13 hotels with in-room craft cocktail (and beer) programs

Remember the modest mini bar? A couple of nips and maybe a half bottle of vino (if you were lucky) and you had yourself a nice little carpet picnic, or what some would call “death by mini bar,” depending on the night. Hotels have since upped the ante, providing weary travelers in need of trendy tipples with an all-out smorgasbord of boozy entertainment. We’re talking on-call mixology masters (aka VIP cocktail butlers), artisanal spirits on rolling bar carts and on-demand craft beer flights without having to leave your quarters to imbibe in style. Here are 13 hotels with next-level, in-room libation operations so good you’ll never want to leave.

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The Surrey’s bespoke cocktail experience: New York City

At The Surrey on New York’s Upper East Side, one can (and should) expect the finer things in life. This includes an over-the-top cocktail experience in your salon or suite, 24 hours a day. One dial downstairs and an on-call mixologist will whisk up to your door armed with locally distilled spirits (like Due North Rum from Brooklyn and Hudson Valley’s Baby Bourbon Whiskey) and the proper accoutrements to mix and pour your first round. After that, you’re left to your own bartending devices, with enough boozy essentials to concoct 4-5 more perfect drinks, or you can request the tutorial again. The price tag for this bedside bar cart service? $100–$124 per cocktail batch. #YOLO

The Cape, A Thompson Hotel’s custom tequila tasting: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Tequila and Mexican vacations go hand in hand, but rather than interrupt your quality in-room time by having to make a marg run down to the lobby bar, The Cape brings the tequila tasting direct to your pad. Made exclusively for the hotel, each guestroom and suite comes with a custom, hand-etched bottle of Realeza Mexicana, served alongside fresh orange slices, candied mango with chili powder, and other craft cocktail bar extras. This unique mini-bar item is meant to be enjoyed from your balcony perch, while taking in an unparalleled vantage point of El Arco and the Sea of Cortez, which by the way, is prime real estate for whale watching.

Mini martinis: The Mews: London

For guests of The Mews, the private townhouse crown jewel at the posh Connaught Hotel in London, mini martinis await. Courtesy of the Connaught Bar, one of the most buzzed-about imbibing destinations in the world, martinis shaken, not stirred—or vice versa—will arrive at your door at 6pm. This premium offering is par for the course with this truly luxe British experience, and we’d be remiss not to point out that this seriously major “hotel room” spans more than three levels. It also comes with an outdoor terrace, butler’s kitchen, guest and master bedrooms, two fireplaces, a grand piano and a jaw-dropping collection of art. You’ll even have access to an exclusive Moynat Bijoux Box to borrow vintage jewelry throughout your stay,  so you can sip your tiny ‘tinis dripping in baubles. No big deal.

The Pulitzer’s retro drink trolleys: Amsterdam

Arguably one of the biggest draws at the Pulitzer (besides the fact that it’s modeled after Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal houses) is the chic bar cart in each room. A hotel-wide remodel saw the addition of these 1930s-style drink trolleys throughout the hotel’s stunning accommodations, but be forewarned: These are not your average minibars. Nips, liquors and mixers—along with a variety of glassware and cocktail-making gear—are de rigueur on the trolley, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, there’s a booklet of recipes to go with the $16-a-piece adult beverages. As if the boozy trolley isn’t enough, there are also small fridges in the art-bedecked rooms, housing chilled Corenwijn jenever and Dutch beer.

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W Los Angeles Sip N Lift Cart: Los Angeles

The W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills takes the art of hospitality one step further with its “Sip N Lift Cart,” for thirsty guests who can’t wait to start imbibing on the ride up to their quarters. This cocktail caddy comes alive on Friday nights and offers up martinis, specialty cocktails from STK Los Angeles’ and The Living Room Bar, and maybe even shots (if you ask nicely). Be sure to tip your personal elevator bartender on the way out because there’s nothing more awkward than having to ride the lift down with them later in the evening and having your drink order be ignored. 

The Godfrey Hotel’s Bloody Mary Cart: Boston

If you had a big night out in Beantown and just can’t seem to make it downstairs for brunch by a normal hour, have no fear: The Godfrey Hotel‘s Bloody Mary Cart will come to you for some much-needed retox. Loaded with the usual suspects (celery, olives, seasonal pickled vegetables, jumbo shrimp and maple-glazed bacon), it’s a nicety that everyone seems to enjoy. Stocked with premium spirits of your choice, it’s also a hotel amenity that comes with no hidden fees attached and for that we’re grateful. $14 for a hair of the dog libation we can accept—and sip—in a robe? We’ll take it. Note: Only available Sundays from 10am to 1pm.

Conrad Cartagena’s Rum Cart: Cartagena, Colombia

Guests who reserve the 2,500-square-foot Presidential Suite at the five-star Conrad Cartagena can take advantage of an exclusive rum cart delivered to their balcony featuring an assortment of aged rums, a variety of freshly squeezed tropical juices (like the exotic jugo de lulo), and expert tips from mixologists at Son y Ron, the hotel’s own expansive rum bar. The cocktail cart is best enjoyed while gazing at the panoramic sunset views of the private beach, Caribbean Sea and Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Hotel Jerome’s Hallway Cocktail Cart: Aspen

Aspen’s beloved Hotel Jerome offers guests a seasonal cocktail service that brings tasty sips right to their rooms, announced with the sound of a cheerful melody coming down the hall. During the winter the cart includes hot chocolate and hot toddies (made with local Woody Creek single-barrel rye whiskey), while the summer cart series serves lighter and crisper bevs. Hotel Jerome has long been known as a favorite social hub in the posh mountain town via its legendary J-Bar and Living Room lounge and now you can enjoy their signature bar classics from the comfort of your bed. Ahh, the life.

Espacio’s Jewel-Roned Tonics: Waikiki

Bougie jet setters can really get into the lap of luxury mindset at the nine-floor, nine-suite oceanfront luxury hotel Espacio. As a part of the hotel’s ultra-exclusive personalized service, each suite’s 24/7 butler team can arrange for in-room craft cocktails that coincides with your suite’s distinct jewel. So if you happen to be staying in the 2,250 square-foot Coral Suite, you can request its namesake Coral cocktail made with Nikka Coffey Gin, Combier Liqueur de Rose and Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic. Did we mention there’s a balcony jacuzzi with panoramic ocean views on which to sip these uber-glam nightcaps?

The Spectator’s In-Room Champagne Cocktails: Charleston, SC

You’re in for a serious treat if you book the Grand Life Package at The Spectator Hotel (for a casual $45K, mind you). Enjoy free-flowing Dom Perignon along with caviar, thanks to their on-trend in-room champagne button. Upon request, personal butlers will even deliver champagne cocktails (such as the Love Potion) to your room. Crafted by master in-house mixologists at The Bar, The Spectator’s 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge, these delectable drinks are worth the airfare to Charleston alone. We have a feeling you won’t be getting out much.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago’s Beer Butler: Chicago

Not much of a hard liquor fan? When in Chi-Town, brewski lovers will feel right at home at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago – Magnificent Mile. The hotel just unveiled The Mile—a collection of luxurious new suites—but it seems a few of the in–room enhancements were made with the beer enthusiast in mind. Personalized concierge service, plush bathrobes and a wet bar meant to showcase their “Beer Butler” experience (highlighting some of Chicagoland’s best regional craft beers) are all part of the charm. Should you wake up with a bit of a beer belly however, they’ve got that covered, too. Five Feet to Fitness Rooms offer 11 pieces of bedside workout equipment—including a spin bike.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club’s Dressing Cocktails: San Pedro, Belize

Who doesn’t love a get-ready cocktail? Hotelier Beth Clifford certainly does and at her Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, you can partake in dressing cocktails themed for the occasion. Order tipples such as Don’s Old Fashioned, or a grapefruit-infused Laguna Spritz, that will be brought to your door by golf cart between the happiest hours of 4–6:30pm—at $8–$14 a pop. And in case you get the munchies, as one usually does sipping tropical cordials on balmy cottage patios, there are hors d’oeuvres to sample as well. So what’s a quaffable beverage ideal for getting ready in a slightly tipsy manner? Clifford’s dressing cocktail of choice is the Queen Bee, made with watermelon juice, honey, mint and a dash of Prosecco.

45 Park Lane’s Negroni Trolley: London

Considering the Negroni turned 100 this year and London’s 45 Park Lane is known for serving the best one in Londontown, it’s only fitting that they celebrate in a unique way with their new Negroni trolley service. The trolley is rolled around at Bar 45 and can be brought to guestrooms (upon request), serving three variations of the popular drink: The Classic Negroni, The Vintage Negroni, and The Aged Negroni. Bar 45 at 45 Park Lane has also debuted “Negroni Nights,” a series of masterclasses in honor of the centenary of the classic cocktail.

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