Hotel Giraffe: Catering to Couples, But Also To Kids in Tow

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We love checking out NYC hotels. Some times we go at it solo for date nights, other times we go with our kids in tow.

During our recent visit to Hotel Giraffe we chose to take our kids. For those familiar with the hotel, traveling there with kids isn’t often the first idea that comes to mind. This is because the hotel is best known for its romantic rooftop setting as well as for being a favorite for private parties and weddings. Its rooftop lounge area and meeting room are so beautiful in fact, that they served as the backdrop to Mr. Big’s digs in the first Sex and The City film (this little tidbit originally shared with me by my online buddy Jamie, the Knower of Things).

With 73 guestrooms, including 21 suites, Hotel Giraffe has a modern, classy look. It’s airy, bright Grand Lounge is welcoming and comfortable, and during the evenings when their pianist is playing, the level of sophistication makes you feel like you are sitting in a lounge somewhere in Paris (wine in hand).

Hotel Giraffe is part of HKHotels, a hotel collection that is owned by Henry Kallan. One of  four hotels within the HK Collection, and the second of which I have experienced, the first being The Hotel Elysee.

Located on Park Avenue South and 26th street, it is near a lot of my favorite spots, such as Madison Square Park, where you’ll find the first and famous Shake Shack, as well as the location where many free, family-friendly concerts are held throughout the year.  It is also close to shopping, restaurants, and if you don’t mind walking a few blocks you can quickly find yourself in the middle of Union Square, home of my all-time favorite green market.

When we arrived, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, our room wasn’t ready right away, but we happily hung out in their beautiful lobby teaching the boys how to play chess and enjoying some of the treats (cookies, fruit, coffee, and juice) always present for guests.

Like at Hotel Elysee, guests at Hotel Giraffe can enjoy a complimentary Continental  breakfast buffet in the Grande Lobby till 10:30am, as well as a wine & cheese reception Monday-Saturday evenings from 5pm-8pm. I have to say, I absolutely love their free wireless high speed Internet access and their 1:00pm check out. They also offer passes to nearby New York Sports Club.

We had a double-bed room with a balcony. I was immediately attracted to the large French doors. The red sheer curtains flowing from the breeze coming through our balcony, the sounds of traffic passing through Park Avenue; it was all very New York. A guest here, newly arrived to the city, probably couldn’t help but fall in love with it right then and there. At the time of our stay the rate for our room for one night was approximately $394.oo.

The Hotel Giraffe also caters to little ones. For $405.oo a night, the Giraffe Kids Dream Package includes a stay in a deluxe double room as well as:

• Two-1 day FunPass Metrocards for an unlimited adventure throughout NYC subway
• A map of Central Park to find your way around its 843 acres
• Admission for one adult & one child to The Central Park Zoo
• A Giraffe kids’ turndown service of milk & chocolate chip cookies
• A special turndown for parents after a long day-A chilled bottled of Prosecco accompanied with a seasonal fruit & cheese plate
• Special plush giraffe for the kids to take home and enjoy

Our stay didn’t include all of that, but we did get the chocolate chip cookies with the milk, which all the boys loved seeing once we walked into our room.

Waking up to a rainy Sunday morning made it all the much harder to leave our hotel experience. The evening was quiet, the staff was friendly, the breakfast was great. We walked down to the lobby around 10:00am. The mood was relaxed, the coffee was warm and good. We could see the heavy rain falling from the floor to ceiling windows that surrounded us and we melted into the couches as the kids ate their muffins and we peacefully drank our coffee.

Upon return to our room, we watched some morning cartoons (HBO and other cable networks are also included in room), and very leisurely prepped to leave.

The romantic feel is certainly one that couples would appreciate during their stay here. But families with kids would enjoy the space, service, amenities, and location as well.

Hotel Giraffe* 365 Park Avenue South at 26th St. New York, NY. 10016 * 212.685.7700

Hotel Review

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Accommodations were provided courtesy of HKHotels and Hotel Giraffe. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. For more information please refer to the disclosure page.

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