Unveiling Underground Hideaways: Discovering Hotel's Hidden and Erotic Watering Holes
For those seeking an extra dose of intrigue during their travels, secret bars offer a unique and exclusive experience. These hidden gems, often found within luxury hotels and resorts, require a bit of sleuthing to uncover. Here's a roundup of some of the world's most sought-after secret bars and how to access them.
In London, England, the subterranean speakeasy The Spy Bar at Raffles London at The OWO is a must-visit for espionage enthusiasts. Located deep within the historic Old War Office building, this bar exudes a secretive and exclusive vibe, inspired by James Bond lore. To gain entry, prior request is required, and the no-photography rules and exclusive access by request only maintain its mystery and exclusivity.
In the United States, the Tunnel Speakeasy at Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center in Louisiana preserves a Prohibition-era atmosphere, having been an actual underground tunnel used for secret escapes by politicians like Huey Long. Reservations are mandatory to access this hidden bar, and guests receive text message instructions on how to enter.
In Paris, France, Golden Promise and Doris Bar offer a different kind of secretive allure. Golden Promise, hidden behind Maison du Saké, boasts over 1,000 rare whiskies and refined cocktails, while Doris Bar, located beneath a former Anglo-Parisian pub, offers rotating guest mixologists and Anglo-Indian cuisine-inspired small plates. Both bars have known addresses, inviting discovery among insiders.
Across the Atlantic, La Isla Secreta in Mexico offers a tropical bohemian hideaway with a focus on rare Mexican spirits. Access is exclusive to resort guests and requires a boat transfer from Zapote Bar.
In the United States, the Iron Door in Grass Valley, California, and Bandista in Houston, Texas, both housed within the Holbrooke Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel respectively, offer unique atmospheres and require reservations for entry. The Iron Door offers a stone wall decor, soft amber light, local live music, and a cocktail program with a bold boilermaker twist, while Bandista is currently ranked #59 on North America's 50 Best Bars.
In Japan, Canes & Tales inside the Waldorf Astoria Osaka offers a moody, jazz-inspired space with menus built around literary tales. Access is open to guests and visitors, and reservations are recommended, especially for events.
In New York City, So & So's inside the Romer Hotel in Hell's Kitchen offers a casual-cool vibe, a hi-low food and cocktail menu, regular live music events, and first-come, first-served seating.
In Florida, Room Nine01 is a secret bar hidden in a guest room at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas, and in Illinois, Mile High Cocktail Club is a secret bar located at the Four Seasons Chicago.
Finally, NAVI at The Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, and Epilogue within the adults-only section of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, both offer exclusive experiences with advance reservation via the hotel's concierge. The fee for NAVI includes five cocktails, five small bites, and a take-home gift, while Epilogue is accessible to resort guests only.
These hidden bars often require prior reservations or requests for access, avoid overt signage, and emphasize secrecy and exclusivity with immersive atmospheres rooted in historical or thematic elements. For The Spy Bar and The Tunnel Speakeasy, booking ahead and following instructions sent to you is mandatory. Parisian bars like Golden Promise and Doris Bar are discreet but have known addresses, inviting discovery among insiders.
- For an extraordinary food-and-drink lifestyle experience, consider visiting hidden speakeasies in hotels, such as La Isla Secreta in Mexico or Room Nine01 in Florida, which offer unique and exclusive atmospheres that are worth the travel.
- In the realm of entertainment, seeking out secret bars in luxury hotels like Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center's Tunnel Speakeasy or the Iron Door in Grass Valley provides a unique travel experience, with each destination offering a different ambiance and cuisine-inspired cocktails.
