11 of Australia’s Most Enticing Bars in Hotels

Whether you’re into bespoke cocktails enjoyed in sleek city locations or are looking for palm trees and pina coladas by the beach, here are the best bars in hotels to add to your must-do list.

Where: In the heart of Sydney’s buzzing Haymarket (aka Chinatown) district, Bar Morris sits pretty within the striking art deco Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection, a boutique abode with style to spare.

Why: Step back in time at this moodily-lit bar, replete with lashings of lipstick-red decor, soft leather and golden highlights. It’s renaissance meets old-school Italian in vibe, with bespoke cocktails and flavour-packed Mediterranean bites.

What to try: The Salted Stars cocktail features Archie Rose true cut vodka, grapefruit, chilli, Amaro Montenegro, lemon sorbet and soda. It doesn’t get much more refreshing than that.

Where: This is the place to see and be seen in Sydney, a pastel oasis draped in greenery within the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay.

Why: The outlook is hard to beat – wherever you sit you can watch ferries coming and going under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with glimpses of the Sydney Opera House as well. The vibe is upbeat, the view phenomenal and the cocktails on point.

What to try: Try the signature Hyde Getaway, which is a fruity mix of pink gin, mango liqueur, cranberry, yuzu and watermelon. Pair your drink with something light, like freshly shucked oysters. Or something indulgent, including a seafood tower loaded with Moreton Bay bugs, scallops and prawns.

Where: Check in to the Porter House Hotel Sydney and you’re steps from leafy Hyde Park… and a short commute to both Chinatown and Circular Quay on Sydney Harbour. There are plenty of restaurants and bars around you, but it’s hard to look past the hotel’s own Spice Trader.

Why: You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to New York’s prohibition era when you sink into a velvet banquette at Spice Trader, designed in teal tones to complement the glass ceiling and brass bar. Think of this as a heady union of food, cocktails, atmosphere and design.

What to try: Signature cocktails are themed around flavour notes, including cassia bark. Try the Quickdraw, with 27 Los Arcos tequila, jalapeño agave, lime, ancho and cassia spice salt. Peckish? Order scallop-bay-bug toast, oysters or lamb riblets.

Where: When you visit Hobart (or even if you’re a local), you want to be within easy reach of the postcard-perfect waterfront. Welcome to the Movenpick Hotel Hobart, stylish accommodation that prides itself on its extensive local art collection and central locale.

Why: The Movenpick Hobart unites its Swiss heritage with Italian flair at Tesoro, a homage to Tasmanian farmers, makers and producers. The space is casual, yet intimate, with plenty of nooks to enjoy an aperitivo – or two.

What to try: Order the negroni sbagliato, with Campari, vermouth and sparkling wine. Other classics include a Bellini with fresh peach puree, espresso martini and Aperol spritz – but of course. Your tipple is perfect paired with Tasmanian cheeses or petite wood-fired pizzas.

Where: The Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers hotel enjoys a covetable location in the Southbank district of Melbourne – and you’ll have stellar views of your neighbourhood from rooms as well as the outdoor rooftop pool.

Why: The Edwin’s philosophy, both in food and wine, is committed to keeping things local. Which means you can look forward to hand-selected boutique drops from small-batch makers, enjoyed in a sultry space with plenty of style.

What to try: Begin the night with an Easy Peasy cocktail, made with sake and yuzu, before moving on to a bottle of Gippsland pet nat, perhaps, or a Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir. Food ranges from barramundi wings to Parisian gnocchi.

Where: If you love being in the heart of the action, the Pullman Melbourne City Centre is for you, with trams, boutiques, restaurants and cafes all on your doorstep. The hotel offers plenty of reasons to linger, including upscale (and newly refurbished) rooms with pops of colour.

Why: Head to alfresco Blossom for seriously stunning views, not to mention bragging rights: on level 14 of the hotel, this is Melbourne's highest rooftop bar. Pull up a stool on the grass and enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday evening.

What to try: Is there anything better than sipping a spritz as the sun goes down? Blossom offers up four different varieties, along with a range of expertly made classic cocktails. Order a woodfired pizza to go with your beverage of choice.

Where: There are few Cairns hotels that scream the tropics quite as well as the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. It’s all in the name. Moto Beach Club fits right in, just steps from the sand.

Why: The motto at this beach club is ‘where good vibes begin and summer never ends’. It’s not wrong. Enjoy DJ tunes by the pool, or dive in and grab a cocktail from the swim-up bar. If you’re not a guest at the hotel, you can also purchase a day pass to come and enjoy the balmy atmosphere.

What to try: When in Tropical North Queensland you’ll want to order accordingly – think coconut mojitos, spiked peach ice tea or the signature Grape Barrier Reef, uniting Eros grape vodka with blue curacao, grape juice, lime and Wolf Lane Wild Berry Seltzer. Then tuck into pizzas, steaks and chilled small plates like ceviche.

Where: The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort couldn’t get any closer to the sand, perched beside the Sunshine Coast city’s main beach. It’s here that you’ll find Noosa Beach House, a sun-spangled haven for wining and dining that’s popular throughout the day and night.

Why: Enjoy a slice of the Mediterranean on the Sunshine Coast, with this semi-open restaurant and bar delivering European vibes in its crisp colour palette and flavour-packed menu. When you’re done, take off your shoes and dip your toes into the salty shallows.

What to try: The cocktails here are too good to bypass, themed to the tropical local you’re in. Order the Noosa Vice (half pina colada, half mango daiquiri), the frozen pina colada, the coconut-chilli margarita or the watermelon sour. You won’t be disappointed. On the side? Perhaps a burger or beer-battered fish and chips.

Where: Whether you’re travelling with a loved one or in a group, the Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast never fails to impress. The apartments here come with fully equipped kitchens and dazzling views along the coast. And Hyde Paradiso offers the same outlook.

Why: Get ready for a full day of Insta-worthy moments at this oh-so-cool hangout, where the view is of the waves and sand (because you’re literally above them), the cocktails are playful and the mixologists come with plenty of pizzazz.

What to try: You’re in Queensland, so you may as well have your cocktail with an infusion of fruit, right? Try the Passionfruit Pavlova (Passoa, vanilla vodka, sours, passionfruit), Berry Bomb (vodka, Chambord, Fraise, cranberry and lime) or a lychee martini, among other tipples. Don’t pass up on the Moreton Bay bug roll and kingfish tacos.

Where: Perhaps Australia’s earliest arts hotel, The Playford Adelaide - MGallery took its name from the state’s progressive former premier, Sir Thomas Playford, and it took its architectural inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement: think, beautiful curved balconies, ornate metalwork and bold colours. The design flows into Luma.

Why: The Luma space is the epitome of sophistication, all leather and velvet, designer lights and abstract art. It’s as equally appealing for a lunchtime glass of wine as it is for an evening cocktail – the sculptural chandelier overhead is dazzling.

What to try: Start off your session with croquettes and duck waffles, before delving into the innovative cocktail menu. We love the Luma Spritz (thyme infused gin, bizzarro aperitivo, grapefruit juice, soda and prosecco) as well as the spiced tea (homemade spiced rum, peach liqueur, earl grey syrup and lemon).

Where: Within The Adnate Perth – Art Series hotel, you’ll find this super-breezy place to hang out. The location is central, and within walking distance of Elizabeth Quay.

Why: Aside from absorbing the work of super-talented artist Matt Adnate, to whom the hotel pays homage, the reason to come here is for the relaxed atmosphere. There are summertime vibes year-round thanks to the outdoor pool, DJ decks and sun lounges. Settle in.

What to try: You can’t visit this establishment and not try the Hyde & Seek, Pampero rums, elderflower liqueur and orgeat. Like Perth in a mouthful. Add on a lobster roll or soft-shell crab sliders, you’ll be in heaven.

You’ll surely want to skip the cab ride home and pair your indulgent night with an overnight stay. Check out great accommodation options across Australia and beyond.