Hotel Giraffe emanates peace and elegance from the first minute. An oasis right on Park Avenue. It’s a boutique hotel with the luxuries you expect in New York.
New York City is a lot of things to a lot of people. There are nonstop colors, sounds, shapes and emotions; it is impossible to remain indifferent in this city. That’s something I love about New York but it’s also exhausting; so it’s doubly important to find a hotel where you can relax and recharge after a day exploring or working hard. Luckily the Hotel Giraffe is quietly everything you want in a Manhattan hotel. Located on Park Avenue and 26th Street, just blocks away from the Flatiron building, the Hotel Giraffe is very simple and plainly elegant.
The lobby, with a beautiful black grand piano and show stopping flower arrangements was welcoming and homey. The plush seats were perfect to settle in and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and some snacks upon arrival. Similarly to the Library Hotel and the Casablanca Hotel (both in New York), this happy hour is offered for all guests from 5-8pm each day. It was exactly what we needed to feel at home after a long day walking around the city with friends.
Our room itself was luxuriously spacious with simple, tasteful decor. The idea behind the hotel is to somehow channel the spirit of the giraffe in it’s grace, power and beauty. Our room on the eighth floor had a small balcony with views of Park Avenue. It was truly a lovely place to relax and one of the largest hotel rooms I’ve ever seen in New York City. The extra space is especially welcome in a city where your restaurant table is only inches away from another stranger, you are packed into the subway like sardines and even in a taxi someone might get in to “share” a ride. As I eased into the soft bed I was grateful for the calm yellow light on the nightstand and the thick windows creating an oasis despite the traffic zipping by on Park Avenue.
The hotel has an “It’s all included” philosophy which includes a continental breakfast each morning along with a selection of Newspapers and refreshments in the lobby all day long in case you need a snack between meals. Other amenities include access to the nearest New York Sports Club, turndown service, bottled water and high speed wi-fi. It’s everything you would expect from a luxury hotel in Manhattan (although that doesn’t mean it is always the norm.)
The Hotel Giraffe also boasts a rooftop garden which is perfect for enjoying a quiet moment in the sun amongst the buildings of Manhattan. The garden has a seating area along with a lovely sculpture of a giraffe. I have to admit that I’d been hoping there would be a giraffe sculpture somewhere in the hotel, and this garden was the perfect spot for it! In keeping with the style of the hotel, it was an elegant and understated rooftop space.
If you are looking for a sophisticated hotel with great service and all the comfort you would expect on Park Avenue, the Hotel Giraffe is a perfect fit. In addition to being a lovely space to unwind, the hotel’s location is ideal for escaping the chaos of Midtown. The hotel staff are happy to help you hail a cab, or if you prefer to use public transit, you are only blocks away from the 6 train at 28th street. The hotel has it’s own restaurant which will cater with room service or you can opt for any of the nearby eateries. We personally love grabbing a drink on the rooftop of 230 Fifth which is only two blocks away. Honestly, I’m not sure what more you could ask for in a New York Hotel (except maybe the chance to stay permanently!)
