Month: August 2014

The Greenwich – NYC

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Location: New York – USA
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: http://www.thegreenwichhotel.com

If you are looking for an exclusive and unique 5 star hotel in New York, the Greenwich is where you have to be! Part of the “Leading hotels of the world”, someone could expect something! This hotel was built a few years ago (oh, Robert De Niro is co-owner, by the way), but they did a great job and the hotel now has this old school look. Very impressive! You actually don’t have the feeling that this is a high class 5 star hotel from the outside, but as soon as you enter the Greenwich Hotel you will be amazed! For most people “checking in” is something that “has to be done”, but to me it is very important and they did a great job at the Greenwich! It was a very personal yet professional approach; they made us feel welcome!

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We couldn’t believe our eyes when we entered the deluxe Greenwich room. It was so nicely decorated and it was so spacious! Every detail was perfect: wooden floors, books, the most comfy couch ever and even a large basket filled with candies, chocolate, cookies, etc. Even the non-alcoholic beverages in the minibar are included in the rate. The bathroom is as unique as the room itself, featuring a rain-shower. The comfort of the room was of a 5 star level and it kind of made me feel like home!

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Other things I really like about this hotel is the spa area with (large) indoor swimming pool. They used some 250 year old wood and bamboo which makes this place even more special. It is not just a small dip pool, it is large enough for lap swims. There is also a sauna and hammam which can be used at no additional cost. The fitness center is located next to the spa area and is a very large space with lots of professional equipment. Personal trainers are on site as well (additional fee applies).

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The Greenwich Hotel even has a private courtyard. What a beautiful and peaceful place in this busy city! It really is unique and reserved for guests only! The garden is tiled with trees from Italy and you can relax in comfortable garden furniture. After our wonderful night we had breakfast here. Food was of a good quality and there were plenty of dishes to choose from.

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We rented two Greenwich bikes (for free!) and explored the neighborhood. They gave us a map and recommendations. We loved it! And yes, this hotel is beautiful and luxurious but the one thing I like the most about the Greenwich is the service they offer. Every single staff member greeted us with a smile and everyone seemed to be enjoying their working time at the hotel. I was very impressed by this and can’t say enough good things about the Greenwich Hotel. Everyone visiting New York and looking for a special place to stay should stay at this hotel! I can’t wait to stay there again!

Hotel Giraffe – New York

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Hotelchain: Library hotel collection
Location: New York – USA
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: http://www.hotelgiraffe.com

Rated as one of the top 5 hotels in New York City, we knew this was going to be a great experience and it was … As soon as we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by a very friendly, yet not too formal, bellman. He kindly asked my name and guided me to the reception. Check-in was very efficient and we did get some clear information about the hotel such as the free non alcoholic drinks during the day, wine and cheese reception and their rooftop bar. We also received a map of the city and were surprised by how central this hotel is located.

We stayed in a very spacious one bedroom suite and absolutely loved it! One nice detail: I loved the room key featuring a giraffe . As you enter the room, you will see a very cozy living area. After a full day in this hectic city, there is no better place than relaxing in those cozy couches. The bedroom is very large and has a very soft bed with plenty of pillows to choose from. The bathroom has a bathtub, single sink and a toilet. Bathrobes, an iPod-dock and espresso machine are there for your comfort. This room felt like a city apartment to us; it was so nicely decorated and had details we really liked such as books about giraffes, nice fresh flowers, etc.

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The rooftop bar is something special, it feels like an oasis in busy NY. Although quite small, there are wooden benches and chairs and they were playing loungy music. There is also a large giraffe (of course!) and we did like the amount of plants and flowers. The cocktails we had were very good and not too expensive.

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During the day and night, complimentary drinks (water, juices, coffee, etc.) are offered to the guests. Very nice! Also, the cookies and fresh fruit were appreciated! Breakfast is included in the rate too. Although it is a small buffet, they do offer fresh fruit, some pastries, cereals, bagels, etc. Service again was very nice and always with a smile.

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When you are visiting New York, do consider staying at the Giraffe Hotel: great rooms at an affordable rate, breakfast is always included and the location is central. Would love to stay here again next time i’m in NYC!

The Benjamin – NYC

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Location: New York – USA
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: http://www.thebenjamin.com

p>When you book a suite in the Benjamin hotel, you could just walk out of the door and be close to the action! The Benjamin, an executive suite hotel, is located very centrally in New York City. Times Squares, Broadway, 5th avenue, Central park, Grand central station … everything is closeby.

Most hotels use over the top colors, but the Benjamin has a fun and warm design. As soon as we entered the hotel, both of us commented on how stylish the decor was. Not only modern but also classy. Check-in went promptly and we were ready to explore our 1 bedroom suite. The suite was very large and had a sitting area, working desk and even a small kitchen. The bedroom had the most comfortable kingsize bed with 9 (I know …) pillows! The have this special sleep program “rest & renew”… Guests can choose from many kinds of pillows. The pillow menu is arranged by sleeper type (side sleeper, back, stomach, etc.). They even have sleeping masks (they DO work!). The (small) bathroom had a tub, sink and toilet.

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For the rate, the rooms are of a very good quality and size! When I showed the pictures to my friends they were all like: “oh wow, you stayed in a presidential suite”. And yes, they do look great!

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The Benjamin hotel offers a large fitness center which can be used for free. The equipment looked great and there were plenty of fresh towels. Also a fridge with fresh fruit and water is available for the guests. Next to the fitness center is the wellness spa where guests can relax and enjoy several salon treatments including manicure, pedicure, etc.

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After a busy day, sleeping in their kingbed was like heaven! So big, so soft and lots of pillows! ☺ I even had a waterfilled pillow and slept like a baby! They should introduce a sleep program like this in every hotel!

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There is a restaurant “The National” offering great dishes at affordable rates! I didn’t eat there, but i liked the decoration and atmosphere of the restaurant.

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Service at the Benjamin was top-notch: very efficient and friendly! At check-out, i asked for another sleeping mask which I used on the plane back home ☺ The Benjamin is a great hotel offering very spacious rooms at an affordable rate! Highly recommended!