I am a travel bug and love to try new hotels, restaurants and hangouts everytime I visit a place, even in my own city, that is, London. London and New York City are my two absolute favourites.
When it comes to London I am constantly researching and visiting the cool spots. But in the case of New York, I am still learning about this amazing vibrant city. I am there quite often and love to explore as if it’s my first time everytime.
LONDON:
These are some of the best ones I have found in London:
Blake’s London Hotel: This is located in the heart of one of London’s affluent residential areas, Kensington. If you are looking for a luxurious stay then this is your place. Designed by the world renowned Anoushka Hempel, each of the rooms is uniquely styled and has a theme of its own. Their onsite restaurant is also a must try when in London. Hyde Park and the historic Royal Albert Hall are both very close to the hotel.
Ham Yard Hotel: This is quite a remarkable, chic and unique boutique hotel in terms of interiors and amenities. It’s got a relaxed, laid back yet urban feel to it. The rooms have modern British style interiors. If it’s a short city break and you don’t have lots planned on your itinerary this place is great to take it easy and relax in the hotel, as it has a rooftop terrace, library, bowling alley, gym, spa and a classic restaurant. They are also renowned for their afternoon tea, which includes gluten-free and vegan options. There are some amazing restaurants, cafes, shopping and sight seeing spots just outside the hotel because it’s located in the vibrant locality of Soho, which is again very close to Oxford Street and Mayfair.
The Henrietta Hotel: Again, a very uniquely and tastefully designed hotel with quirky interiors. Rooms are cosy, and it has plenty of vintage touches throughout; the pink bathrooms with black and white tiles on the floor is surely a highlight. Some of the suites have a balcony overlooking the London Eye. This is located in the heart of the most culturally thrilling Covent Garden. It’s a perfect base for exploring London and if you need to be moving around in Central London quite a bit for your trip. Public Transport connectivity is good from here.
Artist Residence London: This hotel has its own unique character because of the eclectic styling and contemporary artworks. So if you are seeking something fun, entertaining and relaxed yet different in terms of interiors, stay, room and other features, this is a great option to try. Their master suite has a stylish instagrammable bath tub. Just a few steps outside the hotel you will find the hustle and bustle of the city. They also have an all day restaurant and a cocktail bar. Add some extra dose of fun to your trip with a stay here.
The Curtain Hotel: There is a chance that Curtain Hotel might dominate your choice of hotel, and I will not blame you! Their rooms are plush, modern and comfy. Each room has an arty feel to it because of the funky interior. They have a rooftop pool with a view, restaurant on site, plus a salon/spa – all of which could make your stay at the hotel very enjoyable.
NYC
New York City is surely a concrete jungle made of dreams and you can only feel inspired seeing the lights here. If you are visiting or going to be visiting New York City and looking for boutique hotel suggestions then here is my list.
Made Hotel: This hotel is perfect to just stay in and relax if you don’t have a very hectic schedule ahead. Rooms are cosy, zen-like yet trendy and have great views. Some of them have a tub with a view and some have juliet balconies. The hotel has its own restaurant and a coffee shop. If you want to get lost exploring NYC, then it’s central location and it’s bustling neighbourhood of Nomad and adjoining Chelsea and Midtown will help. There is an amazing array of restaurants and shops you must visit around there. For dining, I will suggest Eleven Madison Park (for fine dining), Sugarfish, Santina, Hakassan, Zuma. For shops, try out Maison Kitsuné (Broadway), Jung Lee, Barneys, Personnel of New York. Try Valley NYC for cool nail arts. Do visit Chelsea Market for some yummy food and shopping. I guess one can’t have enough of this city, so get out there, visit all the major landmarks (like Empire State Building, Times Square etc. which are all close by) even if it’s not your first time, soak in the Manhattan skyline views from various spots and have a great time.
Sixty Soho: You can never go wrong with Sixty Soho, because there is nothing that you won’t like about it and it’s location. There is so much to do around this hotel. The panoramic view from here is unparalleled; extending from ***ADD WORDS ***. Rooms are cosy, stylish and some of them have stunning views. Explore NYC at its best from this gem of a location, that is Manhattan’s SoHo District. In the daytime go for a museum stroll, or to Central Park to soak in all the natural beauty and in the evening experience a Broadway show. It’s close to Grand Central Station, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park. There are so many hotspots here starting from ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre, shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, watching NYC’s popular Nutcracker show (during winter) to trying the popular sweet spots like Dominique Ansel, Doughnut Plant, to brunching at The Butchers Daughter, Sadelle’s and Pietro Nolita to shopping at the various upscale and high street shops like Kirna Zabete, American Two Shot, Matter, Birchbox. The truth is that the city never sleeps, so you always find something to do no matter what day or time.
The Whitby Hotel: This boutique hotel really stands out in terms of design, interior, service and amenities. Each one of the rooms is stylish, airy, spacious, colourful, very tastefully designed and has their own unique theme. The hotel is an eclectic mix of artworks and rooms are cozy – just perfect for staying in and relaxing with all that it has got to offer like a gym and reading room consisting of 2,500 books.
It is located in the heart of upper Midtown Manhattan (550 yards from Central Park) and the city can be explored well from here whether by day or night. The property overlooks the jaw dropping view of the Manhattan skyline. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar. There is lots to do in this area, but it’s about filtering out the best that suits you. I will recommend bars and lounges like Rainbow Room at the Rockefeller Centre, The Skylark, Refinery Rooftop, 230 Fifth, where you can enjoy some awesome cocktails while soaking in the views. It’s a perfect spot for the art lovers, the neighbourhood being full of must-visit galleries and art museums like the Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art. Within this neighbourhood and nearby localities you will also find lots things to do like getting lost in Central Park, shopping on Fifth Avenue, catching the world famous Rockettes performing at the Radio City Hall (if you happen to be in the city in December), or a theatre show at Broadway. For dining I will suggest trying Limani NYC, Avra Madison, Nobu.
Public New York: If you opt for this boutique hotel, then this will surely be the highlight of your trip. This hotel will make you feel at home because of its relaxed feel. It’s located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, very close to Nolita, Soho, East Village, West Village, Tribeca – all within walking distance. The hotel has a 24 hour health club, two restaurants, six bars, two cafes and a rooftop terrace. There is so much to do in the neighbourhood. The Oculus, One World Trade Centre, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, Wall Street are some of the sight seeing spots. Some of the best places to eat around here would be newly opened Hutong, Bumu, Pastis, The Spotted Pig. Bodega, Miguel Abreu Gallery are some of the must visit art galleries. Museums to visit in the vicinity are The Skyscraper Museum, New Museum, National Museum of the American Indian. Some of the cool hangouts include The Blond bar, Dirty French at the Ludlow Hotel, Vandal, Tao Downtown, Catch NYC. Great spots to shop include Lindsey Thornburg, The Rising States, Assembly New York, The Frankie Shop. If your motto for the trip is to have the best time, then this is your place. You can experience it all here in terms of super cosy stylish rooms, amenities in the hotel, neighbourhood, close proximity to the popular landmarks, theatres and museums, great restaurants and shops – let’s not forget the great views from here too. Get fully recharged after your stay here and after soaking in all the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from their rooftop bar with its 360 degree views over the city. Check out their website for seasonal offers.
Archer Hotel New York: If you are not looking for a super luxe hotel, but instead something more relaxed and laid back, and an oh-so-close view of the Empire State Building from your room then this is the place to be. It has a typical rustic warehouse look styled with a red brick interior. Soak in the view of Empire State Building from your room as you kick back with a drink in your hand and enjoy reading. The hotel has two restaurants and a rooftop bar with a stunning view overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Being located in the absolute centre of the city in the district of Midtown West and close to the Garment District (very close to Bryant Park and Empire State Building), there are plenty of things to do in this area. It’s easy to get around anywhere in the city from here. If you are an art and culture lover then you have to explore The Museum of Modern Art, David Zwirner Gallery, The Cloisters, Colour Factory, American Museum of Natural History, Museum of art and design. For food and drink, ABCV (vegetarian and vegan ), Scarpetta, Eataly, both The Bar and The Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel, 230 fifth rooftop bar, Maison Kayse are a must try.
If you are interested in sightseeing then Top of the Rock Observation deck, newly opened Vessel at the Hudson Yards, Flatiron Building, Grand Central, Times Square are all close by.
Besides all the things to do and eat here, Midtown is a shoppers paradise. The good places to shop around here apart from Barneys, Saks and alike are the shops at the Hudson Yards, Story at the Macy’s, Vans off the wall.
Lastly, don’t forget to catch a theatre/musical show on Broadway.