It’s one thing to explore a city by day, but seeing a modern metropolis at night is a whole different experience. High-end hotels across the globe are rolling out the red carpet after hours, and night owls are flocking to their chic clubs and moody bars for everything from premium bottle service and celebrity DJs to nostalgic nightcaps in sleek marble surroundings.
Whether you prefer to sip a classic cocktail before bed or party until dawn, these luxe lodgings offer plenty of ways to indulge after sundown.
It should come as no surprise that the latest New York City project from hotelier and former nightlife impresario Ian Schrager plays host to an after-hours scene worth staying up for.
Three stylish bars serve well-crafted pours late into the night (Lobby Bar stays open until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday), but the highlight is the April-opened Paradise Club.
Developed in partnership with Brooklyn’s avant-garde performance space House of Yes, this unique venue presents an enchanting dinner theater experience four nights a week (Wednesday through Saturday) followed by parties packed with popular DJs and jaw-dropping performances.
You’ll want an after-dinner espresso for this one — the late-night spot keeps the festivities going until 4 a.m.
Mohegan Sun
This Connecticut casino resort is already a regional hub of gaming, entertainment and nightlife, but on June 20, the high-end hotel is upping the ante with the debut of novelle, a modern lounge by day and ultra-luxe club by night.
The speakeasy-style space (designed by New England architect Peter Niemitz) is exceptionally chic with gold, champagne and black interiors anchored by two large bars and a dance floor. For the ultimate in exclusivity, reserve one of the four VIP gaming rooms and enjoy dedicated waitstaff, custom menus, bottle service and plenty of privacy.
At the end of the night, make your way back to your cozy room within Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Sky Tower at Mohegan Sun. Book a Sky Tower River Suite equipped with a Jacuzzi tub — a welcome reprieve after hours of dancing.
If your idea of after-hours fun is simply a nightcap in sophisticated surroundings, head for Marble Bar within this sleek Forbes Travel Guide Recommended skyscraper.
The space veers contemporary with a striking gray marble bar and yellow-padded stools, but local touches like Oriental rugs and fringed light fixtures provide a stylish sense of place.
After an evening exploring Istanbul, this luxe lounge’s classic cocktail menu is a comfort. Sip on tried-and-true tipples like a French 75 or a bourbon-based Smoked Boulevardier. Or, get a little adventurous and opt for the Istanbul Sour, a more recent creation made with red wine, lemon juice, sugar and raki, a popular local anise-flavored spirit.
Tucked within this sleek Four-Star casino complex is an after-hours destination that only Sin City could properly handle.
The brainchild of luxury hospitality firm Hakkasan Group, JEWEL Nightclub is 24,000 square feet of sensory stimulation, from its LED-lit entryway to the world-class performers (Steve Aoki, Tyga and Lil Jon are all on the summer calendar) who take the stage every weekend.
For the full VIP experience, reserve one of the themed mezzanine-level suites — exposed brick, an oversized leather couch and a giant TV make The Blind Tiger suite ideal for bachelor parties — where you’ll have a private room overlooking the DJ booth and dance floor, a dedicated cocktail server and bottle service.
With its shimmery pink backsplash, rich emerald green bar stools and plush white tufted chairs, KANPAI Lounge is a stylish spot for libations in the City by the Bay. Situated within this Four-Star Union Square stay, the Asian-inspired venue serves up sweet and savory plates, Japanese beers and a collection of curated cocktails to keep your night interesting.
Drinks influenced by different regions of Asia allow your taste buds to cruise the continent without having to leave your velvet perch. Try the classic Kanpai (Toki Japanese whisky, wasabi liqueur and almond milk) or the Thai-influenced Chiyo (rum, Bénédictine liqueur, pineapple, curry-ginger syrup and chocolate-walnut bitters).
Either way, don’t skip the comforting desserts (like the s’mores brownie or warm cinnamon-sugar doughnut holes) to end your evening on a sweet note.
Just because you choose to stay off the beaten path doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in Las Vegas’ legendary nightlife.
Set on the south side of the city, this Four-Star luxury hotel boasts everything you need for the full Strip experience: a 92,000-square-foot casino, an array of restaurants, a 100,000-sqaure-foot pool complex and its own late-night lounge.
Open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ravello Lounge keeps a regular roster of bands and DJs who play throwback tunes, Latin beats, Top 40 hits and more.
Between songs, cool off on the picturesque patio — the alfresco space affords a stellar view over the Strip.
This gleaming Four-Star London hotel keeps things elegant and proper, even in its wood-filled, drawing-room-like Scarfes Bar. Yet the lounge takes a playful approach to after-hours fun, especially with its new cocktail menu inspired by musical genres.
The menu itself resembles an interactive stage diorama with drawings by renowned British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe; pull the “electro” tab and Daft Punk appears, as does a tipple in homage to the helmet-wearing French duo. The Grey Goose-spiked Petit DJ Né borrows notes from a typical French breakfast, including cereal, orange and brioche.
Choose the “soul” tab and Aretha Franklin pops onto the mini stage. The corresponding libation, Memphis Punch, is named after the city where the songstress was born. To replicate the Queen of Soul’s high energy, the clarified milk punch features a Maker’s Mark Bourbon unique to Scarfes along with Southern flavors like barbecue, grilled corn and marshmallow.
If you find a drink among the 18 that hits the right note, feel free to stay a while — there are no set closing times.
