Let’s face it, a good portion of Manhattanites absolutely despise Times Square for more reasons than there are subway lines. There are a few exceptional gems, however, that will make it worth the trip for us to go into “Tourist Central” and actually enjoy our experience while there. The Knickerbocker Hotel, located on 42nd street between Broadway and 6th Avenue, is a prime example of that, as you are whisked away from the busy New York City streets and into a peaceful and relaxing world of nothing but class and sophistication.
The most fascinating thing I found about my stay at the Knickerbocker Hotel was that it truly is a square in a circle world that Times Square has become. And that is a good thing. What is meant by that is Times Square isn’t exactly a place that many would call “luxurious” or “sophisticated” as it has developed a conglomerate-strip mall type of feel about it which is completely opposite of how it looked 10-15 years ago.
The Knickerbocker Hotel changes the rules on that by providing each and every customer an intimate and stunning experience that gives them the 5-star treatment that each hotel in Manhattan should do but don’t. Especially in this area.
What’s even better is that, for the most part, you really don’t have to leave the hotel to have a good time as they provide you with not only expert comfort but food from one of the top chefs in the world and a rooftop experience that is beyond anything this city has to offer.
Their guest rooms create an indulgent atmosphere and sense of space that transport you out of the business that is New York City and into an area that can only be described as tranquil. I stayed in one of their superior rooms, which comes a massive bathroom and one of the most comfortable showers I have ever taken, as well as a plush king size bed that put me to sleep the instance I closed my eyes. If you want to upgrade yourself a bit, they also have Corner Junior Suites and “Tribute Suites” which gives customers the best views of Manhattan as they are situated on the top floor.
Need a place to eat but don’t know where to go? Two words: Charlie Palmer. The legendary restaurateur has a restaurant right inside called Charlie Palmer at the Knick, which not only serves a delicious brunch and lunch menu but also a pre-theater menu given that the location of the hotel is in proximity of several Broadway theaters.
Chef Palmer adds new twists to his acclaimed cuisine to create the Hotel’s signature Honest American Cuisine in an open action kitchen. An elegant use of glass, marble and lighting plays off sheer chain-metal drapes to create semi-private spaces throughout the room, enhancing an understated ‘see-and-be-seen’ vibe.
Guided by Chef Palmer’s passion for market-driven ingredients, menus draw upon the local bounty of the Hudson Valley and North Atlantic with selections ranging from our Fried Chicken and Roasted Scottish Salmon to the Niman Ranch Burger. At lunchtime, Charlie Palmer at The Knick offers the Power Lunch menu, and come evening, the proximity to the theater district makes the restaurant the perfect destination for pre-theater dining.
As if that wasn’t enough, you also have the chance to experience New York City in an incredible way by taking their elevator all the way to their St. Cloud Rooftop. Overlooking Times Square, St. Cloud is the ultimate rooftop bar experience, where you can lounge on stylish indoor and outdoor seating options while sipping on some delicious drinks and catching up with your loved ones. Once the warm weather hits, this will definitely be one the places to be as the summertime in NYC is like no other. So if you are in need of a fabulous hotel right in the middle of everything, then definitely check out The Knickerbocker to see what all the fuss is about.
For more information on The Knickerbocker Hotel, please check out their official website.