How One Traveler Amassed a Collection of Vintage Glassware from Hotels Around the World

Where do you want to go tonight? This question echoed in my mind many (OK, most) nights during the pandemic as cocktail hour approached. Despite lockdown limitations, I had eight options that transported me far beyond the confines of my own home.

The Vintage Glassware Collection

For instance, when I reached for the glass adorned with the Hotel George V crown, I remembered Paris—a destination that never fails to inspire. Alternatively, the glass featuring the twin bell towers of Trinità dei Monti from the Hotel Hassler conjured dreams of Rome. Although I haven’t yet stayed at this prestigious hotel, the glass has become synonymous with my growing affection for Negronis.

Preparing a drink in glasses from La Mamounia in Marrakech or The Peninsula in Hong Kong instantly transported me to dream destinations. Mixing a gin and tonic in glasses from iconic hotels like The Pierre in Manhattan or The Dorchester in London held bittersweet emotions. Surprisingly, the least cherished glass in my collection was from Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo; however, my appreciation for its romantic essence grew as my children became fans of Bond movies.

Inspiration During the Pandemic

Though visiting these luxurious hotels across the globe became logistically challenging in recent years, I found joy in the resourcefulness of my glassware collection. The glassware, a fusion of historic hotels and hotel bars, became a vital key to finding joy and escape during an unnerving time.

Finding Historic Glassware

More than a decade ago, a long-unoccupied house next door to us in our former neighborhood opened its doors for an estate sale. As a lover of unique finds, I tread carefully, wary of the trap of unnecessary purchases. However, amongst the unremarkable tableware, I discovered a treasure trove: a collection of eight rocks glasses emblazoned with the logos of historic hotels worldwide.

Our unknown neighbor, a Hollywood studio publicist, led a colorful life, with clues scattered throughout her belongings. The ensemble of glassware I procured is a perfect testament to her adventurous spirit. Though she may have preferred to sip whiskey while dreaming of travel, these remarkable objects serve as a lasting connection to distant places I aspire to explore.

As social gatherings transformed during this period, I could invite guests to choose their edible fantasies—whether it was a favorite cocktail or a dream destination. This interactive approach infused our gatherings with joy, serving as a reminder of the more expansive, albeit altered, world just beyond the reach of our 10-ounce glasses.