“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” – Tom Wolfe
New York, New York ah the city that never sleeps. I love visiting the Big Apple because there is truly so much to see and do that you can’t possible conquer it all in one trip. From incredible Broadway shows, to world class shopping, to amazing speak easy bars, and fine dining to drool over, this city truly has it all.
But as I get a bit older, I realized even in the City that doesn’t sleep, I still enjoy to get my beauty sleep. Another aspect that I love about New York is the unique buildings and hotels. It can be overwhelming because each part of town offers dozens of hotels ranging from 5 star to boutiques to hostels that it can be intimidating to try and navigate. During my several trips to NYC, I have had the chance to stay at some incredible hotels and I wanted to share with you some of my favourites to hopefully make organizing your stay a little less intimidating.
Library hotel
This boutique hotel is in the perfect location, right in the center of Midtown Manhattan. It is just steps away from the New York Public Library, 5thAvenue Shopping, and Time Square. Aside from the unbeatable location, I truly loved this hotel because it really sticks to its unique theme, making it really stand out from other spots.
The moment you walk through the doors at the Library hotel, you are greeted by bookshelves filled with over 6,000 books of every possible genre. There are even quite areas with comfortable seating so you can take the books right off the shelves and read. The hotel goes a step further and organizes their rooms and floors based on the Dewey Decimal System. The 10 floors of this hotel honour 10 different categories. Fittingly, I was on the Communications floor.
Another great part about this hotel is the amazing amenities. The Library hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast buffet and when you need a midday pickup, the hotel also offers a complimentary afternoon happy hour complete with wine or prosecco and snacks. Another amenity that I loved about this hotel is you don’t have to get off track, you can take complimentary classes at any New York Sports Clubs in Manhattan.
My personal favourite part of this hotel though, was their beautiful rooftop patio. Each drink on the menu is named after a book or author and all of them are delicious!
Hotel Giraffe
Another one of my favourite boutique hotels in New York is Hotel Giraffe. This hotel is located in the classy NoMad neighborhood, right in the middle of Manhattan and downtown. It is surrounded by amazing shops and restaurants. The hotel also stays true to its giraffe theme, with statues and pictures throughout the hotel. The architecture itself reminds you a bit of a giraffe, elegant and gentle. The design was inspired by the Art Modern period, which is a common trend in the NoMad neighbourhood.
Aside from the beautiful design and convenient location of the hotel, it also has unbeatable amenities. Again it offers a free continental breakfast, a three hour wine and cheese hour complete with a live piano player, workout classes at the New York Sports Clubs, and refreshments and snacks available 24/7.
This hotel boasts outside patio complete with stunning views of the city, and a relaxed area to unwind after a day of shopping. Downstairs they have the delicious Bread and Tulip restaurants, which offers 20% discount to hotel guests. A V.I.P. treatment if you ask me.
The Pod 51 and 39
On one of my first trips to New York I stayed at the Pod 39, and absolutely loved this quirky and surprisingly affordable spot. The Pod 39 is located in the heart of Manhattan, and their motto is to create a comfortable and functional yet compact spot and not charge an arm and a leg. In fact, when I stayed here I slept in a bunk-bed and loved it.
It was actually hard to leave the hotel because it has so much to offer. Challenge a friend to a ping pong showdown in their playroom. Devour some delicious Mexican cuisine at their lobby restaurant, Salvation Taco. Grab a drink at their stylish rooftop bar that has become a staple in New York.
Class and comfort at an affordable price, this place is almost too good to be true.
The Ace Hotel
History meets modern design at the Ace hotel. The hotel is a historic midtown Manhattan building, and on the outside that is what you get, but as you walk through the doors you get the hustle and bustle of modern New York. The lobby of the hotel is lined with local art and décor. The hotel is centrally located and easy to get to museums, shops, and of course the theaters all by foot.
There is also plenty to do right in the hotel. One of my favourite coffee shops, Stumptown Coffee is right in the lobby, while The Breslin Bar offers live music most nights.
What I loved most about this hotel was their rooms. Compact but oh so comfortable. The beds were some of the most comfortable I have ever slept in. There was also an old school bath tub right in the middle of my bed room. Told you compact meets comfort.
The Soho Grand Hotel
Ready to spend a pretty penny on a luxurious stay? Well then you have to check out the Soho Grand Hotel. The first truly luxury downtown boutique hotel located right in the heart of SoHo. The hotel is just steps away from world renowned art galleries and shops. It truly offers the perfect New York location.
Inside prepare to be amazed. When you walk in the doors you are greeted by the hotel’s stylish lobby. There is plenty of art hanging from the walls and romantic furniture lining the room. As for your rooms, no detail is spared. Expect art and decoration to be in rich chocolate palettes complemented by vintage décor. This hotel is a masterpiece in itself. Get this, you can even request a pet goldfish if you want a friend for the week.
What I really loved is the hotel also offers complimentary bikes to their guests so that you can get around town in style.
No matter where you stay in New York, you are going to have an amazing time. This city is so full of life, that you probably won’t spend much time in your hotel, but trust me, if you stay at one of these spots the time you do spend will be enjoyable.
Happy Traveling my friends,
xo
Mia
