In Los Angeles, it isn’t just the cuisine that is farm-to-table. Around the city, cocktail aficionados are ditching their vodka-sodas and gin and tonics for more crafted choices with the ambience to match. Here are five nightlife destinations to muse on the city’s expert mixology. Warwick Once you pass the velvet rope and emerge from the dark hallway, the expansive environment of Warwick welcomes you with a sensual mix of private seating areas, chandeliers and a second floor lounge with a perfect vantage point of the revelry below. Hit the main bar or loft bar for concoctions conceived by “co ..read more

It’s too early to tell which teams will make waves in Super Bowl XLVIII or appear in the World Cup finals, but one thing’s for sure: If you want to experience these events (and more) like a VIP, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite “live like a rock star” packages that let every man — every man with very deep pockets, that is — live the life of an A-lister, if only for the night. The Ultimate Seattle Super Bowl You’ll be three time zones and several thousand miles away from MetLife Stadium, but that won’t stop well-heeled Seattleites from cheering ..read more

Hong Kong celebrates the New Year with an over-the-top pyrotechnic display over Victoria Harbour, and a lineup of parties to match. There will be fireworks in the kitchen, too, at these Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star properties. InterContinental Hong Kong Situated right on the Kowloon waterfront, dinner at one of the restaurants inside this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel will give you a front row seat to the midnight light show. All of the hotel’s restaurants are offering New Year’s Eve packages; highlights include an eight-course menu of modern French fare at SPOON by Alain Ducasse (esca ..read more

While the Big Apple is undoubtedly the front-runner for its ball-dropping New Year’s Eve festivities, there are plenty of other party-worthy cities with just as much glitter (and some added room to breathe, too). Atlanta Atlanta’s Peach Drop, the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Southeast, has been a tradition since 1989. This year’s event begins with hours of family-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon artists and ends with a show emceed by comedian David Koechner and headlined by R&B beauty Janelle Monáe. When the clock strikes midnight, an 800-pound peach des ..read more

London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is iconic. Beginning at midnight and lasting up to 15 minutes in length, the London Eye and Big Ben combine to spiral fireworks high into the sky above the Westminster area, turning the riverside sky into a riot of color. It’s a can’t-miss extravaganza in the heart of London. Yet due to the large crowds that congest the riverside during the day, there are plenty of visitors who will miss the annual display. To ensure you’re not one of the unlucky ones, here are our suggestions for alternative ways to watch the capital’s fireworks show. Get up high Lon ..read more

Decadence, elegance, romance — New York City has it all on New Year’s Eve. Hotels across the city are rolling out packages to help revelers create a special night. From black-tie galas to a private party for two with Times Square views, here are a few ideas for ringing in the new year. Dinner and dancing at The Peninsula New York Ring in the new year in style by dancing to a live, five-piece band when the clock strikes midnight. New Year’s Eve at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel begins at 9 p.m. at Clement with a five-course dinner with wine pairings; options include foie gras brûlée ..read more

Oahu may be better known for its surf breaks than its nightlife, but if you look hard enough, you’ll find an eclectic music scene with venues that range from upscale lounges to backroom dive bars and everything in between. Here are five places where you can keep the party going long after the postcard-perfect sun has set: Kani Ka Pila Grille Located poolside at the recently updated Outrigger Reef Hotel is one of Honolulu’s most popular spots for local live music. Though Kani Ka Pila Grille — kanikapila is Hawaiian for an impromptu jam session — is more restaurant than concert venue ..read more

The infamous Chicago winter is underway, which means one thing to discerning drinkers: Whiskey season is here. From world-renowned scotch selections to classic cocktails reimagined by the Great Chicago Fire, the Windy City’s whiskey lounges go the distance when it comes to brown spirits. We rounded up the best whiskey watering holes in town, from clubby rooftop lounges to cozy neighborhood taverns. Drumbar Just off Michigan Avenue, the unassuming Raffaello hotel is home to one of the handsomest whiskey dens in the city. Take the elevator to the top floor, where Drumbar’s luxe leather banquett ..read more

A chic, underground nightclub hidden in plain sight, Los Angeles’ Giorgio’s is the rebirth of cool. From the inside and outside of The Standard Hollywood, there are no obvious signs. First, walk in through the lobby. If you’ve made your arrangements ahead of time and the doorman grants you access, you are narrowly guided through the hotel’s cramped kitchen into a swank, dark room illuminated by the dizzying flickers of light bouncing off a disco ball. Meticulously curated by DJ and music producer Adam Michael Bravin (DJ Adam XII), the hypnotic, orchestral rhythms of 1970s disco fill the air ..read more

As the general manager at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star XV Beacon’s signature restaurant Mooo for the past five years, Alexa DeMarco certainly knows a few things about keeping people happy around a dinner table. It’s no wonder then that when FTG’s Boston correspondent Melanie Nayer wanted to gather tips for hosting a memorable holiday party, she knew exactly whom to ask. What are your secrets to hosting a successful holiday party? My secret is simple — just plan as much as you can ahead and keep details simple yet elegant and meaningful. I shop year-round to find interesting, unique piec ..read more