jimmy’z, Monte Carlo, Monaco

The jet set den of choice for 30-odd years, Jimmy’z is an old-school disco palace where no one is too old, or too young, to dance on a table with a bottle of champers. A native of the Monte Carlo night circuit, Jimmy’z includes a Cuban smoking room, top DJs and models and celebrities à gogo.

3. Club 55, St. Tropez, France

Bridget Bardot’s favourite spot on the French Riviera is still just as hot 50 years later. Lunch
under the white canopies is typically a four hour affair… if you include the champagne, dancing and quick jaunts into the sea to flirt with the millionaires on their yachts.

4. Les Caves du Roy, St. Tropez, France

Nestled inside the famous Hotel Byblos, this nightclub is a dance institution in France. Baroque columns, gold-brocade VIP booths and heavily armed guards surround the dance floor, where bejewelled royals, millionaires and models dance the night away under glass chandeliers fuelled on the most expensive champagne money can buy.

5. Billionaire Club, Sardinia, Italy

From July to September, bumper-to-bumper Ferrari’s and Bugati’s litter the steep cliff roads on the way to the Billionaire Club, Italy’s hottest summertime nightclub. Known for its all-night dance debauchery, the crowd of fashion mogul yacht-hoppers pay 500 euros and up for bottle service in booths around the dance floor after dining at Cipriani on the roof.

6. GreenGo, Gstaad, Switzerland

This notorious discotheque, located in the basement of the exclusive Gstaad Palace Hotel, is a second home to the elite youth that spend their winter holidays skiing the Swiss Alps. Preppy billionaires in fur coats and diamond watches can be found dancing and drinking into the wee hours at this jet set institution.

7. The VIP Room at Le Baoli, Cannes, France

On any given night, you can find intoxicated Hollywood starlets, billionaires and select royalty dancing on the tables at Le Baoli in Port Pierre Canto. Opened by Princess Caroline’s ex-husband, Philippe Junot, the hot spot offers an indoor/outdoor experience with pink neon lights inside and dreamy Arabian tents outside.

8. King’s Club & Dracula Club, St. Moritz, Switzerland

Located in the basement of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, the legendary King’s Club is where the jet set flock for all night champagne parties and dance floor depravity. The Dracula Club, founded by Brigitte Bardot’s ex-husband, the 1960s playboy Gunther Sachs, rivals the King’s Club in velvet rope glamour. Pick your poison.

Swanky Nightclubs


Favela in Sydney

1. Lillie’s Bordello, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin has no (legal) brothels, but Lillie’s Bordello just off Grafton Street is an institution and arguably the most elite club in Ireland. Known to attract the odd A-list celebrity as well as rich locals, the private “Jersey Lil’s” room is strictly “Platinum Members” only.

2. LUX, Lisbon, Portugal

Partly owned by Hollywood actor John Malkovich, this is Lisbon’s hippest club, visited by stars like Cameron Diaz and Prince. Club-goers can bust a move to pop music on the spacious dance floor downstairs or relax to more alternative tracks upstairs. The breezy rooftop terrace provides a respite for dizzy dancers with views overlooking the river.

3. Favela, Sydney, Australia

This exclusive, high-end club/restaurant/bar in trendy Potts Point serves a world-class Brazilian barbeque menu downstairs on the open air terrace and a nightclub with 8,000 golden light globes upstairs. Around A$600 will buy you a Gold Room table and two bottles of Moët. Put another shrimp on the barby, mate.

4. Carpe Diem, Hvar, Croatia

Watch the sunset over the harbour on the flowering terrace and then prepare for a long night of dancing under the stars at Carpe Diem. Atop a beautiful Venetian mansion, this elegant yet cozy lounge bar is the most happening spot in town for rich travellers who stop over on their yachts for a day on the picturesque island.

5. Salotto 42, Rome, Italy

Sitting in front of a 2nd-century temple, Salotto 42 holds court from morning until late in the evening. The cozy, sleek room—high-backed velvet chairs, zebra-print rugs, chandeliers and models moonlighting as waitresses—is the Roman fashionista’s favourite choice for late night drinks.

6. Caprice, Mykonos, Greece

Located in the Venice section of Mykonos, this open air space is the bar of choice for island-hoppers wanting to enjoy romantic sunset cocktails and views of the Mykonian windmills on the water. For those looking to up the ante, party music is turned up and table dancing begins as night falls and continues into the daylight hours.

7. Le Yacht Club, St. Barth’s, France

This waterfront supper club and lounge is one of the hottest social scenes in St. Barth’s throughout high season. You might spot Ron Perelman or Mariah Carey in the cool, all white space which transitions from an early evening supper club into a full-out nightclub with harbour champagne by 9 pm.

8. Bed Supperclub, Bangkok, Thailand

Take your shoes off and dine on a set three course menu in bed, then put them back on again for dancing when the all white, spaceship-like space turns into a nightclub. This is the surreal life, and Bangkok tourists love it.

Dance, Dance Revolution


Berghain in Berlin

1. Reina, Istanbul, Turkey

An outdoor complex on the edge of the Bosphorus, Reina is Istanbul’s nightlife queen. Designed like a cruise ship, Reina offers “the whole world under one roof,” with a number of restaurants, bars and clubs. Sushi, pop, kebabs, techno, French cuisine or disco? Take your pick.

2. Space, Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza’s legendary nightclub, Space revolutionized the island’s club scene by becoming the first venue to stay open through morning—an opening party can last 22 hours! The mix of indoor and outdoor space makes this the ultimate beach club experience.

3. Pacha, Madrid, Spain

Pacha Madrid has been a hot spot in Madrid’s nightlife since the ‘80s. With three different lounges that change themes by season, this is the place to show off your multifaceted dancing skills in front of the celebs and pijos (rich kids) posing behind the velvet ropes in the VIP area.

4. Berghain, Berlin, Germany

Widely regarded as the current world capital of techno, this former power plant boasts an 18-metre high dance floor, a “dark room” in the basement where patrons are known to perform sex acts, and (surprise!) a strong reputation for decadence and hedonism. Party there for three days straight if you must—there are no closing hours.

5. Tequila, Punte Del Este, Uruguay

Located on the main drag of Punta del Este’s La Barra, this is the hottest lounge and dance club in Uruguay. A cozy single floor club with red and black booths, expect a strict door policy, vintage cuts of electronic music, Latin tracks and global beats.

6. Butter Factory, Singapore

Butter Factory boasts 8,000 square feet of floor space split into two rooms: Fash, for alternative, electro-beats, and the main room, Bump, which caters to Butter’s faithful core of R&B/hip-hop fans. Designers Jeremyville, Toki Doki and Peskimo created custom skyscraper and swimming pool-themed décor for the different rooms to enhance the musical experience.

7. Attica, Singapore

Ex-pats and locals alike flock to this Balinese-style party palace on the Clarke Quay. Another inside/outside experience, enjoy cocktails at the open air bar, Lilypad, or head inside for to the main lounge for velvet couches and cocktails. Upstairs is the futuristic club, Attica Too, where electronic music and techno beats thump until the wee morn hours.

8. Prive, Mumbai, India

Based on New York’s infamous 1908 nightclubs, this swanky discotheque follows suit with hardcore bouncers/doormen, velvet ropes and premium bottle service. The ritziest club in Mumbai boasts wading pools laden in rose petals, an elite clientele and all night dancing.

9. Chez Régine, Paris, France

Régine Choukroun is the undisputed “Queen of the Night” and her club, Chez Régine, is still a classic Parisian hot spot. Completely renovated in September 2008, Chez Régine attracts the best DJs and a notoriously chic and exclusive crowd.

Source:
asmallworld.net