Why we love The James hotel in New York

1) The Vibe

As you pull up outside, the entrance to The James is discreet and understated. Just what you’d expect from a chic, modern hotel. And that vibe continues throughout. Walking in to the lobby, you can see reclaimed wood, amazing light installations, comfy stylish sofas, and iMacs ready for you to login and check in on Facebook. The hotel is only 4 years old, and feels fresh, light and definitely welcoming. The nicest part has to be the garden, it really feels like an oasis in the middle of the city.

2) The Location

The James is located on Grand Street in the uber-cool SoHo district. It’s an area full of art galleries, cool boutique shops, vintage emporiums, and restaurants. Broadway is within easy walking distance, as is Canal Street where you can catch the Subway. The hotel has maps, not just of Manhattan, but also an amazing shopping map of the immediate area, meaning you know exactly how to walk to Rag & Bone and Bloomingdales on Broadway.

3) The Rooms

We had a corner room, filled with natural light. And up on the 8^th floor, there is obviously nothing but an incredible view! After you’ve spent all day shopping, you’ll be so happy you booked into The James. The beds are by far the comfiest hotel beds we have EVER slept in! So when jetlag kicks in, at least you are snuggled up in the duvet and amazing pillows watching a nice flat-screen TV or scanning Facebook to check up on home. And before you wonder, yes there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. We like.

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4) The Bathrooms

Just like the stylishly cool bedrooms, the bathrooms are no different. Clad in copper coloured tiles, there’s also under-floor heating and an amazing walk- in rain shower. And what is the first thing you do when checking out the hotel bathroom? You check out the beauty products don’t you! The James kit their bathrooms out with Intelligent Nutrients organic body products. The shower has three jumbo bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash, so you can’t pinch them and hide them in your suitcase…but it does mean they are trying to be as eco as possible by encouraging less waste. If you do want individual bottles though, you can just ask.

5) The Art

Given The James is situated in the most artistic bit of New York, its fitting that they have an actual furniture curator and an art curator. Pieces of furniture have been specially designed for The James, and they’re known for partnering with artists from the local community to create artworks. As you walk through each floor, it does have a feel of an art gallery. Big canvasses line the walls and there are are cards telling you the name of the artist and a little bit about them. All they need to add are postcards for sale at reception and its like being in the MOMA.

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6) The Food

We ate breakfast in the David Burke Kitchen. And the portion sizes can only be described as…well…classic USA. Jumbo sized! Definitely try the American style pancakes – topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream and maple syrup. We also enjoyed dinner there – an amazing wine tasting extravaganza which culminated in their pièce de résistance, the Cheesecake Lollipop Tree that comes served with bubblegum whipped cream.

7) The Rooftop Pool

In our opinion, nothing says NY more than relaxing by a rooftop pool. It’s perfect for popping up and taking in the amazing view and relative peace first thing in the morning. We tried out a rooftop yoga session too, which you can book through the concierge. Despite what you might think, when surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the streets down below, it’s amazingly easy to find your inner-calm once you’re in the zone! In the evening, the feel is definitely more party – grab a cocktail as the sun sets and on the weekend, check out the DJ and pool party.

8) The Extra Stuff

What’s not to love about free wine. Yes, not only is The James amazing in so many respects. They also have complimentary wine and cheese between 6pm and 8pm every day. In the morning, there’s also complimentary pastries and coffee. If you’re into cycling, there’s two bikes you can borrow to make the most of NY’s cycle’s paths. Love.

Rates at The James New York start from £218 per room per night, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis (excluding tax). For more information please visit: www.jameshotels.com/new-york

Company flew to New York with United Airlines. From London Heathrow, United Airlines offers five nonstop services a day to its New York/Newark hub. Return fares from London Heathrow to New York start from £691.11 (including taxes). For more information please visit www.united.com or call 08458 444 777.

For more information about New York as a destination please visit: www.nycgo.com