Adelto’s Assif Majid jets off to the Big Apple, arguably the worlds most vibrant and sprawling metropolis, to review The Standard NY, a fashionable boutique hotel.
Based in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, The Standard New York is built above the High Line, the former elevated railroad that is now the city’s favourite public park, apparently. All 337-rooms come with gobsmacking views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline.
The 18-storey ugly beast of a building is unmissable, and the entrance with its blinding bright-yellow revolving doors sucks you into a futuristic reception. Check-in takes place over tacky looking marble desks sparkling in the light with MacBooks and model-esque staff (the staff definitely give Abercrombie & Fitch a run for their money).
Despite arriving late (more than 1 hour) I was advised my room was not ready and that it would be at least another hour before I could check-in — not a good start to my NY trip.
The reception staff offered to take my bags while the room was prepared. An hour later I was able to check-in and my luggage was brought to my room. The hotels lift or elevator as they say in NY is a sumptuous affair, it’s practically a nightclub with mood lighting and sexy music — it has to be the most glamorous lift I’ve used in a hotel.
My room, which was on the 8th floor, came with the WOW factor with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Empire State Building and beyond. The room wasn’t huge but the stylish and minimal interiors were so nice I didn’t care. The room came with a separate toilet, walk-in wardrobe and a wet room with a massive bath right in-front on the window.
Some of the room features + amenities:
– 300 thread-count linen
– Oversized down pillows and duvets
– X-Large fluffy bath towels
– Hooded bathrobes
– Custom “Kiss My Face” organic bath products
– Platform beds designed for sleeping and playing
– Seating areas in all rooms featuring telescoping tables for work, dining or lounging
– Floor to ceiling panoramic glass windows
– 37″-42″ flat screen HD TV’s
– iPod playback systems with alarm clocks (mine didn’t work)
– Complimentary wireless internet access
– Interactive entertainment system featuring 100 DirecTV channels and 250 movie channels plus in-room bill review and in-room check-out
– See-thru bathrooms with soaking tubs, walk in showers and shower stalls
– 24-Hour Room Service
Rumour has it that the luxury New York hotel has a reputation for voyeurism and is known locally for its guests antics! A letter from the hotel manager in my room reminded me to be aware of the ‘transparency’ of the guest room windows and that ‘activity’ in the room, when the curtains were open, could be visible from the outside!
So I decided to take a shower with the curtains drawn back and give NYC a proper eyeful! As they say anything goes in New York. The Kiss My Face products were a right treat — all organic and natural just how I like it.
I’d arranged to meet the rest of my group at the Le Bain on the 18th floor of the luxury New York hotel for cocktails and canapes, which were organised by Virgin Atlantic. The Standard NY boasts a rooftop swimming pool, Biergarten, the Grill and a lounge with 360° views of the city — impressive.
After a crazy night out it was time to hit the sack at 2am. The hotel bed has to be the most comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in — I want one of those beds!
The Meatpacking District neighbourhood has recently transformed from a butcher’s haven into one of New York City’s hottest neighborhoods to eat, drink and dance. Uber-cool hangouts such as Soho House, Tenjune and the Spice Market are a stone’s throw away. Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Adam Lippes and Stella McCartney are some of the high-end boutiques that can be found in the neighbourhood.
The trendy New York hotel is famed for its celebrity clients and parties, apparently Jay-Z and Beyonce were also partying in the hotel bar, while I was busy mincing on the rooftop lounge. On my last day, as I was leaving, America’s Next Top Model were shooting outside.
The Standard is a truly fantastic hotel apart from the check-in glitch I can’t fault it. The customer service was excellent and the staff were extremely helpful, polite and professional. Next time you’re in New York City make sure you check out this krazy hotel with its upside down logo! You won’t be disappointed.
Images courtesy of NYSDED – Photo by Darren McGee.
