Favorite Hotel Bars in Paris

With special guest star Forest Collins of 52 Martinis

Time to rejoice (a bit)! Yesterday, the left bloc and center parties pushed off the far right surge in the second round of the French legislative elections. The far right still doubled its seats in the assembly, which means there real work begins now. But the way the population rallied to block populist, xenophobic ideologies is cause for some celebration. As the results were announced last night, neighbors on my street cheered and clapped from their balconies; elated Parisians gathered at Place de la République, many crying tears of relief. It was a good day for democracy. Naturally, all that built up tension and release made (and makes!) the perfect occasion for a drink.

Should you want to celebrate this victory for France or your own milestone when you’re next in Paris, check out my list of favorite cocktail bars and this new list of hotel bars, below. In addition to my own picks, I tapped my friend Forest Collins, the city’s resident cocktail queen who hosts the podcast Paris Cocktail Talk and writes 52 Martinis, to share her hotel favorites. They’re all suitable for teetotalers, too. Cheers!