The Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker was once one of the most famous hotels in the world when it originally opened in 1906, its glittering parties the talk of the town attracting the great and the good in their swathes. So famous, it boasted an inhouse tailor, was said to have invented the martini named for the original bartender and even had a direct entrance to the subway, the signage still visible today although the doorway remains sealed. Reopened once more as a hotel in 2015, the 16 story Beaux-Arts façade restored, today’s hotel enjoys a minimalist interior offering a serene oasis from the bustling heartbeat of Times Square outside. Close to Bryant Park and the bright lights of Broadway, there are 330 sleek, clean lined rooms and suites, includes 27 Junior Suites and four Tribute suites in homage to the original hotel’s famous patrons – the Caruso, Cohan, Martini and Parrish. Room sizes range from 28 square metres for the Superior King up to 111 for the luxurious Caruso Suite named for the famed tenor. All the rooms are dressed in neutral tones with bespoke furnishings and feel even larger than they are, thanks to 3.7 metre ceilings, oversized 2.4 metre doors and 1.8 metre windows letting the light flood in. Add to that, the luxurious amenities include oak wood finishes; SFERRA linens; Stearns & Foster beds; Ploh feather pillows; Dyptique toiletries and intelligent lighting. The Tribute suites, more like NYC apartments in feel, each have their own additional features including for the Caruso Suite, a Nespresso machine and Waterford crystal pieces from the Lismore collection. 

When it comes to food and drink, head to the barrel ceilinged Jakes @ The Knick (named for John Jacob Astor IV) for artisanal café menus and food on the go, to Charlie Parker @ The Knick for his renowned progressive American cuisine inspired by market fresh ingredients and to the St Cloud rooftop bar (named for an adjacent hotel assimilated into the original Knickerbocker footprint) to enjoy a cocktail or two and a small plates menu. A live DJ spins here every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. To work off any kilos gained, enjoy the 24/7 Saints & Sinners Fitness Center at The Knickerbocker with a studio dedicated to yoga, Pilates and fitness classes and a gym with a range of equipment including a state of the art stretch cage and boxing system outfitted in collaboration with NBA All Star Larry Johnson. Pet friendly, welcoming doggies up to 18 kilos in weight, it is also a kid-friendly property, inviting families to enjoy the city under their auspices with toys, cookies and suggested activities in the neighbourhood.