Hotel Giraffe – New York City – Affordable Luxury

categories: USA Travel

hotel-giraffe

My last two nights in New York City were a study in contrasts. I spent the first night at the Hotel Giraffe at 365 Park Avenue South and the next night I stayed in a private room in a hostel on the Upper West Side.

The entrance for the Hotel Giraffe is a spacious and light common room, the Grande Lobby, with a grand piano, a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and a complimentary champagne, wine, and cheese reception in the afternoon.

My hostel had a small room off the entrance that smelled of smoke and had no place to sit even if you wanted to watch the small portable TV that entertained the night clerk.

hotel-giraffe

hotel-giraffe

My room at the Hotel Giraffe was not their smallest room but a small suite with a king-sized bed, free wi-fi (always my favorite) and a small library of half a dozen books and of course a bathroom.

My room at the hostel included a free towel (but I had to go down to the front desk and ask for it) and a bathroom down the hall.

hotel-giraffe

hotel-giraffe

My room at the Hotel Giraffe had a living room with a 27″ flat screen TV and a stereo.

My room at the hostel… did I mention the towel was free?

Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.
hotel-giraffe-park-avenue

The Hotel Giraffe sits on Park Avenue. My room had a lovely view and there is also a rooftop terrace.

My room at the hostel had a window with a view of the other building in the hostel 3 feet away. It also had a small window air conditioner. After sleeping there I woke up with a sinus infection and have been sick for a week.

hotel-giraffe

The Hotel Giraffe offers complimentary passes to NY Sports Club for its guests.

My hostel had no elevator so I got my work-out by climbing the 4 floors to my room.

My room at the Hotel Giraffe was comped by the hotel in exchange for writing this review but rates for this hotel start at $215 a night. My private room in a hostel on the Upper West Side cost $80 which was one of the most affordable rooms I was able to find in Manhattan after about an hour searching (staying in a dorm room would have been cheaper but I snore). For additional comparison, the last time I was in New York City on business I stayed in the W in a smaller room than at the Hotel Giraffe, without breakfast and with a broken TV for $500 a night.

My hostel room was cheaper than the Hotel Giraffe. But sometimes less is simply less. One of these hotels I would love to return to. Can you guess which one?

Share this:
Chris Christensen

by Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

One Response to “Hotel Giraffe – New York City – Affordable Luxury”

Sweet T

Says:

Looks like a great hotel, but most people’s idea of affordable is probably less than their starting rate. One great option, which has more of an “indie” feel to it is the Gershwin Hotel. Great convenient location (near empire state bldg.), and really great rates on some wonderfully unique rooms. http://www.gershwinhotel.com I have no affiliation with them, or any other hotel, I just think it’s a cool place.

Leave a Reply

Tags: , , , ,