I recently partnered with YOTEL NYC and I’m excited to tell you about this property. As always, all opinions are my own. If you’re looking for a budget friendly and trendy hotel for your next trip to New York City, Yotel NYC is your answer. Before I go any further, I must tell you that if you’re a high maintenance traveler, than Yotel is not a good fit for you. Yotel NYC is not a designer boutique hotel but a new concept for the on-the-go traveler who is looking for something hip, convenient, and different. The atmosphere is immersive and a catalyst for mingling. I typically go for luxury boutique properties but Yotel NYC pleasantly surprised me.
The Yotel brand takes inspiration from modern first class aircraft design. The sleek, comfortable, and minimal rooms are dubbed ‘cabins’. I did some research and found it interesting that Yotel’s New York Flagship Location was designed by the Rockwell Group, which is renowned for projects like the JetBlue terminal at JFK as well as Virgin Atlantic Airways’ Upper Class Clubhouse at Heathrow Airport. I find it thoughtful that Yotel NYC went this extra mile to ensure their airline theme was on point.
The main entrance to the hotel is very futuristic and modern looking. You will find technology to be a major theme throughout Yotel NYC. As you walk through the doors, self check-in kiosks greet you. This area reminded me of checking in at the airport. You simply input your details using the touch screen and you’re all checked in. The terminal spits out a room key for you and you’re on your way. There is also a selfie station upon check-in so you can start your vacation with an instaworthy shot.
Don’t worry, if you need more of a human touch, you can head to ‘mission control’ (reception area) on the fourth floor where one of the team members will be able to assist you 24/7. The fourth floor offers 19,000 square feet of “transformable” public space. The fourth floor houses the entirety of YOTEL New York’s indoor and outdoor public spaces for guests to lounge or conduct business during the day, and to socialize, drink or dine at night. The main restaurant on site is Green Fig Restaurant, which offers Mediterranean fusion cuisine. In the summer, the terrace club and lounge is always popping and offers an array of cocktails and food options. If you want something quick, there is a ‘grab and go’ counter on the fourth floor for necessities such as soft drinks and snacks. Tucked away in a corner of the fourth floor, you will find a space with computers to use during your visit so if you don’t want to lug your laptop around, you’re covered. Be sure to download the Yotel Mobile Concierge App, which comes in handy throughout your visit.
One of my favorite features of Yotel NYC is the Yobot. Yotel describes the YOBOT best:
Say YO to YOBOT – our friendly and efficient luggage-storing robot that does the hard work for us (also the perfect backdrop for a futuristic selfie). It’s so easy – place your things in one of its 150 bins, enter a pin number of your choice and your last name and watch YOBOT spring into action. Your luggage will be securely stored away and of course you’ll get a receipt for collection. To retrieve your bags, let YOBOT scan the barcode on your receipt, or enter your pin number and last name again. Technology these days, eh? To view YOBOT in action, see click play on the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYZ13VBVowE
The rooms are clean and modern. The design is very minimal but you have everything you could possibly need. There is a technowall with a flat screen TV and the ability to stream audio. The desk offers iPod/MP3 connectivity and multiple power sockets. An added touch is the heated towel rack in the washroom. You’ll be pleased to know that super-strength WiFi and calls within the United States are complimentary for all guests. I also found that Yotel NYC would be an excellent option for family or group travel as some of the cabins offer bunk beds. One thing that I would like to emphasize is that Yotel NYC does charge for items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and miscellaneous items that you may forget at home.
The location is extremely central. You can either walk or Uber from Penn Station. There are so many wonderful restaurants in the area. Bar Gonzo was one I would definitely recommend. Other notable sights nearby include Bryant Park, Rockafeller Centre, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, Broadway Theatre District, NY Public Library, as well as Shopping on Fifth.