Forbes Travel Guide Recognizes 37 Hotel Bars in 2026 Star Bars List
Event summary
- Forbes Travel Guide announced its 2026 Hotel Star Bars list, recognizing 37 exceptional hotel bars across 18 countries.
- The honorees were selected based on incognito inspections evaluating cocktail artistry, service, and guest experience.
- Shanghai and Tokyo led the list with three winning bars each, including repeat honorees like Le Bar at Capella Shanghai and Le Bar Américain at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
- Notable new standouts include The Champagne Bar at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club and The Bvlgari Bar at Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo.
The big picture
Forbes Travel Guide's 2026 Hotel Star Bars list underscores the growing importance of unique, high-quality bar experiences in the luxury hospitality industry. As travelers increasingly seek memorable and distinctive experiences, the recognition of these bars highlights a strategic focus on elevating service and ambiance to differentiate properties in a competitive market. The list also reflects broader trends in global hospitality, with Asian cities like Shanghai and Tokyo emerging as leaders in innovative bar concepts.
What we're watching
- Market Differentiation
- How the recognition of these hotel bars will influence guest preferences and booking decisions in the luxury hospitality sector.
- Geographic Trends
- Whether the dominance of Shanghai and Tokyo in the list signals a broader shift in the global luxury hospitality landscape.
- Sustainability of Excellence
- The pace at which these honorees can maintain their high standards amidst increasing competition and evolving guest expectations.