Today the drinkers have a plethora of establishments to choose from–pubs, peculiar cocktail bars, hard-to-find speakeasies, wine bars, and more. Yet, hotel bars remain a special harbor for many of us, for their sophistication, excellent service, eclectic crowd, and, often, for the stories and legends about them. Naturally, Macau, being one of Asia’s hospitality capitals, has many impressive bars that attract customers for an after hour cosmo or whisky on the rocks, whether hotel guests or not. Here’s our guide to the best hotel bars in Macau for your next drinking session or classy get-together.
Wing Lei Bar at Wynn Palace
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Put on your best outfit and head to this opulent bar for a glamorous night out. Experience a night of classy libation at Wing Lei Bar to unwind and feel the city’s beat. Walk into jaw-dropping interiors where the walls are inlaid with semi-precious stones surrounding the place with sheer elegance. The cozy bar has a calm and comfortable feel despite the glamorous backdrop. You won’t be disappointed with an array of delicious cocktails and a selection of Asian bar snacks while catching up with family and friends at this gem in Wynn Palace. Try one of their signature drinks, such as Million Dollar Baby with truffle fat-washed vodka, or have a gin and tonic with one of the Scandinavian craft gins.
Opening hours: Daily, 5:00pm–1:00am
Wing Lei Bar Wynn Palace, Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, +853 8889 3663, www.wynnpalace.com
Also read: Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails
The St. Regis Bar Macao at The St. Regis Macao
If you are looking for NYC experience without having to take a plane, there is no better place than The St. Regis Bar Macao. After a major renovation, the bar moved to the second floor and now boasts a spectacular design with an inspiring art collection. But most importantly, the team of outstanding chefs and mixologists completely revamped the food and drink menus, making St. Regis a desirable destination for both a few drinks and a sumptuous dinner. From the selection of in-house infused gins to signature cocktails, the bar list features something for every palate. However, you can always chat with the bartenders should you need any recommendations or a cocktail mixed with your specific preferences. In the evenings, a duo of musicians entertains guests with live jazz, while in the afternoons, you can enjoy an elegant Afternoon Tea set or Astor Hour generous offers.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday, 5:00pm–1:00am; Friday–Sunday, 2:00pm–1:00am
The St. Regis Bar Macao 2F, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, +853 2882 8898, www.thestregisbarmacao.com
Also read: The St. Regis Bar Macao: The Hottest Spot in Town
The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Macau
A combination of contemporary glamor and charm, The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge is an ideal spot for a tipple. Chill out in an elegant space and sample original cocktails and delightful bites. As the sun sets, this place comes into its own–especially if you enjoy a classy ambiance. Soulful music playing in the background doesn’t intrude on your thoughts and makes it easy to have a casual chat with your companions.
While we adore the high tea offerings in the afternoon, the lounge is a fabulous scene post-work. It’s made even more exciting by pop-up parties and an interactive bar serving cocktails, comfort food, and signature gins. Moreover, they often have special offers and different happy hour promotions throughout the week. Not to mention, their collection of gin is the largest in town. So take advantage of that gin trolley while you are there.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 5:00pm–12:00am
The Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge 51/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, www.ritz-carlton.com
Also read: Wake Up Here: The Ritz-Carlton, Macau
Vida Rica Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Macau
Sipping on a cocktail with the fantastic view of Macau’s stunning skyline is a perfect way to unwind after work. Head to Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s Vida Rica Bar and enjoy innovative creations in a stylish setting.
Vida Rica Bar is known around town for its talented team of bartenders that often come up with original recipes combining unorthodox ingredients. Naturally, those experiments don’t go unnoticed. Thus, more and more awards have been lining up on their bar counter in the last few years. Vida Rica’s Art in Mixology series features cocktails inspired by Macau culture, artists, and cinematographers. Besides, from time to time, they introduce special events like Negroni or Campari Week and Bar Stories when the in-house bartenders share their shift with some of the world’s best mixologists from the renowned bars.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday, 5:00pm–12:00am; Friday, 5:00pm–1:00am; Saturday, 3:00pm–1:00am; Sunday, 2:00pm–11:00pm
Vida Rica Bar Mandarin Oriental, Macau, Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau, +853 8805 8888, www.mandarinoriental.com
Also read: Show Me the Way to: Macau’s Best Cocktail Bars
38 Lounge at Altira Macau
Located on the top floor of Taipa’s iconic skyscraper, 38 Lounge is an excellent destination for an intimate date or a celebration with friends. Dress up in chic attire to fit in the posh design with lush Bordeaux sofas and elegant crystal chandeliers. And while you are waiting for a glass of wine or a cocktail, enjoy the hard-to-beat view of the Macau peninsula from panoramic windows. When the weather is pleasant, the terrace becomes 38 Lounge’s best feature unless you want to stay inside and listen to the live band treating the guests to jazzy tunes.
Opening hours: Thursday–Sunday, 7:00pm–2:00am
38 Lounge 38/F, Altira Macau, Avenida de Kwong Tung, Taipa, +853 2886 8868, www.altiramacau.com
Also read: Best Places for Whiskey Lovers in Macau
Cinnebar at Wynn Macau
There is no doubt that Cinnebar is an effortlessly cool spot in Macau. Plush seats, warm tones, mesmerizing honey onyx counter, and refined flower arrangements make up a stylish interior typical for Wynn establishments. Whether you’re craving Asian-inspired cocktails, a glass of wine, or something stronger like single malt whiskey, you’ll find your fix here. Set yourself near the bar counter to have a chat with the bartender or head to the al-fresco table that overlooks the crystal-blue water of the serene pool.
Opening hours: Sunday–Thursday, 3:00pm–1:00am; Friday-Saturday and public holidays, 3:00pm–2:00am
Cinnebar Wynn Macau Rua Cidade de Sintra, NAPE, Macau, +853 2888 9966, www.wynnmacau.com
Also read: Hold My Beer: Macau’s Best Pubs & Bars
Bar Patuá at MGM Cotai
Patuá is Macau’s creole language, mainly based on Portuguese with elements of Cantonese, Malay, and Sinhala. The tribute to Macau’s rich multicultural heritage can be spotted in the bar’s decor. Designed for today’s jet-set generation, Bar Patuá features warm and welcoming interiors in pristine shades of beige and gold. The bar menu also represents the fusion of cultures offering signature cocktails that feature Western and Eastern liquors. Sichuan pepper-infused vodka, tea, port, and lychee liqueur come together in a perfect symphony of flavors. Sit in one of the comfortable sofas and armchairs with a glass of cocktail in your hand. Or explore the selection of wine and local beers, accompanied by a platter of artisanal cold cuts and other bar snacks.
Opening hours: Daily, 3:00pm–1:00am
Bar Patuá MGM Cotai, Avenida da Nave, Deportiva, Cotai, +853 8802 8888, www.mgm.mo
Also read: Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau
Premiere Bar at Studio City Macau
A lounge bar of Studio City offers a feeling of old Hollywood with art deco elements, comfortable leather armchairs, and a magnificent lacquered piano. Dimmed light and soul music call create an ideal setting for a relaxing evening with intimate conversations and cocktails like fizzy Bellini or bold Cinnamon Smoked Negroni. If you are a whisky aficionado, Premier Bar will surprise you with their extensive collection of bourbon, single malts, and blended whisky.
Opening hours: Sunday–Thursday, 7:00pm–11:00pm; Friday–Saturday, 7:00pm–12:00am
Premiere Bar Shop 1189, Level 1, Star Tower at Studio City, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8865 6660, www.studiocity-macau.com/premiere-bar
Also read: Wake Up Here: Studio City Macau