Hotel Review: The Knickerbocker, New York City.

I first heard about ‘The Knick’ a few years ago, when they started renovating it. Opened in 1906 and owned by John Jacob Astor, it quickly became a part of the New York social scene. The Knickerbocker was an important part of New York City’s history, and was apparently the place where the Martini was first invented, in 1912 by the hotel barman!

After a long period of closure after the prohibition period, in which it was turned into offices, it only recently reopened as a luxury hotel, in 2015, under its original name.

So, ready for my review of The Knickerbocker? Let’s go!

When planning my New York trip there were a few iconic hotels I wanted to stay at, but with just four nights in the city I had to choose between one or two. I went for two, and chose to stay at The Knickerbocker NYC for my first night, and then The Langham NYC for the other three nights with Anna. I’m honestly so happy I chose these hotels, both were incredible, but first I want to tell you all about my stay at The Knick.

Arriving at the Knickerbocker NYC

My flight was delayed by 2.5 hours, so instead of arriving at JFK at 11pm on Thursday evening, we actually landed around 1:30am on the Friday morning. After getting through security and immigration, I jumped in a taxi.
It was my first time in New York, and I’ll never forget driving through the city; all was quiet, and we passed numerous famous buildings all lit up, and then finally arrived at The Knickerbocker NYC right on Times Square. I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep, so instead of stopping to look around I thought I’d save it for when I was a little more awake, and instead headed into the hotel.
The Knickerbocker NYC hails itself as a ‘lifestyle’ hotel, and I can certainly see why. Pumping music was playing through speakers outside the hotel door, and as I went inside it continued. It had a real atmosphere and character about it, and would be great fun if you were going up to the hotel bar with friends!

My Room at the Knickerbocker NYC

I went up to my room and let myself in to find a minimalist yet cosy room which was absolutely stunning. When the hotel was renovated they completely gutted the inside and the only part of the original hotel that’s left is the outside, and the famous subway entrance on Track 1 of the 42nd street subway (you can’t go through the door though as it’s now bricked up).
Inside it’s sleek and modern, and I was surprised with how much I loved it, as you all know by now how obsessed I am with historic hotels full of original features!
Every room at The Knickerbocker NYC is soundproofed, so I didn’t have to worry about the noise from Times Square, and when I lifted the black out blinds and craned my neck a little, I had an incredible view over the square filled with it’s lights and billboards!


The real piece-de-resistance of the room though was the absolutely beautiful bathroom! It’s probably one of the best hotel bathrooms I’ve ever experienced, and the photos don’t do it justice. It’s a large bathroom with a sleek contemporary design, and Ted Gibson amenities (from Ted Gibson salons).




After investigating my room at the Knickerbocker NYC I left all of my luggage on the floor and collapsed into bed. I had the best few hours sleep, the pillows were insanely comfy and squishy, and the bed was plush.
The blackout blinds ensure I didn’t wake too early, but ultimately jetlag won the battle and I ended up getting up and showered at around 7am. I checked-out early and left my luggage at the hotel, then went to explore. But…I’ll tell you all about that in the next coupla days 😉

The best stay at the Knickerbocker NYC

My short but sweet stay at The Knickerbocker NYC was brilliant, and the staff were just fantastic and so lovely. I think I had the best customer service while I was in NYC. I loved the style and atmosphere of the hotel, and although they haven’t kept any of the original character inside, I still think it’s a historic luxury hotel worth staying in. And the location really couldn’t be any better!

Unfortunately I didn’t get to try out the restaurant or bar, but I had a sneaky peek and next time I’m in New York I’m definitely hitting up the bar! The whole hotel is just so elegant and sophisticated, I loved it and think it’s definitely worth the money. Check out my room tour below!

Watch my Room Tour of the Knickerbocker Hotel NYC

What’s your favourite hotel in NYC?
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Catherine Lux
Catherine Lux

Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of SEO at Havas Media Group by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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6 Comments

  1. Rachel @ STCL
    February 29, 2016 / 7:45 pm

    This looks like a great hotel! Love NYC!

  2. Angie SilverSpoon
    February 29, 2016 / 11:17 pm

    It looks super stylish! I loved The Gansevoort where Mr S and I stayed on honeymoon 😉

  3. Suze @LuxuryColumnist
    February 29, 2016 / 11:33 pm

    Quite a stark decor but what a fantastic location, we stayed at the IC Times Square once and it's fun to be right in the thick of things

  4. Posh, Broke, & Bored
    March 1, 2016 / 1:34 pm

    Teehee, Knickerbocker Glory! (That was the first rhyme that popped in my head when I saw the word Knickerbocker, OMG am I a 5 year old British child?!)

    I second Suze on the stark decor, but when it comes to modernism I find that the minimalist look is best suited to it! That's the kind of room that I'd be obsessed with keeping neat and clean during my entire stay! x

    Jasiminne: Posh, Broke, & Bored

  5. MummyTravels
    March 5, 2016 / 5:58 pm

    This looks gorgeous – and I do love the name!

  6. Blonder
    November 20, 2016 / 9:38 pm

    I could read hotel reviews all day every day, just love them. Knickerbocker looks great! One for the list when I eventually visit NYC!

    http://blonderblog.co.uk/

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