Skip the hangover: Here are the best hotel bars with alcohol-free options
The alcohol-free, zero-proof cocktail culture has grown leaps and bounds, with many people cutting back on booze for health and wellness reasons or abstaining long term. Hotel bars are taking note: Many now offer a greater selection of high-quality, innovative mocktails as well as buzz-free beer and wine.
A 2021 Nielsen survey revealed that nonalcoholic beverage sales increased by 33% over the previous year, and beverage analysts see more growth to come in the $400 million industry. Attendees of the 2022 National Restaurant Association show in Chicago reported zero-proof alcohol was a major trend at the event.
As the availability of low-ABV (alcohol by volume) and nonalcoholic spirits increases, picking more sober options while traveling will become less challenging. Here are five swanky hotel bars — some in places you’d least suspect — where you can enjoy a delicious concoction and skip the hangover.
Regent Singapore
Forget the Singapore Sling. Since the 440-room Regent Singapore’s swanky, gilded-age bar Manhattan opened in 2014, its drink menu has revolved around high-quality ingredients, potent flavors and its stunning appearance. Many options come without the buzz. Head bartender Sophia Kang has always put emphasis on exciting mocktails where something other than liquor is the star.
Related: 3 ways to do Singapore on points
The tipples on Manhattan’s menu feature fresh-pressed juices, steeped infusions and rare teas that bring unique flavor and balance to these mocktails.
“As bartenders, we firmly believe in everyone’s right to a celebratory drink — alcoholic or not,” Kang said.
The New Element, which combines Lyre’s coffee, banana cordial, sparkling coconut water and chocolate bitters, is a guest favorite. Manhattan is ranked 15th on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars and sixth on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
Room rates at the hotel start at $248 per night for a King Classic room. IHG One Rewards members can book rooms starting at 19,000 points per night.
Ette Hotel, Orlando
You won’t find so much as a drop of alcohol on any of the bar menus at this new, wellness-focused luxury boutique hotel in Orlando. Instead, bar consultant Jarl De Vries, also known as The Cocktail Professor, has devised high-quality mocktail menus. These drinks are served at signature restaurant Salt & The Cellar and at the sixth-floor rooftop bar LIPA.
Keep a “steady hand and clear head” while sipping these Insta-worthy, booze-free beverages. Some highlights include the lavender-hued Dragon’s Tail, which is served in a glass with jellyfish-like tentacles, and the verdant Into The Woods, which is served in a vial nestled among foliage and mosses. The Queen Bee, where slices of dehydrated pear serve as the bee’s “wings” on the glass vessel, is another favorite.
Related: Orlando International Airport has new dining options coming
Rates at the hotel start at $669 per night for a King room. Members of I Prefer Rewards through Preferred Hotels & Resorts are eligible for a discounted rate, room upgrade, free Wi-Fi and early check-in.
Revival Baltimore
Less than a mile from Penn Station and a two-minute walk from the Walters Art Museum, Revival Baltimore — part of the JdV Hyatt family — is a 107-room, newly renovated boutique hotel rich in history and culture. It's nestled in the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
Related: 7 reasons Baltimore should be your next travel destination
The rooftop restaurant, Topside, features a menu with four interesting ZPZJ (zero-proof, zero-judgment) cocktails. It also offers two beers with less than 0.5% ABV, including the Run Wild IPA from the Connecticut-based, alcohol-free Athletic Brewing Company. The Dorothy in the Daytime cocktail features a gin alternative, elderflower tonic, lime and ginger beer. Meanwhile, the Yellow Balloons drink features a tequila alternative, cinnamon-infused ginger turmeric tea, pineapple shrub and grapefruit bitters.
Room rates start at $159 per night, and World of Hyatt members can book rooms from 8,000 points for a Category 2 standard room.
Ritz Paris
Ernest Hemingway would have passed on the new mocktail menu at the Ritz Bar’s dimly-lit, circular counter, but that doesn’t mean you should. One-quarter of the bespoke cocktails at the bar are alcohol-free, and bar director Romain de Courcy estimates that about 1 in 5 guests orders a zero-proof cocktail when they visit.
The Feuille combines mint, patchouli, black currant, aloe vera and a pinch of spirulina for a stunning aqua-colored cocktail. The Fleur features rose, hibiscus, geranium propolis and aromatic litchi flower honey with a blush-colored rose petal garnish to match the drink.
Related: 8 mistakes travelers often make on their first trip to Paris
Don’t expect zero-proof pricing, though. This is still Paris, and it’s still the Ritz. Each of these alcohol-free sips skirts the $30 mark.
Room rates start at $1,714 per night plus taxes for a Superior Room, with a two-night minimum.
The Merrion, Dublin
Ireland’s capital might not be the first place you’d expect to find alcohol-free options, but the zero-proof revolution has taken over the Emerald Isle, too. This 142-room hotel, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is home to the Michelin two-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud as well as the intimate No. 23 Cocktail Bar and the Garden Room, which offers a selection of floral-inspired alcohol-free cocktails overlooking the hotel’s courtyard.
Related: 8 places to visit in Ireland besides Dublin
Last summer, the hotel began production of its own non-alcoholic Irish spirit called “Artonical." It's a distilled zero-proof gin made from botanicals like juniper, angelica root, lemon, orange and grapefruit. The signature “NoLo” mocktail menu showcases the private label spirit in a variety of colorful, chilled concoctions.
Rates start at $423 per night for a Merrion Queen room, including tax.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.