Hotel Review: NYC’s Library Hotel Collection

When it comes to planning a trip to the Big Apple, it can be a daunting task trying to decide when, where, and how to book a hotel.

With so many options to choose from, selecting a hotel with a convenient location that also offers all of the essential home-away-from-home amenities can sometimes seem near impossible.

For readers who prefer to swap out the option of a national hotel chain for a more personalized experience, I would like to introduce you to one one of East Coast Contessa’s newest partners: the Library Hotel Collection.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a weekend ‘staycation’ at two of Library Hotel’s most popular Manhattan boutiques. What’s most unique about the Library Hotel Collection’s properties is that each one of their hotels has a different theme accompanied by exquisite interior designs. They currently have four properties located in Manhattan, one in Budapest, Hungary, one in Prague, Czech Republic, and a new one in Toronto which will premier in 2017.

My first stop was the flagship Library Hotel. As one might have guessed, the hotel’s theme is books (quite fitting given that the hotel is located just steps away from the famous New York Public Library). With an endless amount of books to choose from – all from New York City’s historic Strand Book Store – at any given moment, Library Hotel is a book lover’s dream, indeed!

Enchantment can be found on every floor – and in every individual room – with its own theme. I stayed on the top floor, coined the “Religion” floor and was assigned the “African Religions” themed room. Giant body pillows line each of the beds that read “Book Lovers Never Go to Bed Alone.” How cute is that?

Once I was settled into my room, I decided I could use a drink, and lucky for me, I didn’t need to go far to get one!

One of the most appealing amenities of all of the Library Hotel Collection properties, is that they offer a complimentary wine and cheese reception for guests from 5-8 pm EST every night.

That’s right. Every. Night.

I hurried down to the second floor to take part in the festivities and it was even better than what was expected. They offered a beautiful buffet of endless of amounts of wine, cheese, crackers, cookies, veggies and more! Check out part of the beautiful display below:

Feeling tipsy off some delicious wine, I decided to check out the Library Hotel’s rooftop garden bar, Bookmarks. I was greeted by the most friendly Bartender, Omette Matte, who graciously hooked me up with his refreshing “Lost In Paradise” frozen cocktail. I can’t stress enough how instantly relaxed I felt once we stepped onto the most charming rooftop in NYC with the most perfect drink in hand.

After a few more drinks, I decided to turn in for the night and snuggle into my comfortable and clean bed. The next morning, I woke up feeling well-rested and ready to start my day full of adventures!

When I could finally talk myself into getting out of my warm bed and plush robe (the struggle was real!), I went downstairs to feast on the hotel’s complimentary continental breakfast.

There is no exaggeration when we say that this was one of the best continental breakfasts I’ve ever had. With options of cereal, hot coffee and cappuccino, fresh-squeezed juice, baked chocolate croissants and bagels, an oatmeal bar, and assorted fruit, there was no shortage of choices.

To end my stay at the Library Hotel, I grabbed a cup of coffee, picked out a good book (that I got to keep as a fond reminder of my visit), and made my way to the rooftop to further enjoy more breathtaking views of the NY Public Library until check out at 1 pm.

While sad to leave, I was excited to see what their sister property had in store. To book an upcoming stay and to view room rates and availability at the Library Hotel, click here.

Check out our review on Hotel Elysee, a French inspired inn and another of the Library Hotel Collection’s charming properties.