teel handles mounted on gigantic glass front doors set the tone for upscale Suite 70. All the Wall Street-types have been flock to this marble quarry of a bar hoping to use their overflowing wallets as a substitute for their non-existent personalities. Part of a $21 million renovation project headed by The Antonopoulous Group, Suite 701 hovers comfortably above sexy bistro AIX. Both 701 and Aix reside within – what used to be – the lobby of Hotel Place d’Armes.

Aristocracy emanates inside the former – turn of the century - Scottish Life Bank. Crown Moulding lines every edge of its towering ceiling with decadence, while plasma TVs at the front entrance and above its enormous marble fireplace add to an already extravagant design.

Double-sided leather banquettes partnered with stout armless leather chairs keep everybody within kissing distance, as the dj sounds off from a balcony overhead; ducking his boring mindless beats however, is another matter. Stocked black bookshelves hanging over the bar seem odd at first, but are eye catching and definitely complement 701’s atmosphere.

Exquisitely gifted and sexy barkeeps keep it coming behind 701’s lengthy bar. No weak drinks here folks; Suite 701 is all free-pour and its tenders aren’t bashful. Moreover, 701’s barmaids are also mixologists and contributed to the cocktail menu. House favourite, La Suite Passionné swishes about Absolut and Alizé with freshly squeezed passion fruit juice topped with champagne. When partying hard however, look for a Raging Bull – Absolut/Jägermeister/Red Bull – to push your night to the twelfth round.

701’s Wednesdays and Thursdays find hotshot lawyers, stockbrokers, and many other money makers getting a head start on their weekends. The ‘cinq à sept’ (happy hour) draws an after work flurry that develops into a late night frenzy. Discounted smoked-honey rabbit wings are a huge hit with this crowd. As evening becomes night though, bottle service becomes available. Suite 701’s bottles come cheap compared with most other venues. Absolut can be had for $100 and Grey Goose for $140.