New York has nearly 70,000 hotel rooms in some 250 establishments. With such an array of choice you’d be forgiven for feeling bewildered. We at Cheapflights.co.uk love to set ourselves a challenge, so we went about finding you five of the coolest and most comfortable places to stay in New York City.
Gramercy Park Hotel
Recast in 2007 as one of New York’s top luxury hotels, Gramercy Park Hotel blends old-school style with modern chic flourishes in a melting pot of vibrant colours. Art and design courses through this bohemian institution’s veins – Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist Edith Wharton was born here and it’s latterly been the home to legendary architect, Stamford White. Paintings adorn the walls; there’s a juxtaposition of contemporary and antique furniture; a backdrop of tiled floors, red velvet curtains and impressive fireplaces. The hotel’s lower-Midtown location will delight fans of New York’s restaurant and bar scenes. That is if they can escape the lure of the in-house restaurant Maialino, a Roman-style trattoria from award-winning Danny Meyer.
Hotel Gansevoort
Set in the heart of the Meatpacking district, Hotel Gansevoort is aimed at the clubbing set. Countless chic bars, restaurants and clubs are a short cobbled street walk away from this, one of New York’s most stylish hotels. Oozing cool, each of its 166 rooms and 21 corner suites feature deluxe bathrooms, high-end linen and custom furniture. Undoubtedly, the biggest draw here is the signature heated rooftop pool – famous both for its stunning views and its ever-changing underwater lighting. The Gansevoort has sustenance in the form of sushi restaurant Tanuki Tavern and glamour from the world-class spa, fitness suite and Hiro Haraguchi hair salon, ensuring conscientious party-animals maintain their stamina and good looks.
Hudson Hotel
Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck have created a sexy, impeccably maintained and comforting hotel just off Central Park. The modest room sizes are more than offset by the Hudson’s achingly cool style and reasonable rates. The hotel’s public spaces are nothing short of spectacular – the private garden (what they term a park) is enchanting, the bar has an incredible Francesco Clemente ceiling fresco and the sky terrace affords top views of New York’s spectacular cityscape. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Chodorow’s Hudson Cafeteria – unique with its informal setting produced by a long communal table – boasts a knowledgeable and gorgeous staff.
The Carlyle
Catering to the stars since its inception in 1930, The Carlyle is a New York landmark. A modernising revamp by Mark Hampton, including the installation of luxury designer-themed suites (Thierry Despont and Alexandra Champlimaud et al) has kept its style fresh. While unique antiques, whirlpool tubs, designer comforters, high-end Egyptian linens, and mini-bars stocked with Taittinger Champagne, Dean & Deluca chocolates, and candy from Dylan’s Candy Bar help to maintain that old-school charm. Bemelmen’s bar, named after the famous artist commissioned to paint large-scale murals on its wall, provides the ideal place to retire after a long day exploring the city.
Waldorf-Astoria
One of the most famous hotels in the world, the Waldorf-Astoria is nothing short of legendary. Steeped in tradition, this perfectly appointed grand old dame boasts the kind of lavish decoration that was once the preserve of European monarchs. Elegantly occupying an entire city block, its 1,300 strong rooms vary widely in style and size. Its marble bathrooms, old-school furniture and refined decor will transport you to a bygone age of elegance. Touches such as the ultra-high thread count linen and fresh flowers add the finest of luxurious experiences. Regale your friends with stories of dining at the hotel’s three world-class restaurants – Peacock Alley for breakfast and brunch, Bull and Bear for steak, Oscar’s Brasserie, home of the Waldorf Salad and Eggs Benedict – and drinking in old-school bar Sir Harry’s.
