The Knickerbocker
NYC, USA

As the New York socialite saying goes, ‘get you a man who can do both’. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Knickerbocker is your man – well, hotel. Nestled among the bright lights and hustle of Times Square, it’s right in the heart of all the Midtown action, yet it’s a sanctuary from the craziness outside. This was our second stay at the Knickerbocker and we were excited to return.

So let’s get the challenges out of the way. Unfortunately, as on our first visit when the hotel had just opened, the staff’s aloof approach to service (which we had assumed may have been a teething problem) had not gone away. After a long flight, this doesn’t make a great impression, but once we’d shrugged off the big-city attitude, the only way was up. Waiting in the St Cloud Rooftop bar for our room to be readied made it all better. It’s a great people-watching space, with delicious signature cocktails. Our suite was a contemporary, well-proportioned space, understated and minimalist, but effortlessly comfortable.It was an oasis of calm in comparison to what we could see from our window and shutting the curtains allowed us to forget that we were in the middle of one of the busiest, most-photographed places in the world. The aptly named Saints & Sinners Fitness Center is divided into a tranquil space for yoga and pilates and a more upbeat cardio-and-weight- training facility to pump up for a night on the town. One evening, we forwent the city’s bright lights for a night in and the Knickerbocker’s in-room dining was a delight.

www.theknickerbocker.com

6 Times Sq, New York City