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Andakira Hotel is located amidst the hustle and bustle of Patong Beach in Phuket, where a nightlife of beeping mopeds and chaotic streets tailored to tourism are very mainstream, so this shiny new urban hotel stands out from the crowd for the simple fact that it is well, brand new and shiny!
Entering the hip-décor foyer to the sound of surround water features, you can rest on the ultra modern couches for check in. Your Superior room will have you comfortable in air conditioning, in a clinically clean suite with modern western toilet and shower, looking out over Patong's red-tile-roofed town towards the tropical mountain greenery that borders the beach village. ‘Anda' actually means sea in Thai, and ‘Kira' means mountain, so when you're standing on the balcony looking at such a magnificent mountain, a name like that makes complete sense for the location of the hotel.
A large TV and wireless internet access and cute balcony are yours to be entertained with - if you don't head up to the infinity lap pool or jacuzzi and pool bar (where you can also play pool) or have a massage & Spa treatment.
Leave your important belongings in the safe while you take a free shuttle bus to Patong beach for the day, for a spot of swimming and suntanning. Meander through shops, massage parlours and restaurants that keep the Patong tourist town alive, then catch the bus back to the hotel (also free) just be aware of the return bus time, as the last one is early evening.
The restaurant offers daily buffet breakfast for you to start your day with a full belly. It also offers Thai food for sit downs, or you can order room service if you crave Western food. Otherwise, food options just around the corner are at a night bazaar, or extremely modern and fancy shopping mall with high quality restaurant alley - if you're looking to forget that you are in Thailand (it's very tourist orientated) If heading to this mall be sure to stop by the indoor fish tanks to have plank fish nibble at your food for a natural skin exfoliation, 15 minutes for 99 thb, cheap as chips in Thailand. Or for the boys is a massive Muay Thai Boxing Stadium with regular boxing matches, can't miss this hyper-coloured world!
Andakira Hotel is a very clean abode, I'd recommend it as exactly where you should stay if you want to holiday in Thailand during the day, and stay ‘at home' during the night.
Dinner of the Senses, Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand
Dinner of the senses at Banyan Tree Resort in Thailand's Phuket is so picturesque you'll think you are dreaming...
Dinner of the senses Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand
The Spa Pool Villa at the Banyan Tree in Thailand's idyllic Phuket is where you can holiday in luxury and feel like absolute royalty.
I arrived at the Banyan Tree Resort and Spa as a large group of guests were leaving an Indian Wedding holiday stay. Ten packed vans headed for the airport and more guests staying behind, as I entered the grand foyer. My transfer driver had mentioned a very wealthy couple paid for their guests to stay for the whole week, charge anything to their room - completely enjoy themselves, with one bill totalling... well, a very successful week for this hotel. I wondered why such a famously wealthy couple would choose this particular hotel to celebrate a happy and typically expensive union - it must be worth it. I was told that Jean Claude Van Dam and the band Good Charlotte also chose to stay here for their Thai sojourn. Celebrity's stay here? ...Just ten minutes later, after checking in and viewing my spa pool villa, I completely understood.
For the check-in process I was escorted poolside with chilled rose tea and scented ice washcloth, while my passport details were recorded. Presented with a host called Oai, who was to act as my personal assistant for the entire stay, Oai told me she would make sure I was at the right place and time for activities I selected. Oai was super smiley and efficient, providing me immediately with a mobile phone - programmed with her number and the hotel reception, so that we could keep in contact easily. Offering to carry my handbag, and ordering the bell boy to transport my luggage to my room, Oia drove the buggy (while mumbling ‘oops' a couple of times - as driving a buggy is different to driving her regular moped she told me, and I had to laugh for I could see that were true,) through the very large resort grounds to the Banyan Tree's Private Pool Spa Villa Section (it has it's own entrance and lobby.)
If you are ever lucky enough to stay in a Spa Pool Villa at the Banyan Tree, you'll find that being treated like royalty is how you spend your stay. Relaxing in your own royal oasis within an oasis. Just walking across a bridge upon lily pad waters to your exclusively luscious garden with serene pool area is a breathtaking experience. An infinity pool looks out to a magnificent sky-mirroring lake, adjoining an outdoor bubble Jacuzzi and bath with an outdoor shower area too - all yours to enjoy completely and privately. Cushioned beds face towards the pool by another lake of floating lily pads, which also encircles the villa and gives a great glimpse inside your ultra modern abode, through transparent glass walls. An outdoor sun lounge and twin massage tables stand overlooking the horizon to watch the Thai sky turn pink at sunset and sunrise, and a Buddha statue watches over - encompassing a Zen-like state.
I was still mesmerized with the outdoor area, as Oai took me inside for the interior tour. Stepping into the villa I found myself in perfectly chilled air-con with three mysterious doors presenting themselves. I felt like Alice in wonderland opening each door. Behind door number one to the right, I found an ultra modern lounging area with luxurious Asian décor of black and gold trimmings. With patterned canvas prints adorning the walls, and an overflowing fresh fruit bowel, (refreshed everyday of my stay,) as the centrepiece. A huge flat screen TV, fancy mini bar and complimentary Twinings tea selection, modern espresso machine, and DVD player were mine to be entertained with. A large soft sofa lounge adorned with giant sized cushions, and sidelined with travel magazines and Thai Photography books - there to peruse in my down time. (What down time? I'm too busy indulging in luxury!) A study area set with a stationery and inward facing desk were perfectly placed for the laptop I had brought along (If only to describe my luxurious surroundings to friends on Facebook... ) Views through the window-walls were of surrounding lush tropical plantation, my infinity pool and horizon lake. Yes, I was in heaven.
Opening door number two I found a deluxe bathroom with glass walls revealing more exquisiteness of the exterior gardening, and a tall mirror area. Here was an abundance of complementary toiletries such as soaps, hairbrush, toothbrush and paste, nail file, sunscreen and usual accessories all of a very high quality. Banyan Tree proudly decorates the room with self-branded hand towels, lotions and potions, comfy slippers and dressing gowns. Under the mirror were two pots of salt, with instructions ‘Scrub of the Day: Prepare warm bath, soak your body for 10 mins, scrub gently with a circular movement.' And at the end of the room two grand outward opening doors took me directly to a generous bath - aka second outdoor Jacuzzi, also surrounded by floating lily pads. (This gets filled with flower petals and lit up with candles if you are lucky enough to experience the Banyan Tree's ‘night of bliss.')
The last door, number three - in the middle - opened to the master bedroom with a extra large king size bed and feather pillows encompassed in a glass wall - showing off outsides tropical plant life on water. Double layer curtains were electronically hooked to close at night (if you prefer not to be awoken by the sunlight in morning.) Looking up, a huge silk tent ceiling extended the luxe factor for slumber time. A miniature pillow selection was on display in case I wanted to change the material of my bedding. Aromatherapy filled the rooms with a beautiful scent everyday, and an incense and oil selection was also provided.
For complete luxury, friendly faces, and serene grounds - a stay here should be on the to-do in life list.
The Garden of Eden in Bocas del Toro is a hidden, pristine and very private getaway, that feels very remote in this archipelago of ten islands on the Caribbean coast of Panama - yet it is easily accessible. Only a few places around the world have been able to retain the particular atmosphere and authenticity of Bocas del Toro: seductive, primitive and unforgettable. It is a haven for snorkelers and divers, with crystal-clear impossibly turquoise waters and rainforest ecology; it's also one of the most multi-cultural places in Panama. In Bocas, you have the option of staying on the main island, Isla Colon - the site of the only real town, Bocas Town, and its selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Although Bocas del Toro has become quite popular with indie travelers in recent years, relatively low-key development has left an authenticity an unpolished vibe that is highly appealing to those looking to escape beach destinations full of mega-resorts.
Or, you can take a water taxi out to one of the other islands which are quieter and more secluded - some more than others. A 20 minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town will bring you to the Garden of Eden on Isla Solarte - a small three-room property that offers a true getaway-from-it-all in paradise. Technically, Garden of Eden is not even an actual part of Isla Solarte, but its own tiny island connected to Solarte by mangroves.
Stepping out of the boat onto the Garden of Eden dock, you will likely be met by Kip the owner and Zeus, the exuberant dog. The grounds are small but lush and gorgeous, with little paths that wind up to the rooms, dining area, pool, game room, and also down to a boat dock on the back side that is good for swimming and kayaking.
The three rooms are simple but comfortable, and offer private decks with that essential island item: hammocks. At Garden of Eden you can have all the remote downtime you want; but it's also relatively easy to make your way around the Bocas archipelago to do activities. Keep in mind that it's a 20-minute water taxi ride to Bocas Town if you want some shopping or nightlife, and you need to arrange for a ride ahead of time. You can also take boats to neighboring islands for beaches and other restaurants, or if you're up to a 30-45 minute kayak trip you can take the property kayaks across to Isla Bastimentos where there is a marina, restaurants and several beaches. Isla Bastimentos is also home to the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama’s oldest marine park. Tours of all sorts are available for snorkeling, diving, fishing, jungle exploration and cultural experiences with indigenous villages.
And of course, just hanging at the peaceful Garden of Eden or swimming in the pool are laudable pastimes. The property is Adults Only, and with just three bungalows it's easy to rent the whole place with a few friends. The Garden of Eden offers quiet, upscale accommodations , free hi-speed internet access, and a full service bar and restaurant. Two cabanas are located adjacent to the pool, with queen size beds and a futon that can open to a full size bed; private bathroom with hot and cold rain water showers; and a veranda with a hammock and chairs to enjoy a fabulous panoramic view of the bay. The third room is a suite with both a king and a queen sized bed, private bathroom with hot and cold rain water shower, and a large deck with a hammock, lounge chairs and a ceiling fan.
Rates are $150-170 per night for two people, including continental breakfast.
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Explore Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
The 32 miles of sugar-white beaches along Alabama’s Gulf Coast shoreline is a family-oriented destination that offers great nature and outdoors adventures, some of the most fantastic seafood in the U.S., and plenty of child-friendly activities.
The sister cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie a true island, 27,000 acres separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, and offering nearly 400,000 acres of protected back bay waters.
State and local Alabama officials are doing more to promote Gulf Coast Alabama ecotourism activities, including an Ecotourism Summit, Coastal Cleanup and a sea turtle monitoring program. The beaches here are consistently rated among the best in the United States. Here’s our road map for how to best enjoy their natural resources with your family.
Hike or Bike Wildlife Refuges
This area is a bounty for nature lovers, and the best way to experience it is often on foot or by pedal. Rent a bike from Beach Bike Rentals and hop directly on one of six trails that make up the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, 11 miles of paved paths that are home to six distinct ecosystems. Rare and threatened plant communities, incredible bird sightings, a variety of small mammals and even alligators can all be sighted from cycling trails easy enough for most ages.
Or visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1980 to protect the coastal dune ecosystem and its endangered species. Coming from the French for “safe harbor,” these 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat are easily accessible via multiple trails, and a launch site for canoes and kayaks is planned for summer 2013. Designated as one of Alabama’s Ten Natural Wonders, Bon Secour charges no entry fees.
Get on the Water for an Informative Nature Cruise
The water is clearly the pull here. Bill and Cheryl Mitchell of Cetacean Cruises run dolphin and nature cruises on their custom pontoon boat, at a very affordable $15 and up. Spotting the area’s playful dolphins is always exciting, but Captain Bill is extremely knowledgeable and protective of them. “They have the intelligence of an eight-year-old human,” he explains. “If you love dolphins and want to see a sustainable practice, you’ve come to the right place.” Cetacean is the only area company that passed the test to become certified for the Dolphin SMART program from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
For a completely different on-the-water experience, climb aboard with Captain Skip of Sailaway Charters. On a 2-3 hour sailing adventure, Skip shows his guest how to go crabbing and shrimping, as well as various oyster techniques and bird identification. You will very likely also spot dolphin trailing along behind the boat for the leftovers.
Captain your own boat in a Kayak
For a more independent experience, you can grab your own kayak and glide along the peaceful estuaries of Graham Creek Nature Preserve in nearby Foley. These 484 acres of southern gothic waterway wind in and out of marsh grasses and larger bodies of water, with ancient water oaks lining the banks while pelicans and great blue herons fly overhead. Once out in more open water, you’re likely to spot bottlenose dolphin. You can rent your own kayak to launch from the Graham Creek launching dock, or set up with an experienced guide such as Certified Master Naturalist Carol Furman, through Fairhope Boat Company.
Relax on Sugar White Beaches
When all of the outdoor adventures and physical activity has worn you out, it’s the perfect time to recharge on the sands that the island is famous for. Turquoise water meets soft white sand that curves gently up into grass-covered dunes. The city of Orange Beach has three Gulf State Park beach areas, and Gulf Shores has eight. Most offer public restrooms, showers, picnic tables or pavilions and miles of pristine beach. Some, like Lake Shelby, Cotton Bayou and Gulf Shores Public Beach, have more activity going on with people fishing, water skiing, boating or playing volleyball. Others are more secluded and quiet—if that’s your thing, try Florida Point, Gulf State Park or the beach at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
Eating Sustainably
When it comes dining out—and nighttime entertainment—your eco-vacation doesn’t have to go awry. At Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s at Homeport, run by the sister of famous parrothead Jimmy Buffett, sustainability is an important part of both the food and the business operation. They serve only grass-fed, Alabama-raised beef and sustainably-caught fish—diners are even provided a website where they can see exactly where their fish was caught. Lulu’s also received the prestigious Seventh Generation Award from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in 2009, given annually to the person or organization that embodies the tenets of sustainability, stewardship and pro-active practice in considering our natural resources.
Lulu’s was recognized for, among other things, its installation of an environmentally-friendly windmill and being one of the first public venues to incorporate the rain garden concept into their parking lots, dramatically improving the quality of stormwater runoff into the Intracoastal Waterway. “With the volume of business that we have enjoyed in Gulf Shores, it was a natural progression for us to think of how we could operate from a more environmentally friendly point of view to help take care of the absolutely gorgeous natural beauty of Gulf Shores,” said Buffett. “What we have done at LuLu’s has brought awareness and sparked conversations between all types of people and agencies. Plus, it is just a lot of fun.”
What do you get when you take an aged 1930s printing factory on Manhattan's far west side, renovate it with style, convert the rooftop into a swish bar with panoramic city views and add a bold lobby full of colour and spruce?
A concoction that screams New York without actually being smack bang in the centre of the tourist-bumping streets.
Located in the once-rough neighbourhood of Hell's Kitchen, right next to the popular Theatre District, Ink48 comes as a pleasant surprise. Although the interior screams overhaul, vibrance and decadence, the exterior nods to authenticity and remains not the only sign of the building's rich history.
In creating Ink48, a Kimpton Hotel, three quintessentially 'New York' architectural features were drawn upon as inspiration - lofts, pocket parks, and the much-loved rooftop terrace. The soaring ceilings in each guest room, ranging from 11 to 15 feet, represent the loft whilst pocket parks were creatively interpreted to fashion a number of inviting seating areas tucked around the corners of the lobby. The rooftop terrace was emphasised for its prime 16th-story location with the opening of PRESS Lounge.
Featuring a classy dining option in the downstairs restaurant PRINT, as well as an onsite fitness centre and full-service luxury spa, Ink48 is well-equipped for every kind of New York City stay. A healthy walking distance to the hustle and bustle of Times Square, Ink48 brings the best of both worlds - you can choose to escape the chaos or completely immerse yourself in the city's famous neon strip and further afield.
The rooms
Stylish and minimalist with splashes of eye-catching colour and luring large-scale artworks, Ink48 is a welcoming home away from home. With stone-tiled bathrooms, marble countertops, textured stone accent walls and modern linear desks, every aspect is well constructed. Across the 222 guest rooms all include LCD flat screen TVs, full-length mirrors, in-room safes, wireless Internet access, Nintendos, irons and ironing boards, speaker phones with voicemail and complimentary coffee makers (available upon request).
With a wide range of room types on offer, the main differences can be found in room size, bathroom facilities and the view through your window. Rooms dedicated to providing the best views possible include the CityView Premier King Suite with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, and the Hudson River Suite boasting fantastic river views. If you're looking to indulge and want both river and city views (plus so much more) the penthouse - Heaven Over Hell's Kitchen Suite - wins hands down.
PRESS Lounge
The sprawling PRESS Lounge offers impeccable views on three sides to accompany the drinks, cocktails and nibbles listed on the menu. Designed by renowned architect Carlos Zapata, the rooftop lounge is open to both hotel guests and the general public - proving quite a hit amongst both.
With the emphasis on prime location, views remain unobstructed by a see-through glass exterior around the 'indoor' seating and glass railings around the spacious outdoor lounge area. PRESS Lounge is a must-see by day and night.
PRINT dining
Situated on the ground level and next to the lobby bar, PRINT is Ink48's modern a la carte restaurant. With a menu inspired by regions of Southern France and Italy, this 80-seat restaurant dishes up a decently priced meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. They even use homemade butter from the famous Sullivan Street Bakery.
Wine reception
Wine-lovers out there rejoice! Each afternoon Ink48 hosts a complimentary wine reception for all guests from 5.00pm to 6.00pm in one of the styled 'pockets' of the lobby.
Local grooves
Whilst the name might seem a turnoff, Hell's Kitchen is an area internationally renowned for the range of cuisines on offer. All just a stone's throw away from Ink48, it's easy to find a cheap eat or a fancier restaurant to suit your taste. Fortunately the Hudson River is also nearby - in case you should need to walk off dessert.
11th Avenue 653, Manhattan, USA
Contact tel: 2127570088, fax: 2127572088, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Services spa, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, pets accepted, room service, internet access, wheelchair accessible, air-conditioning
Useful links
Hotel Ink48
When touring a new city, especially one as massive and varied as New York City, any little bit of insider help goes a long, long way. Find your saviour in the form of a variety credit-card, a small rectangular swipe card that is the New York Pass.
Your local guide and discount dealer, this little beauty will get you priority entry at many of the busiest tourist attractions in town whilst delivering the best value sightseeing to be found in this concrete jungle.
With a massive host of attractions attached to your pass, the deliberating will really revolve around which to make the most of. Free entry is guaranteed to over 70 attractions including the mind-blowing panoramic views from the top of the Empire State Building Observation Deck and the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Centre). Also included in your pass is the Madison Square Garden All Access Tour, Madame Tussaud's New York, Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Sex, City Sightseeing Cruises, Guggenheim Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
If you're looking to get moving though, the pass also includes Bike and Roll NYC Bike Rental, Food on Foot tours, the Real Bronx Tour, Shearwater Sailing and two types of On Location tours. And as for transport, the New York Skyride, New York Water Taxi and Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ferry are also conveniently included. A complete list of attractions available on the New York Pass can be found on their website.
Offering one, two, three and seven-day passes, which pass you opt for will depend on both time and budget. The more days you choose, the cheaper it pans out per day. Take note: multiple-day passes must be used across consecutive days, and days are calculated as calendar days rather than 24-hour periods.
To get the most out of your pass it's best to hit the ground running with a plan of attack. Use the accompanying 176-page guidebook (available in English, Spanish, German, French and Italian) to research the attractions and hours of operation, find directions and logically plot your points of interest on the detailed maps inside so you're never zig-zagging across this massive metropolis.
Even better, if you have an iPhone, download the New York Pass Travel Guide App to plan your trip. Here you can create daily sightseeing itineraries, plan your budget, record all your travel and accommodation details as well as any essential notes.
Buy a New York Pass, do your research, and get the most out of your New York City stay.
Average customer rating
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Reviewed by Tijana Jaksic
Perched amongst red brick apartment blocks, sturdy warehouses and cobbled streets in the heart of New York City’s trendy Tribeca, The Greenwich Hotel can proudly claim Robert de Niro as the mastermind behind its superior conception.
Opening its doors in 2008, de Niro’s first hotel venture created a buzz at the time, and today has matured into its reputation as a sophisticated, attentive and exclusive New York City hotel experience.
Somehow de Niro has pinpointed the perfect combination of old-world charm, modern convenience, and the kind of friendly service that extends to ‘you-name-it’ requests fulfilled with a smile. With its luxurious blend of multicultural influences – from Moroccan tiles to Tibetan silk rugs and English leather settees – the atmosphere is indulgent and serene, and discreetly exudes this ‘members club’ vibe that makes one feel special just lulling about the hallways and in the elevator.
The rooms
With 88 exquisite rooms and 13 suites across eight levels, it’s amazing to think that each is unique and unlike any other. Complemented by oak floors, sumptuous furniture and antique pieces, and all the classy finishing touches one would expect from an A-grade celebrity, The Greenwich Hotel's roomsare stylish and grand yet fitted with modern technology such as ipod docks, wireless internet and flat screen TVs. The complementary basket of goodies and jar of sweets, as well as an included fridge mini bar (except for alcohol), is just a bonus – especially for foreigners keen to try some Hershey’s and other local treats. Refreshingly, the high ceilings featuring beautiful hand-carved mouldings create a wonderful open and airy feeling of space within each room, and the heavy, motorised curtains are heavenly for an afternoon nap that feels more like night – perfect for jetlag recovery.
Choose from four room types, six different one and two-bedroom suites, and two styles of penthouses. The Fireplace Corner Suites are scrumptious.
The courtyard & drawing room
The Grenwich Hotel lobby is a guest-only retreat offering a drawing room decked out in classic upholstered and leather furniture pieces and garnished with stylish frames, decorative candle-holders, flowers, bookshelves and all kinds of other eye-catching ornamental items. Adjacent is a Tuscan-style outdoor courtyard, enclosed by tall city brick walls covered in crawling vines that reach up towards the blue sky above. Here, you can order a tasty dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or simply enjoy a coffee or wine and absorb the peace from the outside world.
The Shibui Spa & pool
Also exclusive to hotel guests, the Shibui Spa is infused with a calming Japanese influence, with the notion of ‘balance’ at its core. The indoor lantern-lit pool and lounge sit nestled under the roof of a 250-year old wood and bamboo Japanese farmhouse, whilst the adjoining bathrooms feature saunas. For professional spa treatments, there are four separate treatment rooms situated in their own peaceful sanctuary on the same level. Shibui Spa has a shiatsu room, a traditional Japanese bathing room with a large tub for bathing rituals and a tatami mat floor for massage, a wet room that includes a shower for wraps and scrubs, and a treatment room for massages and facials. The Shibui Spa menu is simply divine.
The Greenwich Hotel's other features: Concierge, Locanda Verde Italian tavern, in-house fitness centre located on Shibui Spa level.
Local Grooves
The Greenwich Hotel is nestled in Tribeca, close to Soho, offering easy access to all of the New York City downtown sights and neighbourhoods. In the late 80s the area was popular with artists trying to escape the hefty prices of Soho, but today the neighbourhood has a high profile of its own with great restaurants, classy boutiques and trendy bars to tout. Wander Tribeca’s cobblestone streets and you’ll notice it still hasn’t lost its calm, chilled-out vibe, and certainly hasn’t been overrun with tourists and the ultra-hype of other New York City neighbourhoods.
Greenwich Street 377, New York City, USA
Contact tel: 212.941.8900, fax: 212.941.8600
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, room service, internet access, concierge, air-conditioning
Useful links
Locanda Verde Restaurant
The Greenwich Hotel neighbourhood guide
The Greenwich Hotel website
Reviewed by Tijana Jaksic
Whether you’re a science-hound, a philosophy-queen or a master of literature, New York City’s unique Library Hotel will have not just a room to suit, but a bookcase that caters to your very taste.
Boasting over 6,000 books, each and every volume is organised across the sixty unique rooms spread across ten floors by the Dewey Decimal System.
With a separate floor dedicated to each of the ten classifications of knowledge, first choose your forte or interest between Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge, Technology, Philosophy, The Arts or Religion for your stay. Then, narrow it down. Each room is purely dedicated to its theme, adorned in art and a personal library of the topic you choose – whether it’s Poetry, Fairy Tales, Astronomy, Germanic Language, Medicine, New Age, Oceanography or even Money that you fancy.
But whilst this idea to fashion an age-old reference system into a themed hotel is unique, don’t think it’s nerdy. It’s not the slightest bit odd to be a part of. Wandering down the hall reading reference numbers to find one’s room proffers much more mystery and surprise than the average hotel experience, that’s for sure.
The Library Hotel has been created with much class and care in its transformation from a landmark 1900 brick and terra cotta building. Beautifully restored, the boutique hotel now lodged in its remains oozes sophistication, is modern and attracts a broad clientele. After all, whether you experience the Library Hotel once or up to 60 times, you can be guaranteed every stay will be unique.
The rooms
Social Sciences, 3rd floor - Law, Money, World Culture, Economics, Political Science, Communication
Language, 4th floor - Ancient Language, Middle Eastern Language, Asian Language, Germanic Language, Romance Language, Slavic Language.
Math and Science, 5th floor - Astronomy, Dinosaurs, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Mathematics.
Technology, 6th floor - Health and Beauty, Computers, Medicine, Management, Manufacturing, Advertising
The Arts, 7th floor - Fashion Design, Music, Photography, Architecture, Performing Arts, Paintings.
Literature, 8th floor - Mystery, Fairy Tales, Dramatic Literature, Poetry, Classic Fiction, Erotic Literature.
History, 9th floor - Biography, Geography and Travel, Asian History, Oceanography, Ancient History, 20th Century History.
General Knowledge, 10th floor - New Media, Journalism, Museums, Encyclopedic Works, Almanacs, Libraries.
Philosophy, 11th floor - Love, Paranormal, Psychology, Philosophy, Ethics, Logic.
Religion, 12th floor - Ancient Religion (Mythology), Native American Religion, Germanic Religion, New Age, African Religion, Eastern Religion.
Across these rooms, there are still three different room types – Petite Room Full, Deluxe Room Queen, and Junior Suite King with Sofabed. All rooms feature a flat screen TV with 48 digital channels, mini bar, safe, 100% Egyptian cotton linen, MP3 dock, phone lines and high-speed wireless internet access.
The Reading Room
All Library Hotel guests have access to the second-floor Reading Room, lined with a wall-to-wall bookshelf hosting a variety of books on one side, and glass windows overlooking the New York street life below on the other. Open 24-hours, you can come here to sit and read, bring your laptop to do some work, or enjoy the complimentary tea and coffee facilities, cookies and fruits available. A European-style continental breakfast is served in the Reading Room each morning, and each evening from 5.00 – 8.00pm a wine and cheese reception is held for all guests.
The Writer’s Den & Poetry Garden
If these exclusive retreats aren’t booked out for private use, retreat here with your book or your work by day. By night, this 14th floor area transforms intoBoomarks Lounge, an intimate Manhattan Rooftop Bar open to the public. Serving cocktails alongside a full premium bar list, the bar is relaxed but upbeat and operates every night except Sundays.
Midtown Manhatten Local grooves
The Library Hotel is located in Midtown Manhatten, on Madison Avenue nad 41st Street. Fittingly, this is also known as Library Way, with the majestic New York Public Library just around the corner. The Pierpont Morgan Libarary, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal and the Times Square Theatre District are all not far away either.
Madison Avenue 299, New York City, USA
Contact tel: 212.983.4500, fax: 212.499.9099
Services hotel restaurant, room service, internet access, concierge, air-conditioning
Useful links
Library Hotel website
Reviewed by Tijana Jaksic
Easy breezy lazy days in Sydney are too easy when the city boasts so many coastal towns..
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