.Right in the heart of the tourist center of New York, Hard Rock Hotel New York has everything an eager visitor would want. On top of that, music fans will be truly in their element. This growing hotel brand has made a name for itself, expanding from restaurants to hotels and resorts. And with so many choices of where to stay in New York, it can be hard to decide. Here are five reasons why you should stay at Hard Rock Hotel New York.
The rooftop
Make your way to the top floor after sunset, and you’ll be greeted by the entire shimmering skyline of the city. RT60 on the 34th floor is a highly sought after destination and the perfect spot to wind down your day with craft cocktails and snacks. Many hotels in the city have rooftop bars, but I find the location and view from this specific spot to be especially vibrant.
While this is not the only place where you can get a drink in the hotel, this is certainly the first spot you should go if you truly want to experience your surroundings. It is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
The food
Aside from the rooftop, the main restaurant Sessions serves up an all-day menu of delicious food. During my visit, I was up bright and early due to jet lag from a recent trip overseas. After several cups of coffee and while looking at the bright lights of the neighborhood through the windows, I ordered the open-faced omelet, which was more like a pizza topped with vegan chorizo, arugula, avocado, and other vegetables. I added a little sriracha sauce, and it was one of the most delicious breakfasts I have had in the city in a long time.
Later in the day, the menu features familiar favorites, like burgers and salads. There is also an impressive steakhouse at the hotel, which serves aged cuts of meat, as well as plant-based choices. If you’re headed out to the theater, grabbing a quick bite at Sessions is especially convenient because most Broadway shows are just outside the front door.
The rooms
Surprisingly spacious for this part of town, the guestrooms feature all of the modern elements you would need. It starts with USB and power outlets on either side of the bed and an Alexa tablet device that can handle pretty much any request.
I liked the booth-style seating nook that was by the window, which doubles as a work desk or a dining table. Closet space was tucked away so that the room did not appear cluttered. I also appreciated the espresso machine and empty refrigerator to store leftovers that you may have brought up from Sessions. You can work out the calories in the impressive fitness center, or have a yoga mat sent up to your room (part of the Rock Om program at all Hard Rock properties).
Open bathroom feature theater-bright lighting, and a wide vanity with the brand’s signature Rock Spa toiletries. A sliding door opens to reveal a glass shower with tremendous water pressure and the toilet area. I found this to be a great use of space so that someone could be getting ready while someone else showers.
There are also some pretty epic suites like the Rock Star Suite with its massive al fresco terrace overlooking the city. It goes for around $15,000 a night, but has its own private bar for entertaining.
The music
What makes a stay at any Hard Rock Hotel so memorable is the vast array of memorabilia you find throughout the property. This includes everything from musical instruments and vintage records to costumes and even scores that they have written.
All of it is on display with details next to each item explaining exactly what it is. The way the brand goes about scouring the world for these unique items is very interesting. They even have a warehouse in Florida where they store all of these things, which can be moved around to different properties
Beyond the memorabilia on display, energetic music is always playing in the elevators and the public spaces. There is a basement performance club where locals and guests can catch the latest acts.
In the guestrooms, I love all the little extras that you can have delivered to the room. This includes a vintage guitar, which you can use to practice your musical talent in the comfort and privacy of your room. There are records to borrow and enjoy, or you can scan a QR code to enjoy a curated Spotify playlist.
What I found especially cheeky and fun was the guitar pick sitting by itself on the nightstand. All it said was, “enjoy playing your own air guitar!” It definitely had me laughing. The pick looked just like the one on the wall by the door that is meant to support the door latch.
On each floor, decorative panels by the elevator reveal fun facts about famous musicians. They also display some of their related memorabilia. It is almost like a museum going from floor to floor. There is even a recording studio at the hotel. Pay close attention, and you will start to notice musical themes everywhere. There are musical notes in the carpeting and guitars embroidered on the pillow case. Special guests also enjoy monogrammed pillow cases to take home.
The location
This is perhaps the main reason that guest check into the Hard Rock Hotel New York. Just steps from Times Square, it is within walking distance of almost all major museums. Also close are popular shops, theaters, restaurants and Central Park. You can also take the subway. Several stations are close to the front door to get you wherever you need to go.
The entrance to the hotel features a glamorous atrium that starts on the lower level. It then continues up via winding staircase to the main lobby. The dramatic lighting and colorful displays were well thought out to create that “wow” factor.
Live music acts often perform in the night club and theater one level below the lobby. This makes this location part concert-venue and part hotel. It combines to make this a destination worth visiting in NYC. And if you like what you see, it is worth joining its new loyalty program, Unity by Hard Rock. You can earn points to redeem towards free travel and merchandise.
