Hip Hotel New York: Iroquois Hotel Review

By Pegah Aarabi

      New York is famous for its architectural diversity: old buildings alongside towering structures, a grand park in the heart of the city, and speeding yellow cabs meeting horse drawn carriages by the park. This is what makes New York what it is and what attracts tourists and residents alike, and this is exactly what makes a small boutique hotel in Manhattan an irresistible treat. The Iroquois New York, distinguished as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers guests a slice of the city, with a great location and all the modern amenities.

Set alongside several other hotels, between 5th and 6th Avenues – yes, the famous 5th avenue, a.k.a the shopping haven – the Iroquois New York will make you feel at home, assuming your home is equally an urban luxury. Upon arriving I was greeted by the courteous bell staff and found a moment of solace in the small library hidden in the back of the lobby. I had to peek into my luggage in search of a jacket, and sitting amongst the fresh tropical flowers, oak bookcases, and overhead plasma – which I later found out was a handy flight information screen – I felt very comfortable, like I was in a friend's (very upper class) living room.

That feeling continued into check in, when I settled into an executive king room, complete with antique styled furniture and a sleek HD plasma TV, and surprisingly the two blended perfectly. The full marble bathroom notwithstanding – any good hotel should have one – the best part of the room was really the ultra-soft bed and covers. Cliché or not, there were some cloud-like feelings, and after a full day of shopping (or meetings, if you must be practical) there's nothing like resting your tired feet and shoulders on what feels like a fluffy piece of heaven.

The only thing that might actually tear you away from the bed after a long day is Triomphe - the hotel's elegant restaurant, ranked by Zagat guides – the top name in restaurant rankings – as one of Zagat's top 25 picks. The intimate restaurant might get overlooked by tourists passing-by, but once seated and presented with a menu, there's little you will want to miss. For that very reason you should go for their fabulous tasting menu with accompanying wine pairings.

Each of the six courses will be complemented by either white or red wine, including a sweet dessert wine to finish, and by the end of it you may be a little light headed – like I was – so sit back and enjoy the ride. An endive salad with feta and grapes, tender lamb, and scallops in a rich cream sauce to die for, culminating in your choice of dessert. End off with their rich Maple Walnut cheesecake, because it's New York after all!

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Check them out online at www.iroquoisny.com