Like any typical couple planning on spending an anniversary vacation in a big city, we were ready to relax and enjoy the experience. We arrived at our destination around the time we had expected: 7:45 Am.
The InterContinental New York Barclay hotel was exceedingly impressive. A golden-oriented, huge lobby with win parlor and elegant designs integrated into the ceiling gives you a feeling of great wonder and cheer.
The hotel staff was extremely courteous and made us feel comfortable and glad we had arrived. They knew exactly where I and my wife Patricia needed to be. In just a few minutes, we had our room number and keys, a sign of a highly attentive and knowledgeable staff.
If You Haven’t Been to New York, Then?
The InterContinental New York Barclay hotel is indeed an elegant luxury hotel attraction in Midtown Manhattan, giving an
individual access to the great highlights of one of the greatest cities in the US and in the world. The saying is “if you haven’t been to New York, you haven’t been a real vacation.” From my experience, I truly agree.
The Classic Rooms
We walked into the classic room we have booked. It was impressive, with a large queen size bed, soft pillows, and beautiful coverings. The curtains and the furniture, a fine looking wooden table for study and computer work a big, relaxing bedside chair to watch TV.
Rooms Flavored with the Atmosphere of Famous People
Our room also featured a large cable TV with remote control, special edible gifts lying neatly on the bed, greeting us as we opened the door. Guest also had access to Turn-Down amenities in the refrigerator, such as high-class wine and other beverages.
The most appreciative thing about staying in our classic room is that such rooms were from time to time occupied by some of the most famous Hollywood stars. Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Sammy Davis Junior, as well as many current, modern-day stars, have booked the very room we were now occupying.
The feeling of living in the same space was honorable. The sink, toilet, and bathroom were indeed classic but still in top quality shape.
InterContinental New York Barclay Rooms:
The popular hotel features 7 meeting rooms in addition to two ballrooms, totally 20,000 square feet:
- Barclay Salon
- Grand Ballroom
- Empire Ballroom
- The Gallery
- Astor Suite
- Rockefeller Suite
- Morgan Suite
- Vanderbilt Suite
- Hollow Square
Staying Fit and Trim while on Vacation
If you are the health-minded type, InterContinental New York Barclay hotel has a number of workout rooms with high-quality equipment. A workout room staff member is ready to help you with any questions you may have. Guest can also relax in swimming pools.
Exploring New York, Manhattan
Our goal as new arrivals was to go exploring and enjoy the highlights of New York, the concrete jungle where big dreams are made. If you are in for the ride, then all points of interest branch out from the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel.
For shoppers, some of the popular stores are within working distance, including:
- BARNEYS
- HENRY BENDAL
- Bloomingdales
- Lord & Taylor
After shopping, you and your spouse may want to check out a Broadway show or dine out in the Four Seasons Restaurant, a popular eating landmark. A variety of other prestigious restaurants populate the surrounding areas.
Sightseeing Highlights of New York
If you came to New York to take in some of the iconic monuments and landmarks, get your camera ready for snapshots of some of the most intriguing imagery. Great photography opportunities include:
- Empire State Building
- Rockefeller Center, with a high-level view of the city
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Tiffany & Co.
- Central Park
- Grand Central Station
- Times Square, and much more;
Sightseeing beyond Manhattan
Popular tourist attractions beyond the InterContinental New York Barclay and Manhattan include the United Nations, Hudson River cruises, featuring the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
The above New York highlights are only a fraction of what the glamorous city of New York has to offer. Consider its outstanding art attractions as well as its multi-cultural interests, including China Town and Coney Island just to name a few.
If you are into art, plan a trip to the Mo Ma PSI, a Queen’s museum in Long Island City or King Manor Museum in Jamaica Queen for meditations in history.
Nothing Finer than Returning to the Elegant Hotel
The completion of your sightseeing across New York will land you back at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel where you can relax in a classic or Executive room or a Suite for more than two. Either way, you will enjoy the specialty art display on the walls of your room, aesthetic imagery that will enlighten you.
You can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, evening drinks and canopy, and light refreshment throughout the day if you are willing to participate.
Pros:
- An excellent stay for vacationing couples celebrating special times
- Extraordinary rooms and service
- The central point to New York City Sightseeing Experiences
- Transformative Experience for newbies visiting the city
Cons:
- Could get lost if not clear on directions to sightseeing attractions
Prices
You can book a room at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel for as little as $181.00 a day. And you can add specialties up to $349.00 a day. The price is well worth it for the extraordinary access opportunities for travelers wanting to enjoy the pleasures of the big city.
My Honest Verdict
We left the hotel transformed after 4 days of overwhelming wonder and excitement. I would rate the elegant and prestigious hotel as one of the best of its type, giving its location in the middle of Manhattan. Rating: 10 out of 10