Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the world-renowned and only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, has unveiled its Verified List for 2019’s World’s Best Hotel Bars, naming Z Bar at The Peninsula Chicago, The Club Bar at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and The Bar at The Peninsula Manila as three of only 45 bars around the world to earn the accolade. This comes on the heels of the Forbes Five-Star Awards announcement in February 2019, in which The Peninsula achieved Forbes Five-Star status across all ten of its hotels, resulting in The Peninsula Hotels being the first and only hotel brand to achieve the highest possible FTG rating for all its hotels.
“An honour of this calibre is truly extraordinary, especially given the amount of hard work and meticulous attention our team collectively puts into each of these establishments,” said Carson Glover, Vice President of Brand Marketing & Communications at The Peninsula Hotels. “Every detail, from the design and ambiance to the unparalleled service, to the incredible food and drink offerings, is carefully curated to provide an exceptional and unforgettable guest experience.”
Z Bar at The Peninsula Chicago Located above Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue, The Peninsula Chicago’s recently-opened rooftop lounge, Z Bar, boasts expansive city views, an array of distinctive, globally-inspired cocktails, boldly-flavored food and the latest tunes from around the world. After being transported to The Peninsula Chicago’s rooftop terrace via dedicated elevators cloaked in lush forest artistry, guests can enjoy an expansive indoor-outdoor space including a rooftop terrace, the perfect place to experience a sophisticated take on Chicago’s rooftop scene.
The Club Bar at The Peninsula Beverly Hills Reminiscent of an elegant gentleman’s club, with beautiful California birch-paneled walls and gleaming brass details and sconces, The Club Bar offers guests premium drinks and gourmet small bites. Luxury leather chairs surround the crackling fireplace, creating an authentic yet timeless atmosphere. The Club Bar’s drink list includes rare single-malt whiskies, scotches, tequilas and cognacs, as well as a comprehensive selection of wines by the glass, along with the hotel’s privatelabel Keller The Peninsula Sonoma Pinot Noir.
The Bar at The Peninsula Manila Just a few steps from Salon de Ning and a short walk from the famous Lobby, The Bar at The Peninsula Manila echoes the dimly lit bars of Cuba, and is the ideal setting to enjoy the signature Batangas Old Fashioned, or savor a malt whisky in an intimate space. The plush armchairs and leather couches encourage intimate conversation among guests. The Bar, boasting predominant colors of cobalt blue and dark brown, is inspired by the character of an old school gentleman who enjoys a flavorful cigar and a crisp drink.
The Verified List for 2019’s World’s Best Hotel Bars recognizes 45 distinguished bars, across 13 countries, and represents hotel bars that performed exceptionally on standards related to the quality of their beverage programme, their presentation and their luxurious service.
Each hotel bar was meticulously inspected and scored using criteria such as elements of luxury standards, which reflect sumptuous comfort, choices and conveniences, including a special level of attention to details, and also food and beverage quality standards, which play an important part in the guest experience. Bars must also demonstrate the technical aptitude of their staff, such as their ability to listen to guests’ individual preferences and to deliver beverages at correct temperatures.
“We’ve seen hotel bars evolve enormously in our 60-plus years of operating Forbes Travel Guide, hence the focus of our fourth Verified List,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “Hotel bars are now destinations in their own right and have the ability to transform a hotel experience. We congratulate all of the bars on the list, which were vetted and verified based on the most rigorous standards. They not only scored highly, but also provided the most luxurious experience for hotel and local guests alike.”
The Verified List throws a spotlight on amazing hotel bars in China, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Morocco, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.