How times have changed, there was a time when most hotels would copy the “Western name” and today Global Hyatt Corp. has switched that notion around.
Global Hyatt Corp. has given birth to a new brand called “Andaz”, it is a Pakistani & Hindustani word and in both Urdu & Hindi; it has the same meaning ‘unique style’ Andaz to its new hotel branch. This is a start of something different and something exciting because no Andaz is alike and every Andaz offers highly functional environment characterized by sophistication, innovative design, local identity and casual elegance.
We booked Andaz 5th Ave for a Birthday weekend and it’s an experience worth experiencing. Let’s begin with thanking Megan (Director of Communications) and Cornelia Samara (General Manager) who made our stay a memorable one.
The Andaz is the Hyatt version of the W but much better. It’s trendy, there are Ipads to check-in, it’s hip. We had no issues with check-in or check-out; all the staff we encountered was friendly. Wine and other soft drinks available upon request and even a little goodie upon checkout. They’ve mastered “the little things.”
The hotel is located directly across the street from the New York Public Library. It’s a couple of blocks in opposite directions from both Grand Central and Times Square, equally convenient to the East side and West side of the city. Fifth Avenue is relatively easy to get a cab in this part of the city, and you are just a couple of blocks from multiple subway lines that will get you anywhere you need to go. On the plus side, you are also across the street from Bryant Park (behind the Library) which is a spectacular urban park.
When one looks into booking a hotel, next to the price and location the amenities it offers are very important. Andaz 5th Ave, will not disappoint you with amazing amenities. The 24 hour gym is more than adequate. Room service is prompt and accurate. Non Alcoholic beverages and food in the mini bar is FREE. Hyatt goes the extra mile with free snacks and other items from the mini-bar. They don’t chintz either, sea salt chips, chocolates and energy bar. It’s not some cheap and unhealthy items you will find from a vending machine. Again, great at the little things.. You are also able to request free slippers, mouth wash, toothpaste/brush, lint remover, makeup remover, comb, brush, etc …
The Staff at Andaz goes above and beyond, the staff that checked us in took us to our room, and upon entering we both were just shocked with such an amazing view from the living room, the rooms actually seem to have forethought in their design. Our king bed was the right size for the furniture with a great modern feel and really high ceilings. Bathroom is fairly awesome. Nice big walk in shower with seat and foot bath. All lighting and shades controlled via touch pads.
They showed us how to operate the shades, giving us a quick overview on operating this technologically advanced room.
We were checked into a 5th Ave Terrace Suite and this 694-square-foot suite has a 325-square-foot terrace with spectacular views of 5th avenue and the New York Public Library. The sitting area with 12 foot ceilings, a sleeper sofa and kitchenette. Tony Chi’s serene suites are inspired by the neighborhood, with light fixtures reminiscent of pre-war subway lanterns. Oversized bathrooms of travertine marble have walk-in rain showers, double sinks, bath amenities from New York apothecary C.O. Bigelow, and a relaxing foot bath to simulate your own spa environment after an active day in New York City. Non-alcoholic mini-bar beverages and snacks, wireless Internet, local phone calls, and access to the gym at our Midtown New York hotel are complimentary. The rooms also feature a Geneva Sound System with iPod docking and a 54” HDTV.
Adnan and Samia are a Muslim married couple who travel across the world. Adnan works for International Relations through which he is able to make these trips to exotic places and take his wife along for the ride. Together, both of them travel over 400,000 miles in a year!
