Times Square is one of the flashiest neighborhoods in New York. Some would argue it’s the epicenter of the city. It’s loud, chaotic, and busy all the time, but the draw to be based in Times Square is understandably enticing.
But The Knickerbocker Hotel proves that even the busiest parts of the city can offer not only some peace and quiet, but luxurious respite, too. It’s full of rich history (the dry martini was born here, guys), and has one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever laid my head on in this city. All that with its soundproof rooms and minimalist decor, you’ll enjoy the convenience of the most chaotic parts of Manhattan while feeling light years away.
Why stay at the Knickerbocker Hotel?
Location and comfort are two important factors to consider when booking any hotel, and The Knickerbocker has nailed both. Because of its prime midtown location, you not only have easy access to New York’s top attractions, but also to just about every major subway line. Getting out to more local-populated hangouts like Jackson Heights, Queens (just jump on the 7 train) and Williamsburg, Brooklyn (jump on the M) are easy jaunts.
Aside from its prime real estate, the Knickerbocker is a flavour of proper, old-school New York suave without feeling dated, and that’s thanks to the modern tech touches incorporated throughout. It even gives a little Hollywood glamour–my first thought on arrival was that Marilyn Monroe would have blended in perfectly here.
What are the rooms like at the Knickerbocker Hotel?
Even if you’re not usually a napper, the rooms here will encourage you to buck your regular habits. It was the first thing I did when I got to my Premier City View King room, and what became apparent immediately is how understated the luxury in this place is.
Firstly: the beds. Made of Stearns & Foster Euro-tops, SFERRA 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and Ploh goose down pillows and feather mattresses, this was hands down one of the most dreamy sleeps I’ve ever had.
But the quiet grandeur doesn’t stop there. Nothing about the Knickerbocker felt over-the-top, and yet, not a single detail was overlooked. All 330 guestrooms and suites have built-in, high-tech convenience, with touches like control blackout curtains, lighting, and temperature via a bedside tablet. There are also Samsung Smart TVs and soundproof, double-glazed windows, a serious perk anywhere in New York, but especially with such proximity to Times Square.
The rooms’ color palettes blend shades of warm wood with leather detailings and stone finishes. Something about that neutrality brings a certain elegance, and with 12-foot ceilings and oversized windows, each room is spacious and bright.
The bathroom? I gasped with excitement. Marble design, a rain shower, and a backlit mirror complimented by Diptyque bath amenities (I always appreciate an amenity kit with Q-tips when I travel), give the space a seriously luxe, spa-like feel.
Standard room types include a Superior Room King and a Deluxe Room King (both of which two queen beds are available). For some of the more elite options, go for the Premier City View King, a Junior Suite, or a Tribute Suite, which is up to 1,200 square feet. Book the Martini Suite, a 700-square-foot corner room on the 15th floor, to embrace the hotel’s history. An ‘in-room martini kit’ is available upon request, including mini gin bottles, vermouth, garnishes, and custom bar tools by Cocktail Kingdom. Plus, you can watch a video-guided tutorial to craft the original Knickerbocker Dry Martini.
What is the food and drink like at the Knickerbocker Hotel?
With five dining options onsite, you’ll find everything from casual cafes to high-end martini tableside service. Legend has it that bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia created the world’s first Dry Martini in what’s now known The Martini Lounge back in 1907, for none other than John D. Rockefeller. To best toast to this history, The Martini Lounge, located inside of Charlie Palmer Steak IV, is ideal for tableside martini service and bumps of caviar.
Speaking of Charlie Palmer Steak IV, if you’re in the mood for a burger, ‘The Knick Burger’ is a solid choice in the area, with a lip-smacking short-rib bacon jam that’ll really hit the spot. St. Cloud Rooftop has a wrap-around terrace, and Akoya, the new 28-seat temaki experience opened this year by Chefs Taishi Yamachugi and Charlie Palmer, offers handrolls made of roasted Okinawa sweet potato and Yuzu cured scallops.
For something on the go, Jake’s at The Knick is a simple cafe located in the lobby, and their iced red eyes started my day off strong. Room service is available 24 hours a day from Charlie Palmer Steak IV, and I’d recommend the veg-forward smashed avocado toast with poached eggs that oozed that unctuous yellow yolk at the simple poke of a fork.
What is the service like at the Knickerbocker Hotel?
As soon as you enter the building, you’re greeted by an attentive concierge service at the front desk. I arrived around 11 a.m. (far before proper check-in time) but the team were quick to confirm that they’d call me as soon as my room was ready, and Bellhop held my bag in the meantime.
Once I’d checked in, and along with showing me how to get to grips with the room controls, an attendant promptly followed up with whether I needed water or any other assistance. Ordering room service? The elegant touches of luxury service will continue, as along with the cordial team member who brought my breakfast, a full table spread, with white cloth and all, was set up. Talk about dining like royalty.
Oh, and then there’s the turndown service. After a lengthy day of exploring New York, I returned to my room and found it had been put in what can be best described ‘night mode’. My blackout curtains were closed, the lights had been dimmed to a moody tone, and slippers were laid out by my bedside.
What are the facilities like at the Knickerbocker Hotel?
There’s a striking contrast of old and new immediately obvious in the lobby, with marble columns, bronze pendant lanterns, and a 16-foot ceiling nodding to the building’s Beaux-Arts heritage all coexisting to greet guests upon arrival.
Caffeine aficionados, beware. There are Keurig coffee makers and electric kettles available, but only upon request.
Despite its fairly minimal design, the hotel features a compelling art program. The most significant piece is ‘The Saints & Sinners of The Knickerbocker’, a mural created by New York artist Molly Crabapple. The 24-hour Saints & Sinners Fitness Center takes its name from this mural, and contains two distinct spaces; one for low-impact workouts like yoga and mat Pilates, and the other for cardio workouts and strength-training equipment.
What’s the area like around the Knickerbocker Hotel?
The Knickerbocker is located in the heart of Times Square, so as soon as you step out your door, be prepared to be slap-bang in the middle of the action. It’s convenient for seeing Broadway shows and walking to Bryant Park or Grand Central Station. You’ll also have access to plenty of Subway lines which can take you all over Manhattan, from Harlem to FiDi.
However, there’s more to New York than midtown, and if you want to venture out into some of the other boroughs, the 7 line will take you to Queens in just ten minutes, all the M and F lines headed downtown will take you to Brooklyn, and the B and D lines will take you to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Why you should book a stay at the Knickerbocker Hotel
As far as New York stays go, it really doesn’t get much better than the Knickerbocker Hotel. The rooms are spacious, it’s in the center of the city, and the service and dining options available onsite are top-notch. It’s the kind of place you can go without lifting a finger, and the added perk of soundproof rooms (a pretty rare amenity in New York) means you can block out the city noise after a draining day of exploring.
DETAILS
Address: 6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036
Price per night: Standard room rates begin at $329/night, Standard King Room starts at $450/night
Closest transport: N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7 trains at 42nd Street-Times Square; M, D, F, B trains at 42nd Street-Bryant Park; Grand Central Station is a ten-minute walk; LaGuardia Airport is a 30-minute drive; JFK International Airport is an hour drive.
Book now: via Booking.com
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