To me, enjoying a great cigar is always more about the company than the location or even the cigar, no matter how pricey it may happen to be. That being said, there is something quite special about finding just the right lounge. It has to be the perfect combination of amenities, atmosphere, and, of course, service. Nothing can rob you of your joy quicker than bad, or more importantly, indifferent service. The following are some of my favorites. So, explore, find what makes them special, and have a great stick on us!
FUENTE CIGAR BAR | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
“THIS IS THE MOST OPULENT LOUNGE I’VE EVER BEEN IN”
This is the single-most opulent cigar bar I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. This large cigar lounge has only the finest furnishings and decor. There is a large bar in the middle of the room stocked with the best spirits in the world. The large walk-in humidor is stocked with the rarest Fuente cigar in the world. You need an attendant to give you access to the large glass humidor that rivals even the best humidor in the states. And I can’t forget to mention the fabulous jazz band that cascades the room with live music. This is heaven!
PENINSULA HOTEL | PARIS, FRANCE
“ENJOY A FEW PUFFS IN A SECLUDED PRIVATE LOUNGE IN PARIS THAT MAKES YOU FEEL… WELL… LIKE A MOVIE STAR, IF ONLY FOR A MOMENT.”
This famous hotel is near the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe. The hotel radiates understated elegance. The lobby is filled with tastemakers from models to moguls. If you happen to be a guest of the hotel, you can reserve a privet room hidden off the lobby floor built for enjoying Havana’s finest. The walls are lined with rare scotch and whiskey from around the world, and the decor is some of the finest in the world. Enjoying a few puffs in a secluded private lounge in Paris makes you feel… well… like a movie star, if only for a moment.
COHIBA MELIA HOTEL | HAVANA, CUBA
This is such a famous spot to enjoy a cigar. The Cohiba Melia hotel is located just off the water in old Havana. The humidor is stocked with all the standards from Cohiba, Monticristo, and Partagas, to name a few. Their walk-in humidor is a little light in limited editions and other rare cigars, but that is typical in Cuba. The rare cigars are often shipped overseas to China, Switzerland, and the UK. Tip the waiter the moment you walk in, and ask to sit in the VIP room if it’s available. This small but well appointed room is covered in historical cigar-related art and comfy leather chairs. Grab yourself some Havana Rum, and let your worries drift away with your cigar smoke.
CANOVA | ROME, ITALY
This is considered one of the top ten cafés in Rome with outside seating facing the Piazza del Popolo square. Enjoy amazing views, great coffee, and the food! This café is open very late and has a small but well stocked humidor filled with your favorite Cuban cigars as well as a selection of Davidoff. While not a traditional “cigar lounge,” Canova’s food, view, and people watching are unrivaled. This is a must for a cigar and an espresso! When in Rome, do as the Romans do!
CIGAR BAR CHARDONNAY | TOKYO, JAPAN
This is the best place to grab a cigar in the biggest city in the world. This cigar bar is located underground in the high-end fashion district of Tokyo called Harajuku. Their menu is not for those on a budget; however, they have an unbelievable selection of rare and vintage Cuban cigars, including the ultra-rare Cuban Davidoff. The spirits menu is also nothing to sneeze at. Tokyo is an incredibly busy city, and this rare open space provides a quiet spot to enjoy our favorite pastime. The service here is some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
WHAT ABOUT AMERICA? NOBLEMAN RECOMMENDS…
GRAND HAVANA ROOM | LOS ANGELES
This is the sister private lounge to the GHR in New York City. It boasts high vaulted ceilings with a solid lineup of cigars, and the drinks are fantastic— as are the great-looking staff, as you would expect in the city of angels. It’s a wonderful retreat from the hectic LA life and the best way to decompress from that famous LA traffic. Stop in and tell them Purotrader sent you.
WORDS BY PIERRE ROGERS
