Exclusive Resident-Only Bars Bring the Social Scene Home
By: Nichole Talbot
The Waldorf 90, a new signature drink sure to be served at the upcoming opening of The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, was created in honor of the hotel’s 90-year anniversary and to ring in a new era that includes residential apartments for sale. The invention of Frank Caiafa, author and bar manager of the storied Peacock Alley, the cocktail’s heady blend of Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and blackberry and raspberry gin sounds divine—for the lucky few who are able to try it. The new libation will hold court at the four private bars open only to residents and their guests in the highly anticipated partial condominium conversion happening alongside renovations to one of New York’s most iconic hotels.
At a time when people are seeking out safer and more comfortable ways to gather and socialize, an in-building bar or lounge for residents to enjoy, with a full staff at their service, is quickly becoming an attractive amenity. The unique bar experiences at The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria are a nod to the hotel’s rich history of entertaining. “These spaces are truly meant to serve as an extension of the private residences so residents can continue that tradition by hosting family and friends for events ranging from only a few individuals in one of the bar spaces to a gala in the Grand Salon,” says Dan Tubb, senior director of sales at The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria.
Synonymous with the opulence and grandeur of the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and ‘30s, the legendary Waldorf Astoria is undergoing a much-deserved renaissance. Acclaimed architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is painstakingly preserving the building’s iconic features and adding 375 residences for purchase. Celebrated international designer Jean-Louis Deniot is creating the residential project’s interior environments, with luxurious conveniences and creature comforts for today’s buyers, including distinctive resident-exclusive bar experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. All four bars—Winter Garden, Monaco Bar, Presidential Library Bar, and Starlight Lounge—display Deniot’s commitment to timeless features that pay homage to the hotel’s rich cultural legacy while imparting an energy that’s refreshed and modern. The mood of each bar is one of inclusion with opportunities for relaxation and retreat.
In Downtown Miami, in partnership with Hilton Hotels, Okan Development is bringing Okan Tower to the tropical city’s skyline. There, in addition to enjoying a range of owners-only amenities like a 70th floor rooftop pool and sky deck, residents can crack open a bottle of their favorite wine or discover a new one at the development’s private wine lounge on the 12th floor. Conceived and designed by Behar Font & Partners, the bar’s combination of warm woods and glossy whites imparts a welcoming glow that’s ideal for savoring the extensive menu of wines of various styles, regions, and varieties.
Also in Miami, The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Sunny Isles Beach brings its trademark blend of sophistication and a gracious sensibility to its social scene, exclusive to a fortunate few who purchase there. The Club Level’s Aperitif lounge and bar welcomes owners to enjoy one-of-a-kind cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologist Carlos Morales. A new signature cocktail is developed each day, and residents are invited to a sunset toast Thursday through Saturday that coincides with the ringing of the bell to end the day. And for those who desire to extend the evening, Aperitif offers bottled mixers for purchase to create the cocktails at home.
A private perch for relaxing, unwinding, and connecting with neighbors offers residents and their guests a distinctive experience and a special place to enjoy an evening or host a celebration. Fittingly, the Waldorf Astoria’s anniversary also marks the near-end of the country’s Prohibition era. Cheers to that—a cause for celebration, indeed.