VIBE

It’s not exactly shocking that Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s bar was voted “Best Spot for Romance” by the New York Post. The hotel’s signature sophisticated Parisian flair (evidenced with details like velvet curtains and sparkling silver) is spiced up with exotic touches (animal print upholstery, ornate Moroccan-style ceilings, and the only all-leather floor in Manhattan) to create a posh colonial-inspired scene á la that gold standard of romantic films, Casablanca. Though, instead of a lovelorn Bogart and Bergman, expect well coiffed jetset types more akin to the Sex and the City variety retreating from the bustle of Madison and Park Avenues for refined cocktails and intimate conversation.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Upscale casual; a chic patterned top, slacks, ballet flats, and a designer clutch. In the evening, dress it up with a little black dress and a statement necklace.

GO HERE WITH

A significant other; your parents; clients or colleagues

CROWD

Well off hotel guests mixed with a mature set of Manhattanites and international travelers.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Despite being a hotel bar, this remains one of the classiest and most elegant spots this side of the city for cocktails and conversation. Plus, we love scoping the society scene of spruced-up international jetsetters as they stop in pre- or post-journey.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not much, except perhaps the expense. (You can drop a pretty penny here if you’re staying for more than one drink…and in surrounds this lovely, that isn’t hard to do.)

GOOD TO KNOW

We mean it when we say this place draws a Sex and the City crowd–the second-to-last episode of the show was even filmed here. Try the “Crystal Cosmopolitan”–it continues to vie for the title of best martini in the city. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge daily from 2:30pm to 5:00pm and includes scones, tea sandwiches, mini pastries, and chocolates in addition to luxury teas.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Bar at the Dorchester (London); The Fumoir (London); Bar 228 (Paris); Le Bar Hemingway (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.