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W, Yas Island
Aditya and I have always enjoyed W Hotels. Whether it’s been Koi Samui or Barcelona, there’s something that relaxes you at a W. As you enter it’s almost a sigh of relief or a feeling equivalent into diving into a swimming pool. And so when the offsite was in Abu Dhabi it seemed like W was the obvious choice. The W hotel is a beautiful structure and the one and only hotel on top of the F1 racetrack.
As you enter the lobby the whiff of coffee from the coffee bar in the lobby accosts you. The vibe is fun and the music loud.
Once you’ve checked in and reached your room, you’ll realise the rooms with their gorgeous view of the track are large; the suites even larger. The W at Yas Island also has longer stay and residence rooms. These rooms are at the far end of the hotel; but here the suites are incredibly large. With huge drawing rooms, 1.5 bathrooms and a large living area; the Residences allow you to really live in the room. The wrap around balcony with the view of the track makes the rooms even more special.
The Bazaar is their main restaurant which boasts of food from across the world, so you’re never really short of options.
Did I think this was the most luxurious hotel… well no! The Six Senses and Kudadoo they are far superior… but definitely the best option at Yas Island.
Best times to Travel-:November to March else the heat is just searing!
Emirates A380 First Class
There is a reason Emirates First Class is such a cut above the rest.
The cosy suites have large seats which convert into comfortable beds. Every seat has multiple charging points and are equipped with a fabulous treat tray and a small wet bar which holds cokes, sprites and waters. As you comfortably sit you are offered dates and coffee.
The vanity case is full of a luxury Byredo set, featuring a skincare collection made exclusively for flights. This allergy‑free collection hydrates and soothes your skin . And there’s lovely notebook and pen should you want to doodle about your journey or write something down.
As the plane takes off I loved putting a DND outside my cosy First class suite as I shut my door. Service in First class is as you would expect- polished, perfect and respectful. Items on the menu can be eaten at any time and at your convenience. I enjoyed a tub of pop corn while watching my iPad and topped it off with some ice cream!
As you get tired the crew will make up your bed so you can sleep. The mattress is comfortable and I was able to take a quick snooze before I decided on food. The entrees are plated perfectly and the choice is wonderful. Of course you can always order your own meal in advance if you prefer.
The shower and bathroom are glorious. Large and spacious with lots of mirrors and light. The crew set up the bath and shower for you and you can opt for when you wish to shower and someone will set you up. The Bvlgari amenities are perfect.
The Knickerbocker
The refurbishment of The Knickerbocker had just been done when we visited it. The location was envious-bang in the middle of Times Square and steps away from the theatre district! The driver that dropped us to the hotel had also heard about the refurbishment. The building is gorgeous and except for the facade we were told it had been almost a gut renovation.The Knickerbocker was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, and designated a New York City landmark in 1988. Landmark status brings with it certain protections for the exterior of the structure, which made the restoration complicated.
The Knickerbocker Hotel’s primary frontages are on Broadway and 42nd Street. The hotel contains 330 rooms including 31 suites, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a roof bar. There are scattered remnants of the original interior design, including an entrance that formerly led from the New York City Subway’s Times Square station to the hotel’s basement.Exterior details -like the copper lion heads around the rooftop terrace have also been meticulously preserved.
The location couldn’t be better: right in between Central Park and Madison Square Garden—two of New York City’s most famous attractions—the Knickerbocker offers easy access to both areas without having to go through a lot of traffic or crowds when trying to get into either place.
The Knickerbocker is also within walking distance of many other popular attractions in the area, including Grand Central Station and Bryant Park. There are plenty of things to do in the area, so you’ll never be bored while staying at this hotel!
We were excited getting into the Knickerbocker having heard so much about it. However one must be honest, the location is incomparable and the terrace in the evenings gorgeous but the hotel is unfortunately not much to write home about.
The rooms are pokey , even if you take the larger ones, like we had. As you turn around in the room, you’re almost outside! The bright lights of Broadway are seen through your windows but the black out curtains ensure complete privacy from the bright lights and madness of the street. There is also no leak of noise so that’s really great!
The terrace in the evening is exquisite. You can enjoy the atmosphere of Times Square while not being pushed around or jostled for space.
The Knickerbocker is the perfect example of ‘Location, location, location.’ Unfortunately however this is its only selling point. I wish in the refurbishment they had spent a bit more time making larger rooms. People will pay for the location but they will also pay for space and this is one thing the Knickerbocker seriously lacks. The drama and design is all on the outside. Inside its sorely lacking.
Cost-:Approximately $500 upwards approximately per night but do look at the Junior suites(approx $1200) for larger rooms as the rooms are otherwise very, very small.
Best times to Travel-:April to October .There’s never a bad time to travel to New York!
Travel with Divya 