The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Checking in to The Royalton, New York

11/12/17 ᛫ 8 Comments

As soon as I decided to visit New York, I couldn’t wait to hunt down some of the coolest boutique hotels in the city. Luckily, independent hotel experts Preferred Hotels were on hand to recommend their top picks of the city to me, which included The Royalton. After a bit of online research, I fell in love with the dark and sophisticated design of The Royalton so we booked in for our first 2 nights in New York.

The Royalton is a boutique 4 star hotel in Manhattan located at 44 West 44th Street in Midtown. Midtown is an incredibly central and convenient area to stay in New York, which is another reason that swayed my decision to stay here. The Royalton is a design hotel through and through, with original designs by Philippe Starck and new styles, décor and room plans by Charlotte Macaux. Here’s my take on this stylish New York hotel…

First Impressions

There is a stark contrast the moment you walk through the door of The Royalton. One minute you’re on the bright, busy streets of New York and the next you’re walking in to a warm, dark and intimate space. The dark woods, low lighting and sumptuous textures make the space feel very sexy and very cool.

This interior theme transcends all the way though the hotel and into the rooms. The doorman seemed to be off-duty when we arrived but we received a warm welcome at the (minimally designed) reception and began the check-in process.

A Deluxe Room

Despite being a New York newbie, I knew that our deluxe room was incredibly spacious for a hotel in Manhattan. The room featured a spacious king size bed, a desk and a stylish bench-style sofa that stretched across the width of the room. We had a fabulous view of the bustling street below but it never felt too noisy.



The showstopper was definitely the circular bathtub, which was intricately covered in mirrored mosaic tiles.

Waiting in our room were the loveliest welcome gifts, including a handwritten note from the hotel management, a box of fresh macaroons, a bottle of prosecco on ice and a fun New York taxi cookie. There were also beautiful fresh flowers arranged on a small table. These personal touches definitely didn’t go unnoticed.

My First New York Breakfast

After a long flight and a late first night exploring Times Square, we slept incredibly well in the plush king size bed. The next morning we went down to Restaurant Forty Four to sample The Royalton’s breakfast menu. It felt a little strange having breakfast in such a dimly-lit setting, but it’s all part of the hotel experience.

The choice of dishes was adventurous and extensive but I opted for my all time favourite and a New York classic; eggs benedict. The crispy bacon and potato hash side were delicious and definitely made this an All-American eggs benedict. Forty-Four Restaurant also serves lunch and dinner but we were surprised to find that the dinner service does not run at weekends.

Wonderful Staff

During our brief time at The Royalton it felt like we got to know the staff very well. The doormen and concierge were friendly, energetic and full of recommendations for our first few days in New York. They recommended the Red Flame Diner to us for a classic New York diner experience, which is also on 44th Street (a must-try for anyone staying at The Royalton).

An Acquired Taste

I will say that the dark interiors and low lighting of The Royalton definitely make it an acquired taste. The hotel is set between two streets, which means that the layout is long and thin with windows at either end. This means that there is a distinct lack of natural light and the interior design definitely plays on this. If you crave bright rooms and maximum daylight from your hotels, this may not be the hotel for you. However, if you’re looking for a boutique design hotel that oozes elegance and style, The Royalton should definitely be on your New York shortlist.

Want to read more on my New York trip? Be sure to read

  • A First Timer’s Guide to New York
  • What I Wore in NYC

Or read more personal reviews of The Royalton on Trip Advisor 

What do you think of The Royalton Hotel? Is it the type of hotel you love to stay in? Perhaps you’re planning your own trip to NYC? I’d love to hear from you so please leave me a comment in the box below x


The Royalton 
44 West 44th Street
New York City 
NY 10036
royaltonhotel.com


The Royalton is a member of Preferred Hotels. Join Preferred Hotels iPrefer programme for free and get instant benefits at The Royalton, and over 600 hotels other hotels, across 85 countries.


My stay at The Royalton was complimentary in exchange for this review. All opinions and images are my own.

8 Comments

Related Posts

  • How to Virtually Travel to The USA
  • An Alpine Haven: Cordée des Alpes, Verbier
  • The Loft Suite at The Tuscany, New York
« What I wore in NYC
Introducing My New Blog Design »

Comments

  1. Kristel says

    19th January 2018 at 2:15 am

    Hi Jess! Great blog and I love your new website. When I came across this post: Royalton,NYC- I had to mention… ITS ONE OF MY FAVORITES I have ever stayed at!!!

    Reply
    • Jess says

      22nd January 2018 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks Kristel! Loving the positive feedback about my new site. So glad The Royalton is also one of your faves! I would definitely stay there again next time I am in NYC x

      Reply
  2. wpwptestsite says

    17th December 2017 at 9:47 am

    Looks great, especially the bath! I stayed in the pod hotels whilst I was there to save money and I loved it but I would love to relax in that bath,

    http://www.jettravels.co.uk
    J.E.T
    X

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      18th December 2017 at 9:12 pm

      Thanks Jet! I agree the bath was the star of the show, but the room was also super stylish. I can see why you stayed in a Pod Hotel as things really can add up over there! X

      Reply
  3. thetravelsofmrsb says

    12th December 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Looks like a lovel hotel, love the bathtub!!!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      18th December 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks Mrs B! It really was gorgeous and the bathtub was my favourite part x

      Reply
  4. Lucy P says

    11th December 2017 at 9:25 pm

    I really like the dimly lit aesthetic, it’s really beautiful and a very clever way of making do with what little light there is. I can imagine that it was strange to eat breakfast in a room like that though! xxx
    Lucy @ La Lingua | Life, Travel, Italy

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      18th December 2017 at 9:17 pm

      Thanks Lucy, the low lighting is definitely a clever part of the design and makes the hotel stand apart from others. I just thought it would be worth mentioning though as I know it might not be to everyones taste. I definitely would have preferred a bit more light at breakfast x

      Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

Read More

Booking.com

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

The Best Places to Stay in Florence

Woolacombe Beach

A Toddler-Friendly Holiday in North Devon

Our Mini Adventures: 5 Family Friendly Days Out in Yorkshire

Follow on Instagram

I wish everyone could read these words on their ro I wish everyone could read these words on their rock bottom days 🖤💫 
 
I used to post mainly about luxury travel. Instagram felt glossy and superficial. Then came the life-changing plot twist of an extremely premature baby. When I decided to start telling my story and showing vulnerability, I had no idea how much it would resonate with others and connect me to a whole new community of women who have experienced the same unique, isolating pain.

I have discovered a version of Instagram that is so much more honest, real and raw. I still hope to post about travel again in the near future, but there is a new depth here now. And it’s a version I much prefer. Who’s with me? 💫 

Sign by @theopeninvite
Ad We’re moving! 🏡 Our little house is now a Ad We’re moving! 🏡 Our little house is now a place of so many special memories and ‘firsts’, but we have definitely outgrown it and feel it’s the right time to move on to an exciting new chapter. We are relocating from Leeds to York, which is my home town. After all the isolation of the pandemic, we can’t wait to be closer to family and friends. We’ve listed our house with @purplebricksuk and are managing all our own viewings through the Purple Bricks app. Check out my house move story highlight to keep up to date with how we get on. Wish us luck for a smooth-ish process. This is uncharted territory🤞🏼😆
Happy Valentine’s and 6 year anniversary to my d Happy Valentine’s and 6 year anniversary to my dream man @scottwh9. I love you more every year 💫
I’ve welcomed some new followers this week after I’ve welcomed some new followers this week after @mother.ly reposted one of my prematurity posts. So, I thought I’d say Hi and introduce myself if you’re new here. Here are 6 things to know about me ☺️👋🏼

1️⃣ My name is Jess. I’m 30 and I live in Leeds which is in Yorkshire, UK. I live with my partner Scott and son Theo who is 2.

2️⃣ The Travelista is a travel blog I created in 2013 which grew to become my full time job and business. I plan to travel regularly again and show my son the world, when it’s safe to.

3️⃣ My son Theo was born prematurely at 25+6 weeks gestation due to #PPROM. He spent 109 days / 4 months in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) before coming home. He’s now healthy and thriving. I now also use my IG to advocate for #prematurityawareness 

4️⃣ I speak openly and honestly about mental health and the healing process I am going through after experiencing PTSD and post natal anxiety after Theo’s birth

5️⃣ I am a proud working Mum. I run The Travelista as a small business and work part time for a UK charity, making use of my digital skills for a great cause 

6️⃣ I love to write and a personal goal of mine is to get a book deal and publish a successful novel

Whether you’re a new follower or an original, leave me a comment and tell me where in the world you’re following from. Thank you for being here 💓🌏
Yesterday I had knee surgery to repair my torn car Yesterday I had knee surgery to repair my torn cartilage and finally unlock my knee. After a long wait and 3 cancelled surgery dates, I managed to get transferred to the trauma list at Leeds General Infirmary, which was a very, brilliant, last minute plot twist. 

I will need a second surgery to repair my torn ACL ligament in a few months, but yesterday’s surgery will allow me to get back on my feet and walking again which is the most important thing. Yesterday brought many PTSD triggers surrounding Theo’s birth, but I kept reading over the affirmations I wrote with @naomipsychotherapy as well as calming breath work. I am proud of myself for getting through the day.

I’m now back home recovering, very sore and drowsy from meds but feeling relieved and grateful that everything went well. The staff were wonderful and all truly deserve medals for what they do. Now time to rest, start gentle movements and ultimately get back on my feet ☺️💪🏼💫
Do you ever find yourself day dreaming about that Do you ever find yourself day dreaming about that first holiday post-Covid? Do you ever think about how profound it will feel? I wrote a poem about it to escape these long, dark days.

Warm skin, 
Frizzy hair. 
Soul alight, 
Without a care. 

Tanned legs, 
After sun. 
Mind is calm, 
Just having fun.

A day of new experience, 
Has just taken place. 
You embrace the unfamiliar, 
And every new and friendly face. 

The sun begins to set, 
And tomorrow is unplanned. 
You sip on something cold,
Toes buried in the sand. 

Midas touch is on the horizon, 
Peace is in your heart. 
Surrounded by those you love,
This moment is a work of art. 

Something feels different, 
You've seen sunsets before. 
But all your sense are heightened, 
You feel it at your core. 

Over a year of loss and struggle, 
The entire world is healing. 
Simple, little, wild things, 
Now have so much meaning.

As the sun sets, 
You realise the magnitude.
All you’re feeling in this moment, 
Is a new found sense of gratitude. 💫

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 10370followers
  • 1880subscribers

Copyright © 2021 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2021 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact