Travel Diaries
Return to NYC: One Week with 1 Hotels
by Sarah Royall of Salty LuxeNew York City is a magical place. It’s the city of endless possibilities, with incredible stays, eats and experiences. Whatever one desires, it’s here. Chesh and I visited NYC many years ago and for our long-awaited return trip, we stayed with 1 Hotels in both Brooklyn and Central Park for their amazing location, aesthetic and philosophy.
HANGING AROUND 1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE
We spent four nights at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and couldn’t have asked for a better location. Right on the East River with up-close views of the Brooklyn Bridge, this property is a destination all on its own.
The hotel offered everything we could need to experience that once-in-a-lifetime NYC stay. The rooftop bar Harriet’s makes for one of the most stunning views in the city, market-driven, farm-to-table restaurant The Osprey offers delicious dining and the hotel’s in-house Bamford Wellness Spa is the perfect retreat after a long day walking the city. I had the best facial of my life there.
We loved exploring the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo. Deciding to enjoy a more relaxed day, we wandered the narrow streets, browsed the Flea Market—where I found an incredible vintage coat—and strolled out to the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk. It was all within walking distance of the hotel!
For some different dining options we headed over to JIMMY rooftop bar in Soho for incredible cocktails—I’m still dreaming of the Chili Mezcal Margarita—and then Gelso & Grand in Little Italy for delicious Italian food in an intimate setting.
If you want to splurge at the hotel, I would seriously consider the Riverhouse Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows, artisanal decor and views over the Manhattan skyline. I loved the hammock!
THE PERKS OF 1 HOTEL CENTRAL PARK
Whether it’s basking in the summer sun or ice skating under the stars in winter, no trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to iconic Central Park. Adding a two-night stay at 1 Hotel Central Park, as we did, really took it to the next level! Sipping my morning coffee overlooking the park and skyline made me feel like I was in a movie.
While staying at 1 Hotel Central Park, we were perfectly placed to hit some of the best sights of the city. A few blocks away is the Top of the Rock, which has one of the best outlooks in the city. The crowds are busy right at sunset but it’s well worth it! SummitOne was another great spot to visit. This is a fairly new attraction that gives you access to three levels of mirrored floors and walls, creating incredibly unique views of the city.
On our last day we took a short subway ride to West Village. We had the best day out strolling the quaint streets, shops and boutique eateries. It’s my fave NYC neighborhood. We had lunch at Jajaja for some tasty vegan Mexican food and then dinner at Alice, which is a candlelit restaurant in the basement of a historical brownstone building.
I loved staying with 1 Hotels because of their approach to sustainability. They have indoor greenery everywhere, filtered water stations and even a hotel Audi e-tron exclusive for guest use. Both properties are super warm and inviting—we look forward to our next visit!
WATCH THE HIGHLIGHT REEL
