Bars in Top Hotels, Islamabad

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Rumor is kind of a speakeasy located in the basement of the Marriott Hotel. It is somewhat hidden, with only a small dark sign, hidden in the shadows to mark the dark wood door. Open the door, and you are instantly bathed in pink lights from the sign that shouts "RUMOR" at the top of the stairs. Down the stairs and to the left you will discover a classy bar/lounge with a few couches, some high-top tables, two pool tables, and a fully stocked bar. Just bring cash, and lots of it, as even a simple beer costs over 500 Rupees.

I arrived late one evening just a little bit before close. Both pool tables were full and there were a few people lounging on the couches in the corner. I sat down at the bar and ordered a few Carlsberg beers, while I watched TV and pool. While here I noticed the waiters from the hotel restaurants getting beers for customers in the hotel restaurants, but they had to carry them in black plastic bags to conceal the contents. Alcohol is generally forbidden in Islamic countries, but certain Western hotels are exempt from this law, at least when the customers are foreign non-Muslims.