No matter if you are in Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, London or Dubai there is an alternative to the usual cocktail in the hotel bar or nearby pub. As the world shrinks and more and more people travel to the major hotspots of the world there are new, hip places to cool off with your favorite beverage. Ice bars hit the scene several years ago and have become a cult classic among travelers looking to chill. These establishments are actually made of ice; the walls, furniture, bar and even the cocktail glasses are made of crystal clear ice. Kept at a nose-numbing 5C/23F these bars offer a great venue to get away from the heat of a summer day and a hip addition to your photo scrap book.
The atmosphere in each one is quite lovely because the ice used is transparent and backlit in hues of purple, red, orange and blue LED's. Rotating sequences of changing color give the feeling of being in the fantasy ice wonderland of Narnia; "hey is that the White Witch sipping that cosmopolitan over there?" To avoid frostbite and keep you in the freezer long enough to buy a drink, the bars provide you with protection from the elements. London hands out a "designer thermal cape" while Amsterdam issues full length silver parkas that would make any glam celebrity feel right at home; the majority of the bars offer gloves and hats as well. Now that you are protected from the chill it's time to get down to business; cover charges in London will set you back 12 pounds (15 on weekends) and an average of 15 Euros at the other spots . The cover charge includes one drink; with or without alcohol and your gear. London throws in your own "personal ice glass" but also limits your stay to 40 minutes.
Some have scored big name sponsors like Absolut's Ice Bar London and The Ice Kube by Greygoose in Paris. Sponsorship means a larger venue with more elaborate ice sculptures such as a full igloo, throne and "dude at the bar" made of ice in Paris and London's elaborate ice walls with nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy your cocktail. Amsterdam and Rome are small venues but just as cool; no pun intended. Despite the parka, hat and gloves the average stay is about 30 minutes which is a smart idea for quick turnaround. The Dubai Ice bar hires "cold climate acclimated" staff from Romania and Russia because they don't mind working long hours in freezing conditions. London, Rome and Paris employ locals to work the snow jobs, so tip them well.
The choice of beverages is elaborate. A wide selection of vodka, top shelf liquors, beer, wine, hot tea and coffee drinks; all warm you from the inside out. After the first round, which is included, prices are very reasonable. Amsterdam's drink menu offers soda and beer for 2.50 euro, top shelf brands starting at 3 euro and wine for under 4 euro; a great value compared to other trendy clubs, hotel bars or even room service.
Ice bars may be the coolest way to unwind on vacation since the invention of the ski lodge. To book your next vacation to London, Amsterdam Paris or any ice bar in Europe, contact Travel 4 Real at info@travel4real.com or visit our web portal at www.travel4real.com
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