Monthly Archives: January 2014

The Nolitan Hotel, New York

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In Manhattan, the borough names offer a clue about the area and its history. Nolita, now a stylish boutique-driven neighbourhood, was once unimportant and unrecognised, merely a grid of streets to the north of Little Italy.

Coming from the more frantic and commercial Midtown, I felt at home among the independent boutiques and atmospheric eateries of Elizabeth Street. The personality and charm of Nolita is infectious and it soon became my favourite area, both to explore and to experience New York life. The Nolitan captures the energy of the surrounding streets, and elements of the hotel pay homage to the Little Italy heritage; the red and white theme throughout the hotel reminds you of the familiar tablecloths in Italian restaurants. This cute colour scheme is paired with a punky modernism, the uber-chic lobby and the neon signs fit in aesthetically with the nearby boutiques.

As in most hotels in Manhattan, the rooms at The Nolitan are not big, but simple clever design makes the most of the precious space. Our room was chic and homely. The design is a mix of ultra-lux sleek materials and grungy industrial features, juxtapositions which are satisfying cool and effective. A glass balcony offers spectacular views of the city, and creates a sense of space in the room. The Queen size bed dominates the floor space, with a small desk and armchair for practicalities. The open plan bathroom means showering is an exhibitionist activity though there is a curtain for those who desire a little privacy. Organic toiletries come from Red Flower, high quality products which smell delicious too. I noticed a yoga mat in the cupboard, and was delighted to receive a special gift voucher from Tory Burch, a designer collaboration between the shop and hotel.

There are generous free perks for Nolitan guests including appetising Sips and Savouries (wine and cheese) served Monday – Saturday early evening. Check-out is thankfully late at 1pm, plus speedy Wifi and local calling is all included. The hotel’s fleet of bikes and skateboards are also available for complimentary use, so you nip around town with ease. A small shop downstairs displays the Nolitan merchandise, including branded clothes and bags and the supersoft red cashmere blankets that cover every bed.

The restaurant, Cantine Parisienne offers seasonal French cuisine in a lively casual dining environment. This engaging eatery is popular with guests and locals, a lovely addition to the Nolitan brand. Breakfast is served here or can be ordered in your room.

For downtown hipster accommodation, this hotel ticks every box. With cool design and detailing, I fell in love with everything about the place.

More information and book here: www.nolitanhotel.com

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.

Ace Hotel, Shoreditch

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The Ace Hotel brand thrives on passions: for food, for music, for design and for socialising. There is a strong rock’n’roll identity imposed by the late, visionary founder Alex Calderwood, whose desire to create ‘something new’ led to the creation of a unique kind of hospitality. The family of hotels located across the USA and now in London, are artfully hip, inspired by each distinctive neighbourhood.

Having visited the Ace Hotel in New York, I was excited and intrigued to see how the UK version would differ. Whispers around London were already predicting it to be the hottest new place to sleep, eat, drink and hang out. The glamorous Great Gatsby style entrance welcomes you in off the shabby street, the illuminated lamps bring an element of showbiz in contrast with the urban-uniformed doormen who wear Dr Marten boots, black beanies and Ace-branded baseball jackets. A backdrop of blooms hints at the next door Flower Shop, a magical emporium created by Hattie Fox for Ace.

The understated check-in counter is decorated with Ace merchandise and vintage vinyls. The open-plan lobby encourages interaction; a long bench is dressed with suitably trendy magazines and there is a retro black-and-white photo-booth for take home memories; my favourite feature.

Directions around the hotel are printed in a bold font straight onto the exposed concrete walls and pillars. Crafty, handmade paper collages decorate the lifts and communal areas. After a slight mishap with the wrong (already occupied) room, we were upgraded to a Superior Deluxe double room with more space and storage. There is an obvious Scandic vibe, with an ordered layout and simplistic furniture, a bit like a design showroom. A low King size bed is topped with a patchwork blue blanket, with easily accessible plug sockets set into a useful bedside ledge. An impressive monochrome print covering one wall with a descending flock of birds is a decorative addition to the room. A wall mounted flat screen TV is perfectly placed for in-bed viewing.

The other section of the room is for utilities. A low-hanging spotlight illuminates the circular table, a cork board with accompanying stationery to one side and a comfortable corner sofa. Other branded bits and bobs are carefully placed around the room and are available to buy in the Ace shop. A thoughtfully well-stocked mini bar provides inventive and unusual snacks. There are lovely Falcon Homeware cups and mugs for your use, as well as a Rega turntable and vinyl selection, acoustic Martin guitar, and Revo radio with Ace-curated radio station.

The bathroom is filled with comforting extras: supercool deluxe dressing gowns by Wings & Horns, toiletries in large dispensers and other bathroom accessories stylishly labeled. There is a big bath, power shower and a large sink (with an accompanying wooden stool), all set out very elegantly.

Food and drink at the Ace Hotel is sure to create a buzz. Hoi Polloi is the resident restaurant, a stripped back but chic eatery serving savvy cocktails, delicious steaks and pretty desserts. I was a little shocked to discover breakfast isn’t included in the room rate, so decided to eat at the cheaper Leila’s Shop round the corner. However, Square Mile coffee roasters has now set up shop (Bulldog Edition) downstairs, and a rooftop bar is in the pipeline too.

London is proud to have its very own Ace Hotel, already at home in the quirky Shoreditch landscape.

Rooms start at £184 for a standard double room. More information and booking here.

The Wind in the Willows, Duchess Theatre

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At Christmas many charming productions reinstate themselves after their summer hibernation. One such show is the Royal Opera House‘s ‘The Wind in the Willows‘ which is currently enjoying a run at its new home, The Duchess Theatre. This short show was first performed in the Linbury Theatre in 2002, and after four sold-out runs has now transferred to London’s glittering West End.

Kenneth Grahame’s popular tale is loved by both young and old. Originally written for his son (known affectionately as ‘Mouse’), it was the author’s only lasting literary success. Often realised on stage, this production, directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, combines dance, music, puppetry and theatre.

The famed national treasure Tony Robinson acts as Kenneth Grahame and is a wise and animated storyteller from start to finish. He follows Ratty, Badger, Mole, and Toad on their adventures on the riverbank. Cris Penfold is wonderfully manic as Toad of Toad Hall and Clemmie Sveaas is particularly endearing as the timid but thoughtful Mole.

The light and lyrical music is written by Martin Ward in the style of George Butterworth, with folky melodies that perfectly evoke the atmosphere of the tranquil river bank, and faster passages for the more frantic scenes.

This production of The Wind in the Willows is an enjoyable show for all the family – escape the cold streets of London and take a trip down the river with Ratty and friends.

The Wind in the Willows continues until February 1st 2014, more information and book here.