by Lucy Keir

Recently I spent an amazing few days in New York City on my own to discover what it has to offer the everyday tourist. Having never been to New York before I was a little apprehensive as you can imagine. Luckily I was booked to stay at the Blakely New York. As soon the doorman helps you with your bags outside the front door and you walk inside the hotel itself you immediately feel at home.

This boutique hotel was created with a traditional design with an emphasis on service and comfort, which I can assure they have achieved with ease. The Blakely New York is part of the Manhattan portfolio of BD Hotels, owned by Richard Born and Ira Drukier. With over 4,000 rooms in 15 hotels BD Hotels has become the largest independent hotel owner and operator in New York City. It has a wonderfully inviting décor with an equally wonderful staff to complete to experience. With 17 floors of deluxe rooms and suites, a 24 hour fitness center and the incredible Italian restaurant, Abbaccato, you’ll have no problem relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city in your own hidden oasis of calm.

The hotel is located in mid-Manhattan at 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue, within easy walking distance of 5th Avenue shopping, Central Park, the bright lights of Times Square and the sultry sounds of Broadway. In other words it is ideally located for anyone who wants to be right in the action but not having to hear it when your trying to get a good nights sleep in preparation for the next day’s adventure. Other options such as the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center are also just on the doorstop. Helpfully the Blakely is situated less than 2 blocks away from many subway lines to get you further far afield such as the New York Stock Exchange, World Trade Center Site or the Statue of Liberty.

The rooms are tastefully decorated with cherry furnishings and rich oak baseboards and trimmings. The bed was exceptional with a feather mattress topper, down pillows and bedding and Egyptian cotton linens, I really had to drag myself out of it in the morning. There was a fully stocked mini bar, full kitchenette, flat screen TV and DVD player and wireless internet access, everything you could need for home comforts. After a long day exploring the city I was welcomed by the fantastic rain shower in the marble bathroom, it was the best shower I have ever had! The bathroom has a range of Penhaligon’s amenities and a Frette robe for you to snuggle into. In case of emergencies the hotel rooms have in-room safes, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers and umbrellas.

The hotel restaurant is Abboccato which serves true and time-honored Italian recipes made even better by the talents of the chefs. The menu itself features a multitude of Italian products and ingredients and focuses on certain ingredients in the menu to try. The pre-theater 3 course dinner is a must, it was very good value and tasted superb, allowing plenty of time to make a show. The staff were always on hand to help, so much so that my water glass never even got below half full.

After my pre-theater meal I went to see a show. On my walk back to the hotel I walked past someone who said goodnight to me… being on my own at first I was a bit taken aback that someone just spoke to me. It took me a little while to realize the person who spoke to me was actually one of my waiters form the restaurant on his way home after his busy shift,.This really shows the personal service you get at the Blakely. I didn’t feel like another person in the crowd, the waiter had recognized me and was polite enough to say hello even though he could’ve walked straight past. †his really shows the staff at the Blakely for what they are… some of the most courteous and accommodating people in all of New York City.

The Blakely is truly an amazing hotel to stay in. Believe me you won’t want to leave!

www.blakelynewyork.com

Reservations: reservations@blakelynewyork.com

Address: 136 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019

Phone (212) 245-1800

Fax (212) 582-8332

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