A Starry Night at The Kimberly Hotel, Manhattan

Late last year, I was fortunate to parlay and cook with a most esteemed, world-class chef, requiring a 3-day stay in Manhattan.

Any time I go to that favorite city of mine, the first thing I consider is my wardrobe and then start looking for a place to kick my shoes off and have enough room to bring in one medium sized suitcase and a traveling hat case.  We all know NYC real estate is just about parallel with prices in Dubai and Monaco. That doesn't stop me, though. Some way, some how,  I was not going to pass on meeting this incredible chef due to a shortage of inexpensive rooms in the city.

I was traveling with a crew of 3, so a hotel with ample room space and calming ambiance, was essential. I needed a place to host all of us and layout paperwork in preparation for the big meeting.

(Robbie--videographer, me & Dana, 1 of my fab assistants for the week)

I had two days to find a place and as a vintage procrastinator, I waited until the last minute to secure a comfy bed. I called the NYC tourism office, which I found completely unhelpful and uncooperative. I did pull my media card on the egotistical sun of a gun, but it didn't work.

Fine. Whatever.  In doing my own search, I came across The Kimberly Hotel.

This remodeled, user rated 5-star boutique hotel in the Eastside, was perfectly situated just two blocks from my meeting.  And, just three blocks from 30 Rock, I could make a quick shopping run if a last minute outfit change was necessary.

The lobby tells you everything you need to know about this boutique hotel. Lavishly adorned in Victorian décor and grandeur aesthetic, you feel like you're stepping into the foyé of an old chateau. The building used to be occupied by private condo owners and later bought out my an hotelier.

Check-in was effortless, as I was greeted by Peter, the witty concierge.  He immediately offered all their services and noted I had film crew, etc..with me so he went further and wanted to make sure we had everything we needed.

Making it to the room was a bit challenging, albeit the elevators are much ampler than most city hotels. But that was quickly a non-issue when I opened my suite door.

Schweeet! Two doors, two big rooms, 2 bathrooms, one large living room, 3 flat screens and 3 coffee makers---the most important of it all amenities.

The 2 bedroom luxury suite was large enough to have brought my family and then some. I'm not so much into the Victorian-esque look when I'm looking for a swanky, modern and sleek vibe--especially when visiting Manhattan. But, I appreciated the juxtaposition of old era (as detailed in the gold encrusted and ornate hand carved wood dressers and headboards) and minimalistic touches like flat screens and king sized "heavenly" layered feather beds.

I stayed in the main room, needing to really spread out and make a mess with 7 pair of shoes and jewelry for days! My bathroom, styled with marble floors and shower walls, made getting dressed more fun that in my own place in Atlanta. The colossal shower was updated with 10 shower heads, shooting out from places you didn't know could make it to your body! There was space enough to bring a waterproof chaise and do a remote spa treatment!

 I didn't have a chance to indulge in the turbo hot tub, but doing that alone isn't the sexiest thing, either.

Maybe next time.

I took a tour of the hotel on my 2nd day and started questioning why I wasn't reserved for the suite pictured above! This particular suite, while only having one room, has a cocktail area, flushed to the left of the living room. There, you'll enjoy a bar, mini-kitchen and a lounge-y area for laying back and sipping on a cocktail that room service will bring you. The luxury one bedrooms have all been remodeled to entice you with recessed and tray lighting, vintage mirrors, silk taffeta window treatments and a mixture of artwork and fresh flowers.

The kicker for me in this suite, was the view of Manhattan from the patio! To your left, you clearly see the East River. In front you see billion dollar buildings and below--well, you see a lot of yellow cabs.

As we wrapped up the tour, I was taken to the Penthouse, which I didn't get to see because it was being remodeled. I'm glad I don't have "before" pictures, but do have these extraordinary shots of the aftermath.

Swoon and gasp at this rooftop terrace, located 30 stories above the citys street level.

I only share pics since I wasn't lucky enough to get my Carrie Bradshaw on. Clearly, what they've done to it, lends itself to hosting swanky soirées and chatter of the latest celeb gossip (or the oil spill mess) over a glass of champagne.  Maybe even some salsa dancing.

If these views alone don't convince you of considering a stay, then you may want to rethink visiting Manhattan until you're really ready!

My meeting went extremely well, which you can read about here and it was all made so comfortable by a fabulous stay at The Kimberly, a definite mainstay in midtown Manhattan. Stay there. Love it. And then tell me about it!

THE KIMBERLY HOTEL
145 East 50th Street
New York, NY 10022-9502
(212) 755-0400


* all pictures courtesy of The Kimberly Hotel. Used with permission. 


* thanks for Village Tea Co. for sponsoring in part this fabulous trip! I sipped so much tea while prepping my team for the meeting, it offered great mental relaxation during jittery moments of outlining.