Welcome to the club
With luxury home-let phenomenons such as One Fine Stay offering an alternative option for travellers, it’s not surprising that holidaymakers are looking for a way to stay that gives them a homely feel, but with the service and facilities of a top-notch hotel. Add to that the increased demand for ‘social club’ spaces and we’ve seen a growth in properties that can effortlessly match the two concepts.
The Whitby, Tim and Kit Kemp’s latest venture, combines their signature eclecticism with the New York City apartment that everybody wants, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the rooftops and water-towers of the city. The hotel’s 130-seat cinema shows classic movies every weekend and the bar is a hub for NYC socialites who don’t feel the need to pay the fees of a members’ club.
The Surrey delivers a similar effect in a more understated Upper East Side townhouse setting. Monochrome chic is the vibe here, accented by artwork appropriate to its location close to Museum Mile. The hotel’s seasonal 17th- floor roof garden with views of Central Park is the talk of the town.
Urban resorts
Metro-escapism is set to emerge as a big buzz word for OutThere travellers this year. It’s a term identifying those looking for the beacons of excitement that are the world’s best cities, but within them being able to experience a getaway with a unique vibe.
A perfect example of a property that has created a resort-like atmosphere in the big city is 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. From its suites, the vista couldn’t be any more urban – with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, downtown skyline and the Statue of Liberty. But in-suite hammocks, refurbished furniture and on-demand yoga mats and meditation videos, as well as kombucha in the minibar, gave us the feeling that we were actually at an island retreat (which, incidentally, is true). Plus, the playful rooftop pool deck is an Instagrammer’s dream. The hotel also ranks high in the city’s eco-hospitality stakes, checking-off another big trend in responsible travel.
