Hotel Giraffe, New York City – Review
When it comes to choosing a great hotel, it isn’t always about “location, location, location.” But a convenient space in one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods sure doesn’t hurt. Named after owner/entrepreneur Henry Kallan’s favorite animal, Hotel Giraffe enjoys an opportune spot on the corner of Park Avenue South and 26th Street in NoMad, or north of Madison Square Park, which is also home to a creative business community made up of architecture, Internet and design firms. The building was purpose-built in the late 1990s to house the Library Hotel Collection’s Giraffe Hotel, which opened in 1999.
A quiet, urban oasis from the busy streets of The Big Apple, Hotel Giraffe comprises 72 spacious and contemporary guest rooms and suites. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling doors that open up to balconies or patios create an open space with plenty of natural light. Comfort comes in the form of in-room amenities such as a flat-screen television, mini bar, mp3 dock, 100 percent Egyptian cotton linens and nightly turndown service. The well-appointed and practical bathrooms feature spacious counters, signature bathrobes and slippers, hair dryers and make-up/shaving mirrors. Guests receive passes to a local gym to make up for the lack of fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including the Grand Lobby.
Located at street level and open 24 hours a day, the Grand Lobby is a warm and inviting space with live piano music on weeknights and complimentary services for guests, such as continental breakfast, wine and cheese receptions and snacks throughout the day. Desiring more than just snacks? Look no further that just below the lobby, where you’ll find Bread & Tulips, the on-site restaurant. With just 70 seats, the Italian-inspired restaurant offers a menu of classic favorites such as crostini, meatballs, handmade pasta and pizzas from a state-of-the-art pizza oven imported from Modena, Italy. Although it is independently run, Bread & Tulips offers a version of its menu for hotel room service.
The Rooftop Garden, open to guests only, provides cityscapes and al fresco drinks, depending on the weather. The penthouse, which is adjacent to the Rooftop Garden, is not actually a guest room, but an event space. “Sex and the City” fans should recognize it as Mr. Big’s apartment in the first movie, and the hotel was also used on Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie” and WEtv’s reality show “Marry Me in NYC.”
Keep in mind that there is some fluctuation with room price depending on the season. But rest assured that your stay will feature luxury in a hip neighborhood setting, friendly and efficient service and, of course, location, location, location.
Hotel Giraffe
365 Park Ave. S.
New York, NY 10016
212-685-7700
Take a bite out of The Big Apple, and visit Hotel Giraffe’s official website
Related Content:
Bread & Tulips restaurant review on GAYOT.com
New York City 72-hour vacation guide on GAYOT.com
The Best of GAYOT’s New York
New York City Business Travel Guide on GAYOT.com
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