Hotel 57 NYC: The Ultimate Luxury Escape You Won't Believe!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, shimmering world of Hotel 57 NYC! Forget those dry, predictable reviews. This is going to be less "polished brochure" and more "honest, slightly bewildered account" of my recent (and, let's be honest, necessary) escape. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, because, well, that’s just how I roll. And, yeah, SEO. We'll get to that, but first… experiences.
Hotel 57 NYC: The Ultimate Luxury Escape You Won't Believe! (Unless You Read This)
First things first: Accessibility. Ugh. Okay, I'm not going to sugarcoat it completely: I personally don't need wheelchair accessibility, but I did do the research, and it looks like they've made a genuine effort. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available. The elevator is a must, and seems to be working perfectly. I'd still advise calling ahead to confirm specific needs because sometimes stuff like, you know, the ramp to the lobby, might still be a little…charming. But seriously, they've covered the basics and that's a HUGE win in a city like NYC. Bonus points, because yeah, it's the kind of place where you do a lot of walking; knowing they've thought of accessibility is really impressive.
Arrival and First Impressions (and My Immediate Interior Monologue)
Stepping into Hotel 57 is like… well, like stepping out of the chaotic symphony of NYC and into a perfectly orchestrated… thing. A welcoming… thing. The entrance isn’t overly blingy, but it's definitely got that "I’m fancy, but I’m not trying to be fancy" vibe. The doorman was a lifesaver. Seriously, after hauling my ridiculous suitcase across town, that guy earned his tip. He even smiled at me. New Yorkers, I’m telling you, the things a smile will do! The lobby screams "chill sophistication." And the check in? Contactless check-in/out, which is a godsend. Seriously, after dealing with germs on the subway, it was like an angel’s kiss.
The Room: Oasis or Overhyped?
Okay, my room! Let's get into this. I booked a standard room (because, let's be honest, I'm on a budget, kind of).
- Available in all rooms? (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone). CHECK, CHECK, and CHECK!
- Air conditioning – vital. New York in summer is a sweaty, humid, delightful hellscape.
- Alarm clock - I'm old school, so I used my phone, but glad they have it.
- Bathrobes & slippers - Yessss! Immediately donned them and felt like a queen.
- Bathroom phone - okay, a little weird, but hey, you never know. I was busy being a queen, OKAY?
- It was clean, and the Daily housekeeping was solid. My bed was remade, and the little bottles of toiletries were all restocked.
- Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker – lifesaver. Early mornings require this. I can't even…
- Desk, laptop workspace - perfect. I even pretended to work for a bit when I had a work call. I probably looked ridiculous.
- Free bottled water – always appreciated.
- Closet and Safe box – very useful.
- The mini bar was a temptation I mostly ignored (because, budget!).
- Non-smoking - yay.
- Internet access – wireless - duh. Thank god.
- Seating area - I actually used it to eat pizza. Don't judge.
- Separate shower/bathtub – luxurious! Though I only took a shower.
- Scale - I didn't touch it! Denial is bliss!
- Towels, toiletries – good quality.
- The Soundproofing was pretty solid. I didn't hear any sirens, even though I’m pretty sure the city was trying to get my attention.
The Room’s Imperfections (Because, Nothing is Perfect)
The rooms are well-appointed, but maybe a bit… generic? I mean, it's lovely, but you wouldn't walk in and gasp, "OMG, visionary design!" More like, "Okay, this is comfortable and I need to sit down immediately." The carpets were clean, the carpeting was…carpeting. They were fine and the blackout curtains were great.
Food, Glorious Food! (Or, My Attempts at Dining)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Hotel 57 boasts multiple dining options, but, full disclosure, I’m a complete foodie.
- Restaurants: Several!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: I opted for the buffet one day. It was… fine. Standard hotel fare. The coffee was hot. The buffet in restaurant was well-organized.
- A la carte in restaurant: Didn’t try it.
- Coffee shop: I found it, I think. I was really focused on other things.
- Room service [24-hour]: Definitely a plus. I may have ordered a late-night burger. Don’t tell anyone.
- Poolside bar, Bar, Snack bar: Again, I did not use them. I was busy exploring the city and sleeping!
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't see one marked.
- Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: I didn't try any of these either, because I was exploring, remember?
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated.
Important Note: The COVID-19 precautions were noticeably present. I saw staff following hygiene certification requirements, and the staff trained in safety protocol. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The Safe dining setup. These measures gave me some peace of mind.
The Spa (My Moment of Bliss… Almost)
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool - Okay, I was really looking forward to the pool with a view! I heard rumors of some amazing views from the pool! So I went to the pool. It was not quite what I expected. It was… small. And surrounded by buildings. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't the breathtaking infinity pool I’d imagined.
- Body wrap, Body scrub, Massage: Didn't have. So sad!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I'm ashamed to say I didn't make it. See above re: pizza.
- Foot bath: Ooh, missed opportunity!
Things to Do and See (Besides Eating Pizza in My Room)
This is where Hotel 57 really shines. It's perfectly located. Getting around is incredibly easy.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: They arrange everything.
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations.
- Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], Bicycle parking, Car power charging station, Valet parking: All available.
- The Terrace: a fantastic place to sit and decompress.
Services and Conveniences (The Practical Stuff)
Hotel 57 handles the practicalities:
- Currency exchange – handy.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Always welcome.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient.
- Concierge, Doorman, Luggage storage: Helpful.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Food delivery: Convenient.
- On-site event hosting, Indoor/Outdoor venue for special events, Meetings, Seminars – I wasn't there for any of this, but they're available.
- Facilities for disabled guests, Access: They're present and helpful, based on my observations.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: Nice touches.
The Quirks (Because Life Isn't Always Smooth)
- The lighting in the room… seemed overly complicated. I spent a solid five minutes figuring out the switches.
- The TV remote was slightly terrifying. It had about a billion buttons. I mostly stuck to Netflix.
- I swear I heard a distant saxophone playing late one night. I think it was a dream.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, 2024!)
Hotel 57 takes hygiene seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: All present and accounted for.
- Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
- **C
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. This is how it’s actually gonna feel to try and navigate New York City, starting with a stay at Hotel 57. And, let's be honest, probably failing spectacularly at some point.
Hotel 57: My Brief Tango with "Chic-ish"
Day 1: Arrival and the Pursuit of Caffeine
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at JFK (probably after a delay caused by some random weather event the airlines never saw coming – classic). Immediately, a wave of humid, New York City air slaps me in the face. It’s… alive. And also, smells vaguely of taxi exhaust. I’m already in love.
- 2:30 PM: Assuming my luggage hasn’t gone on a solo vacation to, like, Fiji, I’m heading for Hotel 57. The pictures online? Gorgeous. The reality? Well, hopefully just as photogenic after a long intercontinental flight. My expectations are set low, because I'm a realist. The goal is to make it to the hotel intact and avoid a total mental breakdown.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in. Okay, the lobby? Surprisingly chill. Maybe the pictures were real. The room? Let's hope it's not a shoebox. Pray to the travel gods it's not near the elevator. And pray the shower actually works. I absolutely NEED a shower after that flight.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Caffeine Quest. Starbucks is practically across the street, but NO. Tourist traps be damned! I’m going to find a REAL coffee shop. One with exposed brick, artsy baristas, and (hopefully) a decent cold brew. This is crucial. If the coffee situation is bad, the whole trip is doomed. I'm already pre-hangry.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Quick wander around Hotel 57 surroundings to orientate myself. Maybe I'll grab a decent sandwich or appetizer at a place nearby.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: That initial "I'M IN NEW YORK!" feeling hits. Explore on my own. No planned itinerary. Just get lost. Soak it in. Maybe try to find a good pizza slice. The pizza is the most important thing here.
- 8:00PM: Back to the hotel to recover from the initial New York City overload.
Day 2: The Great Museum Debacle & Pasta Dreams
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The hotel has a breakfast? Ok, I'll check it out. If it's not some sad continental thing, I will be ecstatic
- 10:00 AM: Museum Time. The Met, the MoMa, or the Guggenheim? I'll have to be realistic about the time. I'm leaning towards the Met today. Let's hope I can keep my attention for more than an hour. And let's hope the crowds aren't a complete nightmare.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Probably some takeout. Something quick and easy. I'm not a fan of eating in restaurants alone.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Museum round 2, if I haven't completely burned out. If I have, then it's time for some retail therapy (window shopping, at least!).
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. An hour of recharge. Maybe a quick nap. I'm seriously starting to feel those jetlag vibes.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. This is where the pasta comes in. I've been saving up my appetite for this moment. I'm picturing it now: fresh pasta, perfect sauce, maybe some parmesan. Heaven. I'm gonna spend hours researching the best pasta place. This meal must be perfect.
- 9:00 PM: Drinks. Either a quiet bar or a rooftop bar. I'll see how my feet feel after the day. The decision will depend on which part of New York I'll find myself. And if I can handle another human interaction.
Day 3: Central Park, and a Final Goodbye (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The same hotel breakfast, potentially. Praying it's not a total disappointment.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Central Park, baby! I'm gonna walk the entire length, or at least attempt to. I want to see the Bethesda Terrace. Maybe rent a bike (if I'm feeling brave). This is the "pretend I'm a local" day.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in the park or nearby. Picnic style. I might buy food from the vendors in the park, or I'll try a local diner.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Shopping time. I'm gonna spend some time checking out the shops. Maybe a store in the area, or a cute little store. I'll have to explore.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir hunt. Because I’m the worst at buying gifts.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell Dinner (or at least, a “See Ya Later, NYC” dinner). I'm thinking something classic and memorable. I'll treat myself, because I deserve it after surviving this city. Maybe a famous steakhouse? I have to fit one fancy meal in.
- 9:00 PM: Pack. Ugh, the worst part. Saying goodbye to my perfect-for-now existence and the city that never sleeps. I'm not ready yet, but I will be back… someday… I'm hoping.
Day 4: Early Departure (or, Probably, a Rush to the Airport)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up. Attempt to consume any remaining coffee I can find.
- 7:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Hopefully without any major hiccups.
- 8:00 AM: Head to the airport. This will probably involve a frantic taxi ride, a near-miss with a rogue suitcase, and a general sense of panic that I’m going to miss my flight.
- (All day, probably): Reflect on the trip. Already missing the buzz. Already planning my return. Because that, my friends, is the magic of New York City. It gets under your skin. And you can't wait to get back.
- Post-Flight (and maybe for weeks after): Recover from jet lag and the sheer sensory overload of New York. Start planning my next adventure. Because, truly, the best part of travel is the anticipation. And the stories. And the pasta. Definitely the pasta.
This is gonna be a rollercoaster. It's gonna be messy. It's gonna be amazing. And honestly, I can't wait. Wish me luck. (I'm gonna need it.)
Greek Island Paradise: Your Dreamy Crete Studio Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea! Is Hotel 57 *really* as luxurious as they claim? I'm skeptical... and broke.
Alright, look, "luxury" has become such a buzzword, right? Makes me roll my eyes. But 57? Yeah, they're getting damn close. Let me tell you, I went there expecting the usual "fancy" – you know, marble, bad art, and a staff that makes you feel like you're inconveniencing them. Nope. Not even close.
The marble *is* there, I admit. But it's not cold and sterile. It's… warm? Okay, maybe I'm making that up, but the whole vibe is deliberately NOT stuffy. They actually *want* you to relax. And the staff? Seriously, I think they’re actual humans! I called down at 3 AM (don't judge, jet lag) and the guy on the phone sounded genuinely concerned I was okay. Like, not just "Can I help you, sir?" but “Everything alright up there?”
Now, is it "live in this forever" luxury? Probably not if you're watching your bank account. But the attention to detail? The quality of the sheets? Seriously, I almost stole the duvet. Almost. It's a definite upgrade from the Motel 6, let's put it that way.
Speaking of specifics, what's the deal with their rooms? Are they ridiculously cramped? NYC, you know...
Okay, this is NYC, so yes, the rooms aren't exactly ballrooms. But they're surprisingly... efficient. And stylish! They’ve somehow managed to squeeze in everything you need without feeling like you're living in a shoebox. My room had a little Juliet balcony – I mean, it faced a brick wall, but still! Balcony! It made me feel like Romeo, except with room service.
The bathrooms? Forget the claustrophobic shower stalls I'm used to. Spacious. Good water pressure. Actual, properly lit mirrors! I kid you not, I spent a good twenty minutes admiring how good my hair looked. That alone might be worth the price of admission.
But seriously, the clever use of space is impressive. They've thought of everything. Power outlets *everywhere* (bless!), ample storage, and a desk that actually allows you to *work* without feeling like you're hunched over a Monopoly board.
What about the location? Is it a pain to get around? Hidden in the middle of nowhere?
The location is...chef's kiss. Seriously. Midtown, smack-dab in the center of everything. You're walking distance to theaters, Times Square (yes, it's touristy, but you gotta see it!), and ridiculously good restaurants.
I’m bad with directions. Utterly hopeless. And even *I* could navigate from Hotel 57. The subway is right there. Cabs are easy to grab. You can literally fall out of the hotel and be in the middle of the action. It’s amazing.
Okay, the downside. Okay, okay… there IS a lot of… noise. But hey, you're in NYC. Deal with it! And if you're REALLY sensitive, bring earplugs. Problem solved!
Alright, let's talk food. Is the on-site restaurant worth the hype (and the inevitable markup)?
Okay, this is a tricky one. The restaurant, "The Fifty-Seven," is… good. Very good, even. The food is delicious. The presentation is gorgeous. The cocktails? Killer! (I blame the cocktails for my entire trip. In a good way)
Here's the catch: it's undeniably expensive. I mean, it's a fancy hotel restaurant, you knew this already, right? You could probably find equally delicious food (and maybe even more affordable) a few blocks away. But…the convenience. The ambiance. And honestly, the sheer laziness of not having to PUT ON PANTS and leave the hotel? It's tempting.
If you're on a budget, maybe do a drink and an appetizer. If you’re feeling flush, go HAM. Seriously, treat yourself. The chocolate lava cake? I'm still dreaming about it. I almost went back a second time, *just* for that cake. Almost. I went elsewhere. I regret it. I should have committed.
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or quirky details? Any downsides they *don't* tell you about?
Oh man, okay. Hidden gems! Yes! The mini-bar is fantastic. And NOT gougingly overpriced! They actually seem to want you to enjoy yourself - it’s wild. The toiletries in the bathroom? Amazing. Take them. I did. Don't judge, they’re tiny and adorable.
Quirks? The elevators. They’re fast – praise be. But occasionally, you might get stuck with a really loud tourist. (That's not a hotel issue, it's a human one.)
Downsides they *don't* tell you? Okay, I have one small beef. The gym is… small. Like, really small. If you're a serious gym rat, it's not great. But for a quick treadmill run or a few weights to combat the cocktail consumption…it gets the job done.
Oh! And one more thing! They *do* offer a turndown service. Which is a nice touch… until you think about who’s in your room at night whilst you're out. Suddenly, I don't want anyone touching my stuff. That wasn't the fault of the hotel, just a weird, intrusive thought I had at 3 AM. Maybe skip the turndown service. Or not. Up to you.
I'm sold. But what if I want to do something… really weird? Like, a private concert in my room? Or, I don’t know, book the entire hotel for a week? Would they be cool with it?
Whoa there, buddy! Private concert? Booking the *entire* hotel? Alright, let's be real, the chances of them letting you do that are probably… well, it depends.
My gut tells me they’re not the snooty type. They seem kind of "yes-to-life" people, which is refreshing. Try it. Call them. Worst-case scenario, they say no. Best-case? You're living your rockstar fantasy. Let me know the next time you’re having a private concert, okay? I'll bring the tequila.
But honestly, the hotel is a *vibe*. The vibe is: cool, relaxed, and secretly luxurious. I bet they've seen weirder. Plus, a friend of mine lost his wallet, and they returned it to him. So they seem to be honest too, so…. Yeah, go for it.
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