Whether it’s a pre-game tipple, night cap, settling in for long conversations or getting social, there’s something sophisticated about these stylish hotel bars.

From James Bond’s Casino Royale to the colourful Grand Budapest Hotel, there’s a reason so many classic films feature scenes set in hotel bars. With sleek designs, intimate ambience and sophisticated undertones, a hotel can be the highlight of a night out, or indeed an entire holiday. Whether you’re sipping on a whisky neat or a virgin martini, these hotel bars are the perfect places to linger in.

1. Together & Co Bar, Albany

Overlooking Princess Royal Harbour, Together & Co in Albany is a hotel bar the locals love. Bright and airy, with sweeping water views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, the interior is fitted out in warm timber and leather with muted green and blue accents. This popular hotel bar is part of the acclaimed open-plan Together & Co. restaurant on the ground floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Albany and its design reflects the colours of Western Australia’s Great Southern region.

The extensive drinks menu includes regional highlights, such as Western Australian craft beers, local Great Southern wines (try the regional Riesling), and Margaret River Giniversity gins, alongside seasonal cocktails. Pair your choice of liquid with the deep-fried brie with poached pear, cream cheese brittle and balsamic glaze – and sit back and enjoy the view.

2. The Deck Bar, Alice Springs

There are few places in Australia that carry the cultural weight and natural awe of the Red Centre. A visit here will stay with you for a long time, so it’s worth staying somewhere as memorable. Surrounded by the burnt-orange MacDonnell Ranges, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs offers a sharp contrast to its desert setting with lush gardens and inviting open-air pool.

The hotel’s Deck Bar not only brings desert views into its design, but the interior’s earthy tones and timber and stone-coloured upholstery allows the desert sunset to take centre stage. Grab a crisp local beer or Australian wine and a seasonal grazing board (or loaded fries) and relax, Northern Territory-style.

3. Together & Co Bar, Busselton

Whether you’re looking for a post-swim snack, a long languid lunch or an evening cocktail, the relaxed, casual atmosphere of the Together & Co Bar in Busselton will deliver. Not only will you be just steps from the shores of Geographe Bay, but you’ll also be able to see the iconic Busselton Jetty from this popular hotel bar. As part of the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, Together & Co Bar is dedicated to local produce and local beers, wines and spirits. For a quick pre-dinner drink, grab one of the seats at the bar and order a chilled Margaret River chardonnay and Native Salt & Pepperberry Squid to start the evening off in style.

4. Edge Terrace, Cairns

As Far North Queensland’s tropical humidity drops and the heat gives way to gentle sea breezes, the alfresco terrace at Edge Terrace in Cairns is the place to be. Why? Well, it might have something to do with incredible views of Trinity Bay, with the Lamb Range in the distance. Perhaps it’s the location, right in the heart of the Cairns foreshore, where you can watch Great Barrier Reef vessels return to the marina at sunset. Or the fact there are resident DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Whatever it is, the Hilton Cairns’ hotel bar is a local hot spot with a great selection of Australian wines and beers, and bar bites that will leave you wanting more.

5. Vine Room Bar, Cairns

A little further up on the Esplanade, closer to the famous Cairns Aquarium, the inviting hotel bar at DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is the latest addition to Cairns’ nightlife. The Vine Room Bar brings a Mediterranean-inspired menu to this poolside location with fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas and fresh bread with home-made dips are among the standouts.

The coastal design includes comfy cane and woven dining chairs, natural timber, soft beige tones and large windows opening onto the waterfront terrace. If you visit on the weekend, be sure to book a table to enjoy the live acoustic music sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings as the sun dips into Trinity Harbour.

6. Palm Court Bar & Lounge, Darwin

If you’re after an expertly made cocktail in a classic hotel lounge and bar setting, then the Hilton Darwin has you covered. The Palm Court Bar & Lounge is the perfect place for an intimate pre-dinner drink or late-night cocktail. With ambient lighting, plush seating and sleek design, this is a hotel bar with unbridled sophistication and excellent air-conditioning to escape Darwin’s heat.

Of course, you could order a champagne or something from the highly curated wine list, but why not try one of their signature piña coladas or a reimagined classic like their Ginger Lily’s Negroni instead? Add a light bite to it, or order from the hotel’s PepperBerry restaurant and settle in for the night.

7. Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats, Gold Coast

The interior design of Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences is the epitome of coastal glamour. There are the white marble and stone finishes, woven textures, light timber tables, a luxurious marble cocktail bar and even floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the famous Orchid Avenue.

While the bar serves up steaming barista coffee in the morning, come midday you can sink into a craft beer or cider, then order from the impressive cocktail menu. No matter when you arrive, choose from the all-day menu which includes share plates, tapas, cheeseboards and pizzas. Don’t miss the popular Signature High Tea with duck bao buns, green pea croquettes, freshly baked eclairs and scones and gelato bon bons – with bottomless bubbles, of course.

Plan the perfect tipple at hilton.com