As the world's most popular visitor destination New York has no shortage of hotels. Some of these are grand old luxury hotels which exemplify the kind of hotel experience only the best hotels in the world can offer. Other hotels are more contemporary and cater specifically for the corporate client to what is one of the world’s major financial and commercial centres. Yet more hotels offer a good standard of accommodation and combine a short stay experience with access to the city's most popular experiences such as shopping or the theater.
For visitors who prefer a more personalised experience there is the comprehensive range of New York Boutique hotels. Now a common feature the world over, the boutique hotel concept has its origins in the city remaining the most natural home of the boutique hotel experience. The brainchild of Ian Shrager, a noted hotelier and owner of the famous nightclub, Studio 54, boutique hotels offer an antidote to the large soulless hotel chains which tend to dominate the worlds major cities.
There are many different characteristics which define a New York boutique hotel. Some are housed in wonderful buildings and offer a real sense of the history and culture in style and design. Often it is the attention to detail, perhaps in original art, quality furnishings, fresh flowers and other touches which elevate a boutique hotel from the standard accommodation on offer in the city. What they certainly have in common is a commitment to personal service which is above and beyond the scope of the most highly regarded hotels. Often this will come as a result of independent ownership and a family-run feel but will be a feature of the boutique-style recognised and offered by international hoteliers too.
Individuality and personalised service will feature throughout the facilities and amenities of a New York Boutique hotel. There will be dedicated concierge services to allow guests to make the very best of their time spent in the city and the hotel. Whether this is for restaurant reservations tickets for the theatre and other entertainment options, or simply to get the latest tourist information, all will be readily available. Often more intimate in feel, these small hotels will also offer rooms and suites which are individually presented and designed.
Like other hotels there will be accommodation options based on double or twin rooms but each will have its own unique appeal and features. There may also be the option for extended suites which may incorporate additional features such as dining, lounge, or work spaces. Manhattan loft apartment living is a worldwide first class accommodation standard.
Guest facilities may not necessarily be as extensive as those found within the very large luxury hotels in the city but the facilities they do have will be of the very highest standard possible. There will often be a superb dining facility, an essential aspect of a city in which eating out is recognised as a premier leisure pursuit. There may also be lounge and bar options which will reflect the individual character and unique flavor of the establishment. There may also be a range of other in-house services such as massage, steam room, or sauna options.
Within the rooms and suites of these boutique hotels, guests will have the very latest technologies available to them in comfort and entertainment. From sophisticated climate control to digital televisions and internet connectivity to international direct dial telephones the modern world will blend seamlessly with the more traditional aspects of the accommodation such as luxury bathrooms and the highest quality bedding and soft furnishings. 24 hour room service will be available and in-room dining or other services too.
Business travellers are well catered for with personal touches like international newspapers each morning, digital business television channels and dry cleaning and shoe shine services to a comprehensive business center with workstations, printing, fax and copying facilities. Both in Midtown Manhattan and downtown, around Wall Street are large business districts in the city and both areas are home to some excellent business oriented boutique hotels.
Just as the business areas of New York will have a good selection of boutique hotels well equipped for business; other areas of the city will have their own unique style and ambience which reflects the local area. The uptown areas will have all the style, elegance and class which befit such a notable New York address, while neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village, SoHo and others such as Tribeca will have all the bohemian flavor and artistic expression for which these neighborhoods are so richly admired.
