This One's for you Mr. Hilary Knight, our Twitter Pal! We said Hello to Eloise before the Landmarks Conservancy's Gala...

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PHOTO GALLERY: The Waldorf=Astoria Historic Display in Peacock Alley Fall 2012 Our Coverage Sponsored by Maine Woolens

Maine Woolens is a weaver of blanket and throws located in Brunswick, Maine. We work primarily with natural fibers, like cottons and worsted wools and are committed to using renewable natural fibers from American growers whenever possible. We do piece dyeing and package dyeing in house and the combined experience of our excellent employees exceeds 300 years. Our wool and cotton blankets and throws are 100 percent machine washable, soft and luxurious to the touch, cozy warm and comfortably light. We have many styles to choose from. Our clients are very positive about our products and happy to support a Made in Maine, USA company. Visit our website atwww.mainewoolens.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maine-Woolens/167994706636498

We have been highly recommended by Whom You Know: 

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2012/03/keeping-america-on-top-whom-you-know_07.html

Maine Woolens, affordable luxury and tradition. 

Photography by Peachy Deegan 

All material is property of Whom You Know. Copyright 2012 Whom You Know. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF CITY’S EFFORTS TO CURB DANGEROUS ILLEGAL HOTELS IN NEW YORK CITY AFTER STATE LEGISLATION ENHANCES ENFORCEMENT ABILITIES Nearly 1,900 Violations Issued & Over 50 Vacates Ordered for Imminently Dangerous Conditions Last Year

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Chief Policy Advisor John Feinblatt and Director of the Office of Special Enforcement Kathleen McGee today announced the results of the City’s ongoing efforts to crackdown on dangerous illegal hotels. In 2011, the Office of Special Enforcement issued 1,897 violations to landlords as a result of inspections for illegally converted residential buildings into hotels – an increase of 244 percent over the previous year. The Office of Special Enforcement also vacated 51 additional locations – a rise of 75.9 percent from 2010 – for posing immediately hazardous conditions, including lacking fire alarms, adequate sprinkler systems and creating firetraps, for both residents and to the general well-being of the community. In May 2011, a State bill proposed by the Bloomberg Administration and sponsored by State Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried went into force, eliminating ambiguities surrounding the law and strengthening the Office of Special Enforcement’s ability to take enforcement actions against illegally-converted, unsafe hotels.

“When residential apartment buildings designated for permanent occupancy are illegally converted into hotels, they create unsafe, hazardous conditions and threaten the character of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “With the adoption of the May 2011 legislation, we rectified ambiguities in the law surrounding the definition of illegal hotels, allowing for more effective action to be taken against them. Today’s news is a clear indication of the progress being made, but we need to continue to be vigilant in order to tackle the issue of illegal hotels and the serious quality-of-life problems and safety hazards they create.”

“Illegal hotels create unsafe and extremely dangerous conditions, and operators of illegal hotels put profits above the safety of New Yorkers and tourists,” said Chief Policy Advisor Feinblatt. “The legislation we proposed eliminated ambiguities in the law and established clear-cut definitions of permanent and transient occupancy – and the effect has been clear. While enforcement against illegal hotels will always remain a challenge, we will continue to look for new and innovative ways to attack the dangerous safety problems they pose.”

“Through smart legislation and strong enforcement we're continuing to make certain our City is fire safe for millions of residents and visitors, as well as the Firefighters who risk their lives every day,” said Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano. “New York City is in the midst of an unprecedented period of fire safety - with fewer people dying in fires than ever before in the City’s history - and these collective efforts bring us one step closer to our ultimate goal of zero fire related fatalities.”

“With people visiting the City in record-breaking numbers, health and safety concerns are always top of mind,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. “Illegal hotels present numerous hazards and it is imperative to remain vigilant in order to improve the quality of life of both travelers and residents. NYC & Company and our over 240 member hotels applaud the work being done by the administration, these efforts are helping ensure the New York City visitor experience is a safe one.”

The illegal conversion of residential buildings into hotels presents serious problems for permanent residents, limiting the supply of available housing – especially rent-regulated and low-income housing. In addition, by lacking the necessary fire-safety measures that hotels are required by law to , illegal hotels present severe safety and security hazards in residential buildings, while diverting services intended for permanent residents and harming the residential character of neighborhoods.

“Illegal hotels endanger the health, safety, and quality of life of New Yorkers. At the same time, they take apartments off the market for actual residents and exacerbate our affordable housing crisis,” said Senator Krueger. “Last year, state legislation provided New York City’s enforcement agencies with the tools needed to investigate and take appropriate actions against illegal hotel operations, and I’m thrilled that the City is aggressively using those tools to get results.”

“Illegal hotels create safety hazards and disruption, and take needed housing units off the market. Law enforcement in this area is very difficult and labor-intensive,” said Assembly MemberGottfried. “The Bloomberg Administration has been doing an excellent job cracking down on illegal hotel operations.”

“I congratulate Mayor Bloomberg and particularly the Office of Special Enforcement for their responsiveness to the requests for inspections from permanent residents of residential hotels and Single Room Occupancy buildings,” said Council Member Gale Brewer. “It is New Yorkers living in these units who have had to deal with challenging and illegal uses, such as six tourists to one room, loud noises at night, broken elevators due to excessive use, lack of security and lack of fire equipment creating fire hazards as back packers fills rooms and hallways with drinking and becoming ill. Meanwhile, permanent tenants are both older and retired or workers who have to get up in the morning; in both cases, the noise is very disturbing. The Mayor’'s Office has enforced the state law, which states that any occupant has to live in a unit for a minimum of 30 days. Because many owners and managers flaunt this mandate, creating an unsafe situation, the Office of Special Enforcement has taken action against any hotel that is illegally converted, improving the living conditions for all tenants.”

The State legislation – signed into law by Governor Paterson in June 2010 and adopted in May 2011 – provides a clear benchmark by defining transient occupancy as constituting fewer than 30 days and makes it illegal for any single unit of a residential building to be used in such a manner. Penalties for violations are a minimum of $800 and can exceed $2,000 for repeat offenders.

To date, the Office of Special Enforcement has issued more than 4,200 violations and over 100 vacates for extremely dangerous conditions, including overcrowding and creating hazardous fire-trap conditions. Since the passage of May 2011 legislation, the Office has issued over 1,820 violations and more than 40 vacate orders.

Examples of the conditions found during inspections conducted by the Office of Special Enforcement last year include:



580 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn


Entire building vacated for overcrowding.
Inadequate egress and no sprinkler or fire alarm system.
3-Family home occupied by 44 guests.
Additional safety violations: combustible materials; inadequate smoke alarms and emergency lighting.



2027 First Avenue, Manhattan


Entire building vacated for overcrowding.
Certificate of Occupancy for residential apartments, but work done to convert to single rooms with shared baths.
Additional safety violations: no fire safety director on premises and combustible material throughout the building.



560 West 173rd Street, Manhattan


Partial vacate order issued for two floors of illegally occupied and overcrowded rooms.
Inadequate egress.
Inadequate sprinkler, fire alarm and fire protection systems.



1372 York Avenue, Manhattan
Partial vacate order issued for overcrowding.
Inadequate egress.
Inadequate sprinkler, fire alarm and fire protection systems.

270 East 7th Street, Manhattan
Class I hazardous violations issued for dangerous conditions
Certificate of Occupancy for residential apartments, but being used as illegal hotel
Inadequate egress
Inadequate sprinkler and fire protection systems, including no fire alarm.

Created in November 2006 through the expansion of the former Office of Midtown Enforcement, the Office of Special Enforcement is a multiagency taskforce overseen by Chief Policy Advisor Feinblatt and led by Director McGee. The Office maintains citywide jurisdiction to coordinate and enhance enforcement efforts across City agencies to address quality of life issues in all five boroughs, including the issue of illegal hotels.

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Our Visit to Eloise On the Way to the Tents in Lincoln Center...

 Unfortunately, it was past her bedtime so she wasn't up for making any appearances...stay tuned for more to come from Eloise in READ THIS! 

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DAYLIGHT: High Tea at The Plaza with Mover and Shaker Kat Burki-Here is What the Penthouses at The Plaza Look Like Now

Yesterday, Peachy swung by The Plaza to have High Tea with Mover and Shaker Kat Burki!  She is such a classy person, and resides in Connecticut of course.  As you know we love her robe:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/03/mover-and-shaker-kat-burki-makes-best.html

Our panel looks forward to telling you more in future reviews!

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HAUTE HOTELS: Whom You Know Highly Recommends The Library Hotel. All Four Henry Kallan Hotels Recommended by Whom You Know, They Are Among the Best in Manhattan

Whom You Know has reviewed nearly 150 books in just over a year, so it comes as no surprise that Peachy Deegan felt so at home at The Library!  Of course it is right by the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue.  The hotel is home to over 6,000 books, each title carefully picked at The Strand bookstore.  From the minute the Whom You Know Haute Hotels panel entered the room, we were welcomed:

We actually were welcomed before we even entered the room.  From the moment we stepped inside the door from 41st street, Alfred Bracero Jr. (A.J.) the doorman pleasantly greeted us and took our bags to 506.  The daytime team, Nick Stofokik, Front Office Manager during the day, Igor Moraru, Chief Concierge, and Billy McAdams, G.S.A./Concierge are a great team that knows everything there is to know about The Library and deliver their knowledge with cheer.  Billy is so dedicated he was there early for his shift, and he was joined at night by Michael del Castillo who is a bit of an unofficial historian of The Libary.  Here are A.J., Michael and Billy:

A. J. is so attentive he even lent us his own umbrella when we went to dinner as the hotel umbrellas were all in use.  (We may be doing a new umbrella feature from a distinguished English brand soon...)  An excellent dvd collection is also at the front desk and we borrowed Sex and the City and Splash, since we were on Madison!  (Madison is the name the mermaid names herself, after the street if you have forgotten.)  We must say if you stay at the Library, do get a room ending in the number 06 because then you will get the special window view of Madison going north and it is just beautiful, day view:

or at night:

Visually the Libary is an extraordinary hotel.  Everything about it is hand-picked, including your actual room.  Every floor has six rooms and is organized according to the Dewey decimal system from the third floor's Social Sciences to the twelfth floor's religion, bearing Henry Kallan's stamp of creative genius.  We understand they do pay an annual fee to use the Dewey decimal organization as it has legal rights to its name and system.  With only 60 rooms, the Library offers a truly unique experience to each visitor.

On the second floor Reading Room, from 5 to 8 pm a wine and cheese reception is served and from 7 to 10am breakfast is served.  In addition to the beautiful surroundings, the food is perfect, and we say this as food critics.  Peachy Deegan is still in love with the bagels and does not mind being up at 7am to get one at its freshest.

The Reading Room also has newspapers and magazines that are up-to-date, organized and in neat stacks by the window, ready for your perusal.  This really does feel like home!  The cappuccino machine does a lovely job too and this, coffee, tea and fruit are available 24 hours a day.   We met guests from England, Norway and Russia on our jaunts to the Reading Room.  In fact, one couple decided to cancel their reservation at The Waldorf in favor of staying at The Library.

We are very big on bathrooms at Whom You Know as we have reviewed 600 beauty products at this stage.  The bathroom at the Library was big and spacious, and the lighting was good. The water pressure was excellent for both the bath and shower, and we were pleased to see everything sparkling clean.  You see Peachy brought her fabulous Philips toothbrush:

The Library offers an exquisite boutique experience, and as you see, we were in Room 506 which is the Astronomy junior suite which was out of this world! 

On the first floor, Madison and Vine is a lovely restaurant and on the 14th floor Peachy Deegan met Andy Markloff, Manager of Bookmarks bar.  She enjoyed a lovely raspberry champagne infused cocktail there, which also has a poetry garden and roofdeck, which is perfect for the upcoming months.  Peachy was not the only person who was pleased as punch with The Library Hotel though; the panel stated:

The Library Hotel located in New York City is a book lovers paradise!  This gorgeous boutique hotel is located on fashionable Madison Avenue and 41st Street, conveniently one block from Grand Central Station and steps away from the famous New York Public Library.  There are 10 guestroom floors at this boutique hotel, making it feel so intimate and relaxing.  Each floor of the hotel is dedicated to each of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System.

Madison & Vine is conveniently located downstairs and caters to any room service order you may have.  The Library Hotel felt more like a private club, than the usual city hotels other places make me feel.  Each of the luxury rooms house an abundance of books that relate to the theme of that room and floors location.  Very neat and unique ideas like this, make this hotel so very special.  We stayed on the 5th floor, dedicated to math and science.  The room oozed astronomy, books galore with dedicated wall decoration.  The room in earthy tones felt very relaxing.  A beautiful fresh orchid was so welcoming.  With dark wood panels accenting the room and the beamed ceiling  makes the room feel romantic yet cozy. 

The Library Hotel's style of service would be difficult to match elsewhere.  Every detail really is taken care of, it seems the whole hotel team is eager to please and ensure your stay is wonderful.  On the front desk, both Michael and Billy made me feel like the most important guest in the hotel.  Bellman AJ is there to assist in your every need. 

Many complimentary amenities are offered for use throughout your stay.  The complimentary breakfast includes an array of pastries, muffins, fruit and cereal to ensure you start your day off on a great note.  Each evening complimentary wine and cheese if offered from 5pm to 8pm.  The value alone of these two amenities is worth the stay.  In addition should you wish to workout they will offer you complimentary passes to the nearby New York Sports Club.   Throughout the day you have direct access to complimentary coffee, tea, juices and cookies....they honestly make it very difficult for you to ever want to leave.  Should you need to catch up on your emails, complimentary wi-fi is included.  

Not mentioned, but should be is the added benefit that after forgetting to pack my phone charger I was delighted to find the alarm clock radio had an iPhone dock, so all was not lost and I was able to juice up my phone for the following day, lifesaver!

The wealth of amenities above offer such value, particularly in New York City, where even the finest of hotels seem to nickel and dime you.  Turndown service includes leaving a card to advise the weather forecast for the following day, every detail is what makes this the most amazing hotel in new York city!     

***

Designed to feel more like a private club than a hotel, each of the Library’s elegantly appointed accommodations have been individually adorned with a collection of art and 25-100 books based on one distinctive topic. The topics are organized throughout the hotel based on the Dewey Decimal System, with floors dedicated to the ten major categories including The Arts, Literature, Philosophy, and Language.

Location

Located on Madison Avenue at East 41st street in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Library Hotel is just steps away from the New York Public Library, Bryant Park and the exquisitely renovated Grand Central Terminal. The Library is perfectly situated for either business or pleasure, being close to major offices, attractions and restaurants, while also being within walking distance to Fifth Avenue shopping, the Times Square theater district and sightseeing locations. 

In the Reading Room guests are invited to relax with complimentary refreshments served throughout the day including a lavish continental breakfast buffet daily and a wine and cheese reception every evenings from 5pm - 8pm. Patrons are welcome to invite one visitor to join them at no additional charge.  The glamorous Poetry Garden, a rooftop greenhouse sitting room with a wrap around terrace, and the cozy Writer’s Den, a mahogany-paneled sitting room featuring overstuffed seating with a working fireplace and its own terrace, are located on the 14^th Floor.  Spectacular events in this unique space can be customized for any occasion.  An Executive Inspiration Board Room with oversized windows occupies the Penthouse Floor (15th floor).  The hotel also provides a Business Center with computer stations and privileges at a nearby New York Sports Club.   

Madison & Vine, the hotel’s first floor American Bistro and International Wine Bar serves lunch & dinner.  Casually elegant, it’s sure to become one of the neighborhood’s most popular spots to enjoy a quick bite and a glass of wine or an exquisite meal. 

Madison & Vine's savory cuisine can also be ordered as private dining for in room enjoyment.

Accommodations 

Each of the Library Hotel New York City’s guest room floors are dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System*: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge, Technology, Philosophy, The Arts and Religion.  Personal service goes one step further as guests may request their room based on their interests such as the Literature floor, featuring subjects from Poetry to The Classics to Erotic Literature. Such intriguing room themes offered on the Math and Science floor are Astronomy and Botany. Law, Eastern Religion, Money, and New Media are also among the eclectic themes available on the room menu at The Library Hotel. Each of the sixty exquisitely appointed rooms have been individually adorned with a collection of art and books relevant to one distinctive topic within the category of the floor it belongs to. Choose your favorite or explore the unique delights of each room, one visit at a time.

Guest room features 

100% cotton Egyptian linens and towels; minibar stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments; 8-foot granite desktop (double rooms feature two desktops); iHome MP3 Dock / Alarm Clock Radio; umbrella; personal safe; iron and ironing board;; flat panel television including premium movie channels; DVD player; complimentary bottled water; chocolates at nightly turndown; down blankets; plush terrycloth bathrobes and waffle-weave slippers; blow dryer; cordless telephones; dataports; complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access; dual-line speaker phones with voicemail; Thymes bath products; lighted make-up mirrors in the bathroom and freestanding makeup mirrors on the desks in all suites.   

Guest services

HKHotels signature amenities include Complimentary Continental breakfast buffet served from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, café au lait, tea, gourmet coffee, cookies, and fresh fruit available free of charge to guests throughout the day. A selection of wines, Prosecco and imported and domestic cheeses are served every evening from 5pm to 8 p.m. Self parking is available. Other services and amenities include: a 24-hour concierge desk; business center services; free CD and DVD library; babysitting services; same-day laundry and dry cleaning; and meeting and party planning assistance. Complimentary newspapers, magazines, and books are available at all times. The hotel’s multi-lingual staff offers personalized assistance for every need including airline reservations, baby-sitting, sightseeing, current attraction tickets, business services and much more.  Health Club 

Hotel guests receive complimentary passes to the New York Sports Club at 36th Street and Madison Avenue. Hours are Monday to Thursday from  5:30a.m. to 11p.m. (10: 00 pm on Friday) and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Awards 

The Library Hotel's list of honors and awards include:

· #1 Boutique Hotel by DK Top Ten New York City Guide 

· Top 50 Hotels in New York City- Michelin Guide 2009 

· Voted Top Three Hotels in New York by members of TripAdvisor.com 

· 2007 Best of CitySearch Honors: 

~ Top Ten Best Romantic Hotels 

~ Top Three Best Luxury Hotels 

~ Top Five Best Tourist Hotels 

~ Editorial Winner - Best Hotel Staff

HKHotels Signature Style of Hospitality and Value

At HKHotels guests enjoy great value, with all rates including the following amenities at no extra charge:

*Bountiful European style breakfast buffet

*Selection of coffee, tea, juices, cookies, and fruits throughout the day

*Wine & cheese reception evenings from5pm-8 pm

*Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access

*Evening turndown service

*Complimentary passes to nearby New York Sports Club 

Address 

Library Hotel 

299 Madison Avenue 

New York, NY 10017

Telephone   (212) 983-4500 

Facsimile    (212) 499-9099 

E-mail    reservations@libraryhotel.com  

Website   www.libraryhotel.com  

US toll-free    (877) 793-7323

Owner    HKHotels/ Henry Kallan

General Manager  Petr Jurecka

Director Sales & Marketing  Yogini Patel 

For reservations, call Library Hotel at (212) 983-4500 or visit www.libraryhotel.com

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Whom You Know Recommends Hotel Giraffe. We don't mind sticking our neck out, either! Be Sure to Get a Balcony

We first featured Hotel Giraffe in Big Apple Business:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2010/04/big-apple-business-hotel-giraffe.html


We are pleased to announce it has graduated to Haute Hotels! It joins two other HK Hotels in this ranking.


We highly recommended Hotel Elysee:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2010/03/haute-hotels-hidden-gem-on-east-54th.html


We recommended The Casablanca Hotel:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2010/03/haute-hotels-heres-looking-at-you-kid.html

Nestled south of Grand Central at Park Avenue and 26th Street, Hotel Giraffe boasts an Art Deco feel and a modern vibe.  Pictured above is the roof deck which is stunning, right down to the giraffe statue.  Shortly after Peachy Deegan arrived, she toured Hotel Giraffe and was pleased with how new everything is here!  If you ever have the chance to attend a soiree on the fabulous roof, do go!  Even Mr. Big in Sex and The City lived in this Penthouse during the movie....


Though she looked for Mr. Big, Peachy Deegan did not see him.  What we did see was how gorgeous our room was, as shown below.  In the suites that we toured, we saw that all of them had pullout couches designed by Stephen B. Jacobs, as we were told by Peter Velk, General Manager.  

The maroon accents are not just for us- it is a Whom You Know color...Hotel Giraffe boasts this rich hue in all of its bedroom decor as we understand.  The sheets are 300 thread count, and 100% Egyptian cotton.  The bathrooms all have lovely granite countertops, and they all have a makeup mirror!  It even lights up, much to our delight-we love products as you can tell from Product Alert.  The rooms each have a Giraffe Plate that Peter said was made by Mikasa, and the Hotel Giraffe was constructed from the ground up.  42 of the 72 rooms have a balcony.  Unless you are a person that has trouble with heights, we strongly recommend getting a room with a balcony.  It is absolutely beautiful and a big plus-whether you are sipping your morning coffee gazing out at Manhattan at the balcony or searching for your soaring star at night-this is an aspect that is sure to delight.  See the outstanding balcony:

In New York, the Gramercy Park area is well known for its amazing restaurants, chic fashionable bars and renowned fashion.  Not surprising that you will find Hotel Giraffe that fits right in with the surroundings and culture of this exciting area.  The reception area gracefully beholds chic furnishing that is delightfully comfortable.  A piano is the focus of this comfortable space.   The décor is chic and timeless in style and design. 

Monday through Saturday from 5-8pm you are treated to complimentary wine and cheese in this reception area.   We were pleased to hear pianist Kate Cosco during the evening wine and cheese reception-if you are staying on a night that Kate is playing surely you should make a point of hearing her talent.  Kate plays a wonderful selection of music that is mellow and soothing, especially after a long day.

A complimentary breakfast buffet is also included each morning. We were so pleased to see that Hotel Giraffe uses the same toaster as us-the fabulous new model from Cuisinart!  Unlike most people in Manhattan, they of course have room for a four-slice but we reviewed the two slice:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2010/03/5-4-3-2-1-toast-off-whom-you-know.html

Unlike other hotels, the value added amenities offered here are tough to match elsewhere.  Complimentary DSL/Wi-Fi, hotel computer access, passes to a nearby gym and refreshments 24 hours a day are not to be ignored.

The sophistication of the Hotel Giraffe flows throughout the building.  In the warmer months a roof top deck is open.  Outfitted with sleek designed outdoor seating and obviously a Giraffe.

As there are only seven rooms to each floor, you immediately feel the intimacy and romance of the building.  The vibrant color of our room was delightful.  The platinum wall cover offers an Art Modern twist.  We were excited to find through the French doors, a small terrace off our bedroom, with sweeping views of Park Avenue.  All amenities are present, including a fully stocked bar, stereo with CD player, flat panel screen, and MP3 dock!  They have a great DVD collection at the front desk as well.

For your dining pleasure, Hotel Giraffe has partnered with Park Avenue Bistro, just two blocks away from the hotel.  It is a welcome treat to dine in such an establishment, dating back to 1989. 

Such a wonderful relaxing stay, with a fantastic attentive team of employees that seemingly try to make you as comfortable away from home as you can be!

The Hotel Giraffe is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan with easy access to Downtown New York City, making this the perfect place to stay and kick back.  Thank you once again to the group HKHotels.

The 73-room Hotel Giraffe is a stylish asset to HKHotels’ portfolio – a collection of small luxury hotels in New York City, offering travelers sophisticated, elegant accommodations, an abundance of value-added services and amenities including lavish complimentary Continental breakfast, evening wine and cheese receptions, and much more. The Hotel Giraffe is both a hip and luxurious haven in the heart of one of Manhattan’s most trend-setting neighborhoods.

History
The Hotel Giraffe opened in January of 2000. During much of the construction phase, the hotel did not have a name. It wasn’t until architect Stephen B. Jacobs told owner Henry Kallan about a hotel in Carcasonne named HOTEL L'ELEPHANT. Mr. Kallan appreciated the humor of naming an elegant hotel after an animal, and since the hotel represented all the attributes of Mr. Kallan’s favorite, the giraffe - tall, graceful, strong, elegant, and gentle – it was determined to be the perfect name for his new property.


Location
The hotel is located at the corner of Park Avenue South and 26th Street in one of New York City’s most desirable neighborhoods, with stylish establishments serving a creative business community of advertising agencies, architectural firms, internet and design firms. The neighborhood, also referred to as Rose Hill, is an enclave between midtown to the north and the Flatiron District to the south. The recently revitalized Madison Square Park just one block from the Hotel Giraffe boasts extensive playground equipment for the younger set; the ever-popular Shake Shack for burgers, shakes and even wine and beer; and is the scene of many City-sponsored musical and cultural events throughout the year. Many Zagat top-rated eateries (Eleven Madison Park, Tabla, Union Square Café, and Gramercy Tavern) are also within easy walking distance of the hotel.


Decor
The Hotel Giraffe is an icon of European Moderne design celebrating the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and 30s. Under the artistic inspiration of architect Stephen B. Jacobs and his wife and business partner, interior designer Andi Pepper, the overall design is characterized by sleek lines and subdued colors to create a haven of simple elegance. The gentle curves of the hotel’s trademark Juliet balconies serve as the design inspiration for the interiors - mirrored throughout in the curves of the brushed steel lamps, the working desks, the bathroom vanity, and much more.

Public Areas
Guests are welcomed into the sleek Grande Lobby with 12-foot high ceilings and magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows with sheer silver curtains – a true oasis, secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city just outside. Café tables and clusters of inviting sofas and chairs create a warm and inviting ambiance. In the morning, guests enjoy a complimentary Continental breakfast buffet in a European café atmosphere. By night, votive candles softly light the space as a selection of complimentary Italian wines and imported and domestic cheeses are served from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A pianist is on hand to further complement the mood from 6 to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; jazz is featured on Monday evenings. Guests may also enjoy the Roof Garden where, weather permitting, they may sip cocktails and nibble on tapas under a starry sky.

Accommodations
An intimate, residential setting is provided with only seven guestrooms per floor; four rooms are handicapped accessible. Each room has 10-foot ceilings with antique-rose velveteen upholstered chairs and ottomans, original black-and-white photographs from the ‘20s and ‘30s, and elegant eight-foot tall mahogany doors. Bathroom doors have beveled semi-opaque glass panels while closet doors feature eight-foot tall mirrors. In 51 of the rooms and suites, French doors with Merlot-red sheers lead to the Juliet balconies adorned with red geraniums in the spring and summer. a mixture of tones and textures characterize the glamorous décor with ivory diamond- quilted satin bedcovers set against chocolate leather headboards and iridescent platinum wall covering. Remote electronic blackout shades guarantee uninterrupted sleep. Brushed steel light fixtures lend a soft glow to curved anigre wood veneer armoires and desks with polished granite countertops. Stylish baths feature limestone floors, terra cotta-colored tiles, and coffered ceilings.


Guest room features
100% cotton Egyptian linens and towels; minibar stocked with Red Bull, Vitamin Water, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments; 8-foot granite desktop (double rooms feature two desktops); ihome station featuringAM/FM clock radio with iPod dock; signature umbrella; personal safe; iron and ironing board; stereo with CD player; 27-inch LCD flat screen television with 200 channels of digital cable and movies on demand; DVD player; complimentary bottled water; chocolates at nightly turndown; plush terrycloth bathrobes and waffle-weave slippers; blow dryer; cordless telephones; dataports; complimentary high-speed wireless internet access; dual-line speaker phones with voicemail; Swedish Natura bath products; lighted make-up mirrors in the bathroom and freestanding makeup mirrors on the desks in all suites.


Suite features
Hotel Giraffe offers 21 beautifully appointed suites. Eight are referred to as Terrace Suites, each with a private Juliet balcony that overlooks Park Avenue. A Terrace suite may be combined with a deluxe double bedded room to create a two-bedroom suite. In addition to the amenities noted above for guestrooms, all suites feature a separate living room and bedroom, a pull-out sofa bed and a high 28-inch coffee table for casual in-room dining.


Guest services
HKHotels signature amenities include a Complimentary Continental breakfast buffet is served in the lobby from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, café au lait, tea, gourmet coffee, cookies, and fresh fruit are available to guests throughout the day. A selection of Italian wines, Prosecco and imported and domestic cheeses are served Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Other services and amenities include: Valet parking, 24-hour concierge; business center services; free CD and DVD library; babysitting services; same-day laundry and dry cleaning; Complimentary newspapers and magazines, are available at all times.


Penthouse
The retro-glamorous, 1,300-square foot Penthouse Piano Suite provides the perfect setting for spectacular meetings and social events. Spacious and airy, the Piano Suite features a 26ft vaulted barrel ceiling, dramatic views of Manhattan, wrap-around glass wall with a working stone fireplace, ebony baby grand piano, 150 square foot private terrace and an exquisite 750 square foot landscaped roof-top garden. The Piano suite with Park Avenue Terrace and the Roof Garden can each be rented separately for smaller events, or together for larger events up to 125 guests.


Health Club
Hotel guests receive complimentary passes to the New York Sports Club located at Park Avenue South and 23rd Street. Hours are Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spa services may be arranged at the award winning Oasis Day Spa located at Park Avenue South and 31st street. The concierge is happy to arrange private in-room massages.


Awards
Design Award- Society of Registered Architects
Ranked one of the most popular hotels in New York by members of TripAdvisor.com
Voted Best Boutique Hotel 2007-Best of Citysearch.com New York
HKHotels Signature Style of Hospitality and Value
At HKHotels guests enjoy great value, with all rates including the following amenities at no extra charge:
*Bountiful European style breakfast buffet
*Selection of coffee, tea, juices, cookies, and fruits throughout the day
*Wine & cheese reception evenings from 5pm-8 pm
*Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access
*Evening turndown service
*Complimentary passes to nearby New York Sports Club

Address Hotel Giraffe

365 Park Avenue South

New York, NY 10016


Telephone (212) 685-7700

Facsimile (212) 685-7771

E-mail information@hotelgiraffe.com

Website www.hotelgiraffe.com

US toll-free 877-296-0009


Owner HKHotels/ Henry Kallan


General Manager Peter Velk

Director Sales & Marketing Jennifer Villanueva


For reservations, call Hotel Giraffe at (212)685-7700 or visit www.hotelgiraffe.com 

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