Photo: Deluxe guest room / Courtesy of The Knickerbocker
The Knickerbocker got its start in 1906 as the opulent St. Cloud Hotel, which was founded by one of the Titanic’s wealthiest victims, John Jacob Astor. Located on the edge of Times Square, it’s a New York City icon with a historic guest list that ticks off names such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Enrico Caruso. After a stint as an office building, the property underwent a $250 million reinvention, catapulting it back into the New York luxury firmament as one of the finest hotels in the neighborhood. Today, it continues to be a fine retreat from the pulsing lambent energy of Times Square.
The Look of The Knickerbocker
The hotel’s 330 guest rooms are impeccably understated, with modern sleek lines, bespoke furnishings, and a warm but muted color palette. The 12-foot ceilings and oversized windows double down on the sense of spaciousness — and in some rooms, the impressive Times Square views. The property also provides top-of-the-line bedding, all-important noise-proof windows, and automated blackout drapes, which are essential to sleeping over the glow of Times Square.
The Vibe at The Knickerbocker
The vibe is decidedly sexy, smart, and sophisticated, with a dash of retro that pays homage to the hotel’s history. Guests are a mix of affluent tourists and business travelers who appreciate luxury and a steady stream of New York City locals who come for the superior rooftop bar and stylish meeting venues. You’ll also see theatre-goers pop in for a pre-show dinner at Charlie Palmer’s eponymous restaurant. And, with such prime access to Times Square, it’s an obvious choice for families, too. Bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia is rumored to have invented the martini in this very hotel.
Who Will Love The Knickerbocker
Anyone who appreciates the vibrancy of New York City enjoyed through a sophisticated lens.
Who Might Not Love The Knickerbocker
If you want a quiet hotel in a hip part of the city, then the property's Times Square location is not ideal.
Best Amenity at The Knickerbocker
St. Cloud, the hotel’s rooftop bar, has some of the best Times Square views, all snug in the embrace of New York’s glittering energy. It is a destination bar for New Yorkers and a stylish retreat for hotel guests. For the ultimate splurge, book one of the bar’s ultra-luxe private corner Sky Pods for you and a few of your closest friends; alternatively, reserve the private Waterford Crystal Lounge and sip on Dom Perignon (served up in a Waterford crystal glass). Also, The Knickerbocker is the first and only hotel with Diptyque amenities in every room.
What’s Included at The Knickerbocker
All rooms include plush linens, bedding, and mattresses; Diptyque bath amenities; Turkish towels and bathrobes; and a fully stocked minibar.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at The Knickerbocker
The hotel charges a Residency Fee of $45 per night plus tax. This includes wifi, phone calls, nightly shoeshine, 24-hour access to the fitness center, two bottles of water per room (replenished daily), and evening turndown service.
How to Get a Deal at The Knickerbocker
The hotel offers several promotions throughout the year, along with AAA and AARP member discounts.
In the Neighborhood of The Knickerbocker
The hotel sits at the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and Times Square. The neighborhood is dense with shopping options, and the nearby Theater District makes for an easy walk to most Broadway shows. Bryant Park and Hell’s Kitchen (the latter of which is home to some amazing restaurants) are both nearby, too.
Nearest Airport to The Knickerbocker
The property is about a 30-minute drive from JFK Airport and a 25-minute drive from LaGuardia Airport. It’s also easily accessible via the E train. The best bet is an Uber from LaGuardia, but expect some chaos due to recent construction at the airport.
Nearest Public Transit to The Knickerbocker
The hotel is located right next to the Times Square train station, which has eight subway lines running through it. Essentially, every NYC neighborhood is easily within reach.
The Knickerbocker is a welcome sanctum of smart, cosmopolitan luxury surrounded by the buzz of Times Square and with prime access to the best of New York City.