We were excited to learn on our arrival that this property is synonymous with the history of NYC tourism, as it was built as a hotel for passengers travelling through the city’s Grand Central Terminal. In the old days, New York society would deposit their pets here before going off on their travels. City historians will also tell you there was once a giant aviary in the lobby. The eagle-eyed (no pun intended) will see a nod to this in the interior design. We adore nuggets of storytelling like this and the Intercontinental New York Barclay is full of them, which is one reason it stands out from the crowd.
Another thing we like so much is that you don’t realise how luxurious the inside of the hotel is from its modest exterior. And the A-list celebs and world dignitaries who fill the hotel’s guest-books clearly agree. The Barclay is a great setting for those looking for a discreet base to nip in and out of, unnoticed by the paparazzi.
In-room at the Intercontinental New York Barclay, our luxurious beds with correspondingly sumptuous bedding, diva-proof bathrooms and opulent stylings helped us travel queens bounce back from our journeys in preparation for enjoying the city (or letting it enjoy us).
But if there was one thing that could tempt us to eschew the city’s charms, it would be the Harold S Vanderbilt Penthouse suite, with its breathtaking private terrace and uninterrupted view of our beloved Chrysler Building.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Sophisticate | JFK / LGA / EWR | GMT +4 |
| While you’re Out There |
| A club-level suite booking comes with an elaborate buffet breakfast at the gentlemen’s club-like lounge for VIP guests, a rarity in city hotels, giving the property the feel of an urban resort. |
www.intercontinentalnybarclay.com
Photography courtesy of the Intercontinental Hotels Group
