Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Scenic New York City Hotel

As a native New Yorker, I always find it curious that so many visitors prefer to overnight in the often cacophonous Time Square area. If I were to choose a hotel, I'd rather pick a neighborhood that didn't come with all the blaring bells and whistles, that had the low-key feel of a real neighborhood, and I'd pick a hotel where the rooms are saturated with natural light and, most importantly, offer remarkable views.

This is what I found at ONE UN New York that literally faces the United Nations. This luxe accommodation with its newly renovated West Tower is the hotel of choice for many heads of state who often choose the ultra spacious duplex suites. (And these  these picky guests can't all be wrong.) It's nice to know that even in the toilet in one duplex suite, you're far removed from astounding views that includes Grand Central Terminal and other signature sights.

As someone who craves expansive views, during my stay I couldn't get enough of my face-to-face with the Chrysler and Empire State buildings as well as the multiple bridges that span across New York City's East River and even the still-under-construction Freedom Tower. (These views from my guest room, the health club, the pool and the 30th-floor Sky Lounge where I had breakfast and evening snacks can't be beat. Times Square? Forget about it.) Who could tire of this first image (below) which I shot from my guest room?


This photo (below) is my view from the health club. It definitely kept me motivated as I worked out.


I found that the health club with its sauna and 40-foot-long pool (on the 27th floor) was perfect for unwinding after a day of meetings or shopping as the case may be. I snuggled into a lounge chair at pool side and caught up with the New York Times. Oh, and then there's the rooftop tennis courts, with an option to reserve tennis lessons with a pro. With all these distracting activities, who needs to leave the hotel?

Happy Hour in the Sky Lounge was a not-to-be-missed activity. In fact, after sampling the well-crafted appetizers, such as steamed chicken lemongrass dumplings, rissotto arancini with truffle essence, rustico cheese impregnated with peppers, and potato latka served with apple sauce, sour cream and caviar, I didn't think I even needed to book a dinner reservation.

The next morning at breakfast, I nibbled on almond croissants and a mini quiche while gazing at one of the water taxis gliding across the East River. I think I might have to stay just one more night.







24 comments:

Jan Ross said...

I'm with you - I can't imagine staying in Times Square! Last time we were in NY, we stayed at the Nolitan in Nolita and really enjoyed the neighborhood. But this hotel looks absolutely fabulous - I'll have to check it out the next time we are there.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jan, Nolita is a great neighborhood. Good choice!

Brette said...

What beautiful views! I'd love to stay here.

Jennifer Margulis said...

Looks amazing. Way out of my price range though. When I stay in NYC, I stay at an international hostel! It's clean and nice and has a communal kitchen! http://jennifermargulis.net/blog/2009/04/in-praise-of-the-big-apple-hostel/

Sheryl said...

Thanks for posting about this hotel. Although my husband and I are native New Yorkers and live only an hour away, there are times we love staying overnight in the city. I'm happy to find out about this hotel. Beautiful views!

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Brette, For me hotels rooms are all about the views.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jennifer, I've actually stayed at that same hostel. I met a lot of fun people to hang out with. And it was an amazing bargain.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Sheryl, I know lots of native New Yorkers, especially those who live in the suburbs like me, who take an overnight or weekend break from their house/apartment by staying in a hotel.

Alexandra said...

Those views are amazing. I experienced something similar in Boston, on the 17th floor of the tower building at Mass General, the suite they save for VIPs.

Vera Marie said...

OH! That view from the bedroom. I'd order room service for every meal and never get out of bed.

Alisa Bowman said...

I'm guessing just by looking at the photos that I can't afford that joint? But it looks fab.

Donna Hull said...

Love that view. I much prefer this location over Times Square.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Alexandra, wow. I didn't know Mass General had those kind of panoramic views.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Vera Marie, That's definitely a room you wouldn't want to leave.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Alisa, Right, this isn't a hotel for the budget minded.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Donna, I prefer almost any other location in Manhattan rather than Times Square.

ruth pennebaker said...

Good lord, what a room, what a view. I want to live there.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Ruth, I know. It's hard to check-out from this hotel. I totally wanted to move in!

MyKidsEatSquid said...

What an amazing view. I'd want to move in too

Jane Louise Boursaw said...

Absolutely gorgeous.

Kris @ Attainable Sustainable said...

Wow. The views are stunning. LOVE that room with a view. Though I have to say, I'm not a fan of high places and I think I probably couldn't actually sleep there.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi MyKidsEatSquid, I know. Can't get enough of those views!

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Kris, I have lots of friends who don't like high places either. I don't enjoy hiking on trails that are precipitous but I love being high up in hotels etc. Go figure.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jane, Glad you enjoyed my photos.