The Beverly Hills Hotel could arguably embody the dictionary definition of "chic party hotel," if such a thing existed. It's got the history, the class and the right mix of exclusive and accessible to satisfy the young party stallions and old graybeards alike. The Beverly Hills is proof that perfect service never goes out of style. The new Bar Nineteen 12, so named for the year the hotel opened, serves up cocktails in both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The centerpieces of Ian Schrager and Philip Starck's magnificently redesigned Clift, one of San Francisco's great grand dame hotels, are the spectacular Redwood Room Bar and timeless Living Room, where you can enjoy the lavender and lychee martinis all night. That is, if you can pry yourself out of the Clift's gorgeous, comfortable and tranquil rooms.

With its combination of intimacy and grandeur, ski hotels don't come any better than Little Nell, which features outstanding culinary creations by chef (and master cheesemaker) Ryan Hardy. If the $5,000-per-night winter price tag for the 2,000-square-foot Pfeifer Suite makes you lose your breath, don't worry: The mini-bars at Little Nell are equipped with personal oxygen tanks to help you recover. And if money's no object, we recommend the 1929 Richebourg, at $19,000 per bottle.

Several of the expert partiers we interviewed cited New York's Hotel Gansevoort for its hopping rooftop pool and Plunge bar. But this Manhattan celebrity-magnet also features exceptional service, beautiful rooms and top-notch amenities. Located in the funky, popular Meatpacking District, the Gansevoort pulses with an excitement matched by few other hotels. A $15 pomegranate martini mixes well with the romantic atmosphere, as well as the florid hues of the sunset over the Hudson.

The Wynn Las Vegas is one of the country's great everything's-happening hotels: Lose some money in the casino, see "Spamalot" in the theater, then party like a rock star in the B Bar, where the dedicated in-house mixologist creates a constantly revolving menu of original creations. Thus armed, you head back for the tables to get some of that money back.

For more information: Wynn Las Vegas

Lovers of John Kennedy Toole's comic masterpiece, "A Confederacy of Dunces," will be thrilled to stay at the Chateau, located in the former D.H. Holmes department store. The memory of D.H. Holmes lives on in the hotel's "Clock Bar," which pays tribute to the store's famous timepiece, and where you can enjoy the $8 house special Southern Orleans, a mixture of champagne and Southern Comfort, until the wee hours.

Located in Chicago's theater district, the recently remodeled Allegro offers whimsically named packages, including the purse-popping "Be a Star" fantasy that includes a private jet, chauffer-driven Hummer and staff of three, which starts at a cool $38,000. The rest of us can simply go to the lively Encore Liquid Lounge and Lunch Club and party with the other 30- and 40-something young professionals.

Winner of a 2004 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, the W Seattle features the W Bar, a cozy, hip hangout for techies and tourists alike. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the W feature "a revolving crew of local talent and guest DJs" to help you break the ice, while working off some of the comfort food specialties, like Grafton cheddar mac & cheese.

If the Shore Club's 70 oversize suites don't wow you, or its stunning Skybar doesn't thrill you, or if the world-class creations offered by Nobu and Ago don't satisfy you—then your only hope is to rent the Beach House, with its private pool and designer furnishings. Here, you can throw your own party and see if you can do better.

This southwestern "Urban Resort" describes itself as "a unique sybaritic retreat offering rest, rejuvenation, fun and entertainment in a vibrantly pleasure-driven environment." We'll drink to that—the Mondrian's mojitos are already the stuff of legend. The only question is, where? In the romantic Red Bar, or perhaps over dinner at Asia de Cuba? If the stress of chic sybaritic living gets to you, the Agua Spa next to the main pool can help.