Check out: Yotel New York City — a quirky, hip and technologically advanced boutique hotel
By Home & Decor Team -
On my recent trip to New York City, I stayed at Yotel, a quirky boutique hotel equipped with interesting and technologically advanced features.
Entering the hotel, I was greeted with self check-in counters where I could quickly and easily retrieve my booking details, and was issued my hotel room keycard.
If you're not savvy with technology, there's nothing to worry, as there are helpful hotel staff who will assist you.
Check-in starts at 3pm everyday. If you arrive before that and your room is yet to be ready, you can simply drop your luggages and bags off securely, and start exploring the city!
Here, the Yobot — an automated luggage storage system — picks up your baggages and pop them into these cubicles, where you can then retrieve later. Aside from being an efficient and neat way of organising bulky and heavy bags, it also served to fascinate many hotel guests (including myself) who were intrigued at the Yobot's clever movements and manoeuvring.
On the fourth floor of Yotel, we were greeted by the brand mascot, Shaggy (what looks like a cross between a llama and a deer to me, who knows? hahaha). Spotted Shaggy everywhere, from art prints on the wall to life-size sculptures!
Yotel also has its very own mobile app.
Through the app, you can:
- Check-in with your mobile by scanning your reservation barcode at the kiosk in the lobby and get your cabin door key printed out in seconds!
- Get alerts on what's going on at Yotel during your stay.
- Explore New York City with a unique city guide and see insider crew tips on the best local restaurants, bars and clubs.
What a quirky mascot, which managed to amuse everyone who came across it!
These interesting touches also add to the casual, playful ambience in the space.
In the day, there are many corners where guests can relax and lounge in, while enjoying views of the cityscape, such as in the rooftop bar. Yotel chooses bold pops of colours to decorate its spaces, including intricately designed cushions and upholstery for their seats.
By night, the space transforms significantly to exude a more clubby atmosphere and with lounge music playing in the background.
At the Green Fig restaurant, guests can grab a drink by the bar or enjoy modern Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
I liked that even within the restaurant, there are various spaces which cater to different guests, and still maintains a casual vibe that does not intimidate.
Another draw of Yotel is the rooftop space where there are nightly movie screenings. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and lounge in deckchairs, while savouring popcorn and Prosecco during the movie.
Yotel's extremely inclusive, and extends this to the public. Purchase tickets to the movie screenings, and find out more here.
Wayfinding signages are eye-catching too, and you don't have to worry about running out of ice or water in your room and having to call for room service for the umpteenth time. There's a self-service water and ice counter on every level!
Finally, it's time to wind down after a long day out! Despite compact, the rooms have everything you'll need. An interesting feature was the reclining bed, which can be adjusted to your desired height conveniently. Prop it up like a sofa if you like, or recline it flat when it's time for bed!
The rooms also come with full-height windows, so you'll enjoy natural light streaming into the interiors every day.
Did I also mention, it's a quick 10-minute walk to Times Square, making it a very convenient location to stay at!
Visit Yotel New York City at 570 10th Avenue.