Coziest Bars for Cold Weather Imbibing

Sip in style and warmth during the storm.

ByABC News
January 20, 2014, 12:43 PM
Bookmarks Lounge at the Library Hotel, New York City
Bookmarks Lounge at the Library Hotel, New York City
Oyster.com

Jan. 21, 2014— -- intro: The weather outside may be frightful, but in these snug hotel bars, things are – well – quite delightful. Our top picks exude warmth and coziness, with features such as leather banquets, wood paneling, strong drinks, and hot fireplaces. Let it snow!

quicklist: 1title: Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel, New York Citytext: There’s a reason the Rose Bar is a celebrity favorite. Despite its soaring wood-beamed ceilings, the space feels intimate and exclusive, with a billiards table, big limestone fireplace, and walnut bar. It’s the perfect hideaway on a chill winter’s night.media: 21599412

quicklist: 2title: 39 Degrees Lounge at the Sky Hotel, a Kimpton Hotel, Aspentext: This swanky lounge blends traditional ski lodge touches (a stone fireplace, wood wall paneling) with modern, sophisticated décor. The big fireplace is a focal point of the space, and the creative cocktails help make this one of Aspen’s most happening spots.media: 21599741

quicklist: 3title: Putney Road Pub at the Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast, Vermonttext: The pub at this Vermont bed and breakfast is the definition of cozy: It’s homey, welcoming, and very small. Wine, beer, and champagne are on offer, and craft beer tastings are offered on certain Saturday nights.media: 21599511

quicklist: 4title: The Bar at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, Santa Fetext: Winter can bring freezing rain and snow to the Southwest, which makes the bar at this Four Seasons resort particularly inviting in the colder months. It’s modern and warm, with a dramatic fireplace as well as tone and wood accents. A martini menu is on offer, as well as an extensive wine list.media: 21599249

quicklist: 5title: The Auld Dubliner at The Village at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoetext: This popular bar was modeled after the cottage pubs in rural Ireland, and we have to say, the design is awfully convincing. There’s a solid wooden bar, hanging lanterns, and old-fashioned bar stools – not to mention Guinness served in 20 ounce pint glasses. Live music is sometimes offered.media: 21599362

quicklist: 6title: Bookmarks Lounge at the Library Hotel, New York Citytext: At night, the hotel’s Writer’s Den (a cozy area with working fireplace and heated terrace) and Poetry Garden (a greenhouse with wraparound terrace) become Bookmarks Lounge, a cozy, upscale spot serving cocktails inspired by literature.media: 21599595

quicklist: 7title: The Simple Truth Lobby Lounge at Hotel Veritas, Bostontext: At night, the lobby of this cozy boutique hotel a few blocks from Harvard Square turns into a sophisticated cocktail lounge. The style is a mix of Victorian and Art Deco, and the warm fireplace, oversized chairs, and antique-finished furniture are both classy and homey.media: 21597425

quicklist: 8title: The Bookstore Bar and Café at the Alexis Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel, Seattletext: The aptly named Bookstore Bar and Cafe is exactly what it sounds like – a combination of a bookstore and a bar. Whether you love to read, love to drink, or love to do both at once, this local hot spot has you covered. Nothing says winter coziness like curling up with a good book and a strong beverage. The bar is so popular that it has plans to expand; it will be closed in January but will reopen in February with twice as much space.media: 21598913

quicklist: 9title: The Lobby Bar at the Viceroy Snowmass, Coloradotext: The two-sided fireplace is the highlight of this appealing lounge, which features local artwork and lots of wood accents. Comfort food with a southern twist is served, such as popcorn crawfish and okra.media: 21598687