Unique booze-themed hotels around the world

Some people find seek solace at yoga or meditation retreats, others crave excitement through adventure holidays. Many, however, simply want to unwind at a luxurious hotel with a drink in hand. Enter: alcohol-themed hotels.

Think stunning Scottish whisky experiences, picturesque distilleries, champagne hotels and more. Whatever your drink, we’ve found a hotel to get you into the spirit.

The Balmoral, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Balmoral calls itself a “love letter to Scotland” and part of that love is bound up in the country’s passion for whisky. While there are several places to get drinks under its roof, the hotel is notably home to the whisky bar Scotch , a heaven for the drammed with over 500 types of Scottish whisky on its shelves – one of the largest collections in Edinburgh. Staffed by whisky ambassadors who are well versed in the amber stuff, it also boasts its own members-only Scotch Club. This elite group of international connoisseurs gain special access to The Macallan’s vaults.  

The ultimate whisky escape, the Macallan Horizon Experience , includes a stay at The Balmoral, guided tours of the Macallan estate, membership to the Scotch Club and more. If you can bring yourself to leave The Balmoral’s stunning walls, destinations like Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the Holyrood distillery and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society are all nearby.

Cuvée J2 Hôtel Osaka, Japan

Raise a glass at Cuvée J2 Hôtel Osaka : the world’s first champagne hotel, founded in collaboration with eleven of France's prestigious champagne maisons. The hotel honours renowned houses like Bollinger, Taittinger and Joseph Perrier through its guest rooms, each named after – and inspired by – one of these maisons. Every room reflects the unique philosophy, ambiance and rich history of the house. 

During your stay, learn from the expertise of the sommeliers at the lounge bar, or enjoy a champagne and sushi pairing at the hotel restaurant AWA Sushi. Once you’ve fuelled up, sink into their temperature-controlled infinity baths as the perfect way to round off the night.

The Sake Bar Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

If a free-flow sake bar sounds right up your alley, Japan’s Kikkawa Brewery is here to answer the call with The Sake Bar Hotel . Located in Asakusa, this elegant boutique property offers just 21 rooms and aims to heighten guests’ appreciation of the spirit and Japanese culture in the heart of Tokyo. 

From the complimentary wooden masu cups you receive when you check in to interior design details that pay tribute to Kikkawa’s brewing history, the essence of sake is distilled into every part of the hotel. What’s more, this hotel offers daily sake tastings, a stunning bar exclusively for guests and a footbath on the 10th floor which boasts views of Tokyo Skytree and the beautiful surrounds of the city's shitamachi.

Hotel Distil, Louisville, USA

Located in a historic building on Louisville’s Whiskey Row, Hotel Distil is a luxe temple for bourbon lovers. This former barreling house is steeped in history, making it a great starting point to begin your exploration of the surrounding entertainment district and the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 

Its Barrel Room tasting experience should be first port of call for serious bourbon fans, while Repeal, a steakhouse where meat is grilled over oak-aged barrels, has regularly clinched awards as one of America’s best bourbon bars. You can rest assured you’re in expert hands here: the hotel’s bourbon ambassadors are Stave & Thief certified, while select managers receive training from local Master Distillers.

Herno Gin Hotell, Harnosand, Sweden

If you’ve ever had a gin and tonic at Hong Kong restaurant Embla, you’ll be well acquainted with Herno Gin’s crisp floral spirits. The gin makers have revealed their newest venture this month: coastal getaway Herno Gin Hotell , where this unique spirit is at the centre of everything.  

Gin cocktails elevate its onsite bar experience, while bus rides to its nearby distillery allow guests to go behind the scenes and learn about the process through tours and tastings. Between cocktails, spend time exploring the charming Harnosand region and its majestic coastline.

Casa Silencio, Oaxaca, Mexico

Amid agave fields and dramatic landscapes lies Casa Silencio, a luxury eco-retreat featuring only six suites, run by the team behind Mezcal El Silencio. Embedded into the producers’ estate, this hotel leads guided tours of the distillery which take you through every step of production, from milling agave with gigantic tahona wheels to distillation.  

Tastings of the end result are encouraged alongside multi-course sunset Oaxacan meals for a truly romantic end to the day. Back at your guest suite, elegant interiors bring the outside in with bronze-hued stone walls and pieces crafted by local artists. 

The Samuels House, Kentucky, USA

Another bourbon hotel on the list, The Samuels House leans heavily into its history as a centuries-old Federal-style manor home and Kentucky’s rich whisky pedigree. Its original owner, John Samuels, was the son of President George Washington’s own whisky maker and they’ve kept things in the family: current owner Rob Samuels is the director of Maker’s Mark. 

Fans of the distillery’s work can relax in plush rooms surrounded by key pieces of Maker’s Mark history and views of the stunning landscape outside. It’s also the ideal stop-off for those embarking on the famed Kentucky Bourbon trail, a journey through numerous bourbon distilleries across Kentucky’s verdant countryside.

Doghouse Manchester, England

For those who prefer a beer over a spirit, brewery BrewDog operates a number of luxury hotels around UK: including Manchester’s first ever beer hotel, Doghouse . The property ensures you’re never without a pint in your hand. Shower beer? Why not. In-room beer tap? You bet there is. Rooftop bar with 30 different craft beers on tap? Absolutely. 

Moody exposed brick rooms, topped off with neon and other thoughtful BrewDog motifs, complete the experience along with dog-friendly policy.