At this time of year I start to dream of New York. Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course Christmas its perhaps the most festive city in the world and one of my most favourite places to stay is the stunningly beautiful Knickerbocker hotel, situated just off Times Square. I absolutely fell in love with this hotel when visiting over Christmas last year and would highly recommend it to anyone travelling to the city. Its Sleek and contemporary rooms, are welcoming enclaves of tranquility and cutting-edge style. Uniquely designed floorplans follow the lines of The Knick’s original architecture, adding an air of elegant authenticity to the modern aesthetic of each room. A flair for detail is evident in the bespoke furnishings including chic writing desk, lounge chair and art deco coffee table, while high-tech technologies feature complimentary Wi-Fi and a Samsung tablet for personal use. Clean lines and abundant space define the bathrooms, trimmed in marble with expansive vanity, large back-lit mirror, adjustable lighting, Ted Gibson amenities, custom tile flooring and a brushed glass-enclosed, walk-in rain-shower. They really are havens amongst the fast pace of city. Alongside exquisite service and fabulous eateries such as Charlie Palmer at The Knick the hotel is home to The St Cloud perhaps one of the best rooftop bars in Manhattan.With its three plush corner Sky Pods overlooking Times Square, stylish indoor and outdoor seating options, exclusive Waterford Crystal Lounge, an ultra-luxe private room, and lush living walls of greenery, St. Cloud is the ultimate rooftop bar in NYC. Named for the late-19th century hotel that originally occupied the site, St. Cloud is the pinnacle of The Knickerbocker experience, offering a progressive cocktail menu, craft bottled beers and an upscale, seasonally focused small plates menu. Sophisticated entertainment is an understated-yet-eclectic mix of cirque-like, biergarten and speak-easy fun, while curated music selections set the tone for extraordinary experiences high above the city. A visit to this exciting hotspot is an absolute must when either staying at this beautiful hotel or holidaying in this spectacular city. Another highlight of our trip came in the form of a fabulous dinner at Beauty and Essex in downtown New York. Again I can not recommend this place highly enough, beginning with its intrigue as you enter a tiny working vintage shop, selling antique jewellery, musical instruments and other such items, you are then escorted through a secret door into a large and very beautiful dimly lit dining room full of fresh flowers and with its own DJ playing both old and new r&b tracks. It’s feels more like a speakeasy than a restaurant. Although it’s quite a laid back place the menu is very sophisticated offering delicacies such as crab ragoon and lobster tacos, which were delicious! We had such a brilliant time with the venue combining all of the atmosphere of a happening New York club with the dining experience of a Michelin starred restaurant. I will definitely be visiting again in the future.

For More Information on The Knickerbocker Hotel please visit www.theknickerbocker.com