I love hotels with a theme, a niche, that something extra special. I’m a sucker for “cute” or “unique”, but I like it done in a classy way. I don’t want cheesy Disneyland theming; I can get that directly from Disney. I want something I can be proud of showing off to my friends and sharing the uniqueness with them. It’s not easy though to find a hotel that meets those standards. That’s why I was floored when I came across the Library Hotel Collection.
Here was a fantastic hotel collection with above and beyond service and each hotel has a theme. The themes surround each hotel and yet they aren’t in your face annoying. The Library Hotel for example has a theme (I’m sure you can guess what it is); there are books all throughout the hotel and each of the 10 guestroom floors honor one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal System. And yet the theming doesn’t take away from the elegance of the hotel. I love that!
Here is a little deeper look at each of the three Library Hotels I stayed at in NYC:
Library Hotel:
Peaceful, if I had to use one word to describe The Library Hotel it would be peaceful. As soon as you step inside the hotel you feel like snagging a book off one of the many bookshelves and just start reading. Almost forgetting you’re on vacation and have plans to explore the city. I really loved all of the little library details.
Our floor was named General Knowledge after one of the ten categories of the Dewey Decimal System and our room was stocked with great books. I also loved the pillow on the bed! Anyone can stay at the Library hotel, but I will say it has a romance to it that would be great for an anniversary stay, honeymoon or couples getaway. Library Hotel also has a great rooftop bar, Bookmarks Lounge.
Personally even if you don’t stay Library Hotel you should visit Bookmarks Lounge. Not only will you be immersed in great views of the city, but they have literary cocktails! I’ve never had so much fun ordering a drink before! You can get more information about Bookmarks Lounge here.
Hotel Giraffe:
Oh my goodness! What a cute and wonderful hotel! You can already probably tell by the name that it’s themed with Giraffes. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love the other two hotels, but Hotel Giraffe holds a special place for me. As soon as I walked into the hotel I was happily greeted in an enthusiastic fashion I don’t see at many hotels anymore.
Even though I didn’t have any requests or needs during my stay I could tell the staff would have bent over backwards for me if needed. I love when hotel staff seems so happy to meet you! Two seconds in the door and I already felt incredibly welcomed. After sitting for a minute, enjoying the complimentary cheese & wine reception (which by the way the whole collection does this!) I started spotting the Giraffes. I felt like I was playing a game of “I Spy”, but with giraffes. It was wonderful.
I felt right at home in my room, it was so cute and cozy. If it wasn’t the middle of the summer I could have just curled up in a blanket on the couch with a good book. (Maybe a giraffe book 
) I had a hard time pulling myself away from my wonderful room.
Once I headed back down to the lobby, a pianist was serenading guest enjoying the complimentary wine & cheese reception. Hotel Giraffe definitely makes it difficult to leave the hotel (with how lovely it is) so make sure you book enough time to just stay in enjoy the hotel! Hotel Giraffe is also the home of the wonderful Bread & Tulips Restaurant. You can check out my review here.
Casablanca:
I have to be honest this was probably my least favorite out of all three hotels, and not because of the hotel itself, but because of its location. Hotel Casablanca sits right near all the action of Times Square. If you love Times Square or plan on visiting attractions near it then this is the hotel for you. I have never been a huge fan of Times Square and would much rather be in another neighborhood.
The Casablanca itself is wonderful though and I actually liked the Casablanca’s breakfast room almost more than the other two hotels. I also loved the Casablanca theming it was fantastic! If you want to be near the Times Square action you will really enjoy The Casablanca. You can see more here.
We didn’t get a chance to check out the fourth NYC Library Hotel, but I hear Hotel Elysee is a beautiful hotel. You can check it out here!
The Library Collection brings so much more than most hotels in Manhattan. While others are cutting back, The Library Collection gives you more. Each hotel provides a great Deluxe Continental Breakfast Buffet, Wine & Cheese Reception, Complimentary WIFI, and access to The New York Sports Club!
Some of the hotels also provide:
• Complimentary bottled water on arrival in every room
• Evening turndown including delicious Belgian dark chocolate
• Complimentary DVD Library of the American Film Institute's top 100 films
• Selection of daily newspapers, magazines, and over 6,000 book
They make you feel like you’re at an all-inclusive resort, and it doesn’t get better than that!
The rooms at all the Library Hotels are immaculate and incredibly well taken care of. I was very impressed. Every room was spotless and beautiful. Unfortunately because the rooms were all so wonderful it made it hard to leave them and go out! You really can’t go wrong choosing one of these fantastic hotels for your next visit to New York City. Head over here to book your stay! While you’re there be sure to enjoy a glass of wine for me!
