VIBE

In truly lavish fashion, this painfully cool hotel has collected a gallery’s worth of original art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, and Julian Schnabel (a co-owner), seriously upping the luxury factor in an already decadent hotel bar. Besides the art, the dark and sultry space features a massive fireplace, wooden billiards table, lattice ceiling, lush velvet furniture, and sumptuous fixings swathed–appropriately, given the name–in red and crimson hues. Attractive bartenders craft spicy (and pricey!) cocktails which wealthy A-listers and famed fashion moguls knock back without a second glance. With heavily guarded doors, most can only dream of getting in.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s all about getting noticed at this swank hotspot; keep it upscale casual but uber-chic.

GO HERE WITH

Stylish friends; acquaintances with connections; a date

CROWD

Manhattan’s fashion and media elite, mixed with celebrities, starlets, models, socialites, prominent hotel guests, and those lucky enough to be brought along.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Trust us, if you can manage to get in to this exclusive lounge, you’ll be a happy camper. This is a genuine style scene and a top spot to mix with Manhattan’s elite. Seriously, expect gorgeous starlets draping themselves over velvet upholstery alongside celebrities and other Page Six names. And even if you’re not into the scene, the art alone is worth a peek: pieces include Schnabel’s “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” and a print of Warhol’s “Rorschach.” Certainly makes for a night to remember.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

If you can’t secure a reservation for after 9:00pm or your look just doesn’t fit the bill, the bouncers will not budge, even if the place is empty. No exceptions. Also, it’s pretty pricey (the cocktails start at USD 19).

GOOD TO KNOW

Entrance is never guaranteed, even for hotel guests, so cross your fingers and hope for the best if you can’t get a reservation (or opt for the smaller but equally glam Jade Bar located right next to Rose Bar).

CLOSEST COMPS

Jade Bar (New York); Beach Blanket Babylon (London); Loungelover (London)

Read more about Rose Bar in The Diary

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