Before we get into how much we enjoyed staying at this boutique hotel, there’s a burning question that needs to be addressed. Why is it called Hotel Giraffe? After all, giraffes aren’t exactly native to America, the zoo here doesn’t even have one. The hotel hardly screams an ‘ode to a giraffe’. There are no giraffe rugs or hundreds of giraffe pictures adorning the walls as you’d expect, just a few subtle nods to the animal here and there and the occasional statue.
Well the answer, simply and quite boringly put, is that the owner named the hotel after his favourite animal. Not as exciting as you thought right? However, we like the subtleness of its namesake.
Now the boring is dispensed with, onto the gushing bit: Hotel Giraffe is a subtle boutique hotel that is the epitome of style and sophistication. Once you stay here, you’ll want to come back on your next visit. Trust us.
IDEA
A boutique hotel that embodies the gentle power, grace and beauty found in one of nature’s most beloved animals, this is a place of subtle style and sophistication in a killer location.
LOCATION
Hotel Giraffe is located on Park Avenue South, in the NoMad District, which means NOrth of MADison Square Park if you’re unfamiliar with the many acronyms of New York. What this means is that its location is perfect for exploring Manhattan; Penn Station is within minutes, and it’s a short walk from Union Square and The Empire State building, as well as Madison Square Park being within a few blocks.
AMBIANCE
Given the hotel’s location, it’s surprising how quiet the property feels. After sitting in the gorgeous lobby and snacking on the hotel’s complimentary refreshments, you instantly feel re-energized and away from the hustle and bustle of New York, and ready to get back out there if the exceptionally warm welcome from the hotel’s staff didn’t keep you in the place’s embrace. A lasting first impression, indeed. Hotel Giraffe sets the bar for service, style and sophistication, that’s for sure.
ROOMS
As mentioned, there are a few subtle nods to the hotel’s namesake here and there. Every guestroom features Lynn Sherr’s Book, Tall Blondes: A Book about Giraffes which is a lovely touch. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and everything you’d expect from a luxury boutique hotel. We loved the antique-rose velveteen upholstered chairs and the black and white original photographs from the ‘20s and ‘30s – a classy touch.
FOOD
A continental breakfast is served every morning in the Grand Lobby, providing you with enough fuel to get you through the morning. Think hot oatmeal, boiled eggs, pastries, bagels, muffins, fresh whole fruit and fruit salad with berries, assorted cereals and yogurts. It’s not the most exciting of breakfasts but it’s perfect for grabbing something to keep you ticking along. Who wants to be weighed down heavy when there’s exploring to be done?
Refreshments are on offer throughout the day and the freshly brewed coffee is very welcome after a day traipsing the New York City streets.
Bread & Tulips, Hotel Giraffe’s Italian-inspired restaurant, is a great little place for lunch or dinner. The restaurant’s signature pizzas are prepared and brought over from the famed Modena, which says it all really.
WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION
Wine and cheese? Yes Please. With accompanying music? Interesting. Complimentary? Sign us up! The hotel serves an evening of dairy’n’drinks between 5pm and 8pm with live piano music on weeknights. We love this touch, having a glass of prosecco or two at the hotel before going out for dinner will definitely make your experience of the city even better.
ROOFTOP
Like grabbing brunch, rooftop drinking is a ‘must’ in New York, luckily if you’re a guest of Hotel Giraffe, you needn’t travel far to ‘sup’ a cocktail several storeys high. The hotel has it’s very own open-air Rooftop Garden bar. However, it’s only open for drinks in the warmer months. The garden, though, is open to guests all year-round so there’s always a chance for some fresh(ish) air.
CLAIM TO FAME
Did you know that Hotel Giraffe’s Penthouse Room 1202 was transformed into Mr. Big’s Apartment during the 1st Sex and the City Movie? Us neither, until we visited.
PACKING TIP
If you stay, bring cards or games to play in the lobby. This place is a lovely hip meeting spot with plenty of light and a great place to hang out at the end of the day.
WHY GO
For a great boutique hotel experience in a even greater location. Everything there is high quality and simple; it’s just a great experience from beginning to end.
IDEAL stayed as a guest of Hotel Giraffe.