BACKGROUND
The 17-floor Quin opened last November in what was once the Buckingham hotel, which operated from 1929 to 2011.
The property had a history of hosting world-class musicians, from Poland’s pianist and 1919 prime minister Ignacy Jan Paderewski to Italian soprano Renata Tebaldi, and the Quin is hoping to continue that legacy, being located diagonally opposite Carnegie Hall.
Its top-floor suites are to be unveiled this month, and the three-storey penthouse soon afterwards.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The Quin describes itself as “New York’s newest luxury lifestyle hotel”, although it felt more conservative than I expected of a property that closely affiliates itself with the arts.
There are 18 original works displayed in the public areas, with an emphasis on international street art. The lobby has double-height ceilings, a video wall, pale marble floors and expansive windows.
The contemporary interiors were designed by local architectural firm Perkins Eastman, which also did the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, as well as the Conrad, the Standard and the James in New York.
WHERE IS IT?
Well located on West 57th Street and Sixth Avenue, a few doors from the new Viceroy and Park Hyatt properties and less than two blocks from Central Park. It’s two minutes’ walk from 57th Street subway.
ROOM FACILITIES
Entry-level Superior rooms are 28 sqm, with amenities including extremely comfortable Duxiana beds dressed in Sferra Venetian linens, walk-in rainshowers, robes, irons/ironing boards, Nespresso machines, minibars and complimentary bottled water.
In terms of tech, there is free wifi, Samsung LED TVs and tablets to control the air conditioning, blinds and lighting. Room service is available 24 hours, there is evening turndown and the option of in-room check-in. The décor is neutral beige and cream.
I stayed in a 56 sqm, light-filled Premier suite facing an office building. It had a well-proportioned living room with a sofa, coffee table, workdesk and guest toilet, as well as a spacious bedroom with two wardrobes and a bathroom with a shower and huge separate tub.
I liked the fact that the windows opened for fresh air. My “provisions cabinet” included the likes of a USB cable, beef jerky, a scented candle and a Shybunny erotic kit.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
While I didn’t eat at the hotel, the twin-level Wayfarer restaurant and bar (accessible via the ground floor and the street) is a buzzing place to grab breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a cocktail.
The menu offers a mix of American and European favourites – from buttermilk pancakes to croque monsieur.
There are three private dining rooms that together seat 130 people.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
There is little in the way of dedicated event space – only one boardroom for ten people.
However, the three Speciality suites (Paderewski, Roth and O’Keeffe) can also be hired, as can the three-floor penthouse, which will be able to host receptions for up to 125 guests and has a 110 sqm terrace.
A stylish business lounge on the ground floor has sofas, two Mac computers and a printer.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The second-floor 24-hour gym has Technogym treadmills and cross trainers, Swiss balls, free weights and natural light. There is no spa or pool.
For “curated experiences” around the city, the Quin’s “attachés” can create bespoke itineraries for your free time.
The hotel also has an ongoing art programme with temporary modern exhibitions, resident artists and musicians, and private performances, lectures and recitals. There are products from Bergdorf Goodman for sale in vitrines or you can arrange a VIP private shopping experience.
VERDICT
The Quin is a good bet for business travellers looking for a high-end place to stay in Midtown Manhattan. The modern rooms supply all the essential amenities you could hope for, coupled with comfortable beds.
A connection with the arts makes it more of an interesting proposition, although I think they could have taken this a little further with the interior design.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 208, including 28 suites (of which there are three Speciality suites and a penthouse).
- HIGHLIGHTS The Midtown location opposite Carnegie Hall, the free wifi and the Nespresso machines in the bedrooms.
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in October started from US$588 for a Superior room.
- CONTACT The Quin, 101 West 57th Street at Sixth Avenue; tel +1 212 2457 846; thequinhotel.com
