The combination of excellent guest service, diverse crowds, savory bites by notable chefs, inventive beverage programs, and exquisitely designed and decorated spaces make these hotel bars must-visit-destinations.
Jade Bar at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort
Jade Bar is truly a cocktail connoisseur’s dream with its resort-casual vibe, acoustic live music and stunning views of Camelback Mountain and the Praying Monk. Stop by for The Pour, Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and enjoy happy-hour pricing on premium craft cocktails like martinis and margaritas. There’s also a weekly specialty Pour cocktail created by Jade Bar mixologists. If you'd like to spice things up, stop by on Thursday for Latin Night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and catch the beats of Miguel Melgoza and La Dignidad. Jade Bar also features live jazz, pop and R&B on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Mix Up Bar at Royal Palms Resort & Spa
The only difficult decision that you’ll make at The Mix Up Bar is whether or not to have wine or a cocktail. Whatever direction you choose to go with will be a good one as the bar is known for their creative mixology program and for having a Coravin, which allows guests to indulge in wines by the glass that are normally offered only by the bottle. Like the “garden-to-glass” cocktails, the dining menu at the bar is prepared with only the freshest ingredients by renowned Executive Chef Lee Hillson of the property’s T. Cook’s Restaurant. Along with delectable sips and eats, the bar has a high-end rustic feel and offers live mood-setting music Thursday through Saturday nights.
Living Room and Cottontail Lounge at W Scottsdale
W Scottsdale is a nightlife destination hotspot known for its posh atmosphere and elite crowds. Both bars in the hotel offer a swanky experience but the vibe shifts as you move from the downstairs Living Room to the rooftop Cottontail Lounge. The W did away with the traditional guest lobby and created the Living Room, an open space that is a great place to mingle and grab a martini or bottle service. Offering both lounge-like DJ beats and live music from local and national acts, the Living Room is the place to hang if you’re feeling a bit more mellow. Flirty and fun, Cottontail Lounge offers sweeping views and specializes in craft cocktails. There is also a custom DJ booth, which ensures the party will continue late into the night.
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
On the edge of downtown Scottsdale sits ZuZu at the retro-hip Hotel Valley Ho. The location, locally-sourced menu, craft cocktails, high-quality wine list and modern-yet-vintage vibe at ZuZu make for a relaxed atmosphere. One of the best times to experience ZuZu is during happy hour, which runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. - Wed. Order the HH Burger which is a quarter-pound all-beef patty, special sauce, lettuce, cheese + pickles on a house-made bun. Pair it with a seasonal Selzer or ZuZu Mule.
Degree 270 and Orange Sky at Talking Stick Resort
After a short elevator ride, Talking Stick Resort guests can take part in two different types of nighttime experiences (and can really make a full night of it by taking in a show after dinner). If you’re looking for a relaxed and elegant experience, stop at Orange Sky Restaurant on the 15th floor to take in the breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows while listening to nightly live tunes. Enjoy a craft cocktail or select an award-winning wine from a list brimming with 30 different wines by the glass. If you’re looking for more of a party, head down one floor to Degree 270. Named after the spectacular views, this nightclub has a lively crowd that is not too shy to get out on the dance floor.
Last Drop Bar at The Hermosa Inn
A bar with a cowboy history and a prohibition-style cocktail list to match, the Last Drop Bar inside Hermosa Inn is an Arizona staple. A recent makeover added an expanded bar patio with five outdoor fireplaces with comfy seating - the perfect spot to settle in. The Last Drop offers a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as signature cocktails like The Last Drop and the Bee's Knees Lavender Sour. Don’t forget to check inside the original Stetson hat, which features the artwork "Last Drop from His Stetson" by original inn owner Lon Megargee. This art has been featured on the silk lining inside all Stetson hats since 1924.
Biannca is a blogger, freelance writer and photographer who also dabbles in marketing, public relations and events. Yoga, running, dancing and her rescue pup Sadie are her sanity. She is a member of the Women’s Metropolitan Arts Council and the Scottsdale League for the Arts, and serves on the board of ProRed. When she’s not busy with work, networking or volunteering, you can find her checking out local restaurants, live music and on the dance floor with friends!
