New York City can get claustrophobic for anyone and all we want to do is escape the normal hustle and bustle for a few days at one point or another, but many of us can't just jet out any time we want.
So what do you do? NYC Staycation!
It's just like staying in for a weekend at home and pretending you're actually in Aruba, but this way involves one of the many dope hotels that attract people from all around the world.
So if you're looking for a way to escape the monotonous patterns of your life for a few days, change up your environment by playing tourist and check into one of these crazy cool hotels for a night or two.
1. The Paper Factory Hotel (37-06 36th Street - Queens)
Since Manhattanites act like the outer boroughs are different states anyway, why not pick one for your urban staycation? The Paper Factory Hotel in Long Island City offers an unrivaled yet affordable boutique hotel experience as well as a mecca for influencers from the worlds of fashion, film and food.
Minutes away from the iconic Kaufman Studios, the hotel boats a unique retro style while still remaining innovative and timeless, from the towering columns made entirely of books to the trendy outdoor roof garden to their Moulin Rouge-esque on-site restaurant Mundo.
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Each of the 122 inspired guestrooms features its own unique aesthetic with relaxing hues and custom furnishings, perfect for a full body recharge. The eclectic decor and artistic ambiance are enriched by modern industrial accents reminiscent of the building’s past as, you guessed it, a local paper factory.
2. Archer Hotel (45 West 38th Street)
If you don't live in Manhattan, then your idea of a staycation might be to reside in the heart of it all like a wide-eyed tourist. When it comes to snagging a midtown room at an out-of-town price, try your luck at the Archer Hotel in the Garment District, a stone's throw away from the Empire State Building.
The rooms are small but tastefully done with nice touches like exposed brick and rustic old world decor. If you snag a room facing South, you might even have a close-up view of the Empire State Building or the old wooden water towers that quietly look out atop surrounding buildings.
On the roof of this 22-story structure of brick and glass is their chic outdoor bar Spyglass, boasting both great city views and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, as well as some custom creative cocktails to sip on as the city continues to buzz below you.
3. The Brooklyn A Hotel (1199 Atlantic Avenue - Brooklyn)
In the rapidly changing neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant lies a type of hotel the likes of which you would have been hard-pressed to find there just two or three years ago. The hotel definitely capitalizes on the unique brand of Brooklyn, almost as a tribute to the borough itself.
Stenciled-in summaries and images of classic Brooklyn neighborhoods on walls hang in accent to modern and minimalist decor, such as polished hardwood ceilings and small pops of brightly colored furniture accents.
In an odd turn, the hotel does not offer room service, but it does have a quaint ground-level market for guests to grab snacks and beverages for their rooms. Atlantic Avenue is a bit of a busy road at all times of the day and can seem a bit shady at night, but hey, you're experiencing proper “Brooklyn."
4. The Sanctuary Hotel (132 West 47th Street)
Escape to a Moroccan-themed hideaway right off of Times Square at The Sanctuary, a hotel that's both equal parts affluence and fun. From celebrities and dignitaries to everyday tourists and locals alike, all find a tranquil escape on the other side of its massive wooden doors.
Dim and seductive, the hotel exudes a sense of laid-back sophistication, from the fireplaces that adorn the front lounges to their chic rooftop bar and lounge Haven, which is about to undergo its annual transformation into an enclosed ski chalet as the colder months approach NYC.
Their famed steak and sushi restaurant Tender gives you everything you want in an opulent night out, with red leather banquettes, a brass bar and beaded crystal chandeliers, and zero of the pretension. There's always a party going on at the Sanctuary Hotel, and you're on the guest list.
5. Edge Hotel (514 West 168th Street)
Washington Heights isn't known to be a touristy area of the city, but that didn't stop them from opening up one of the city's newest standout boutique hotels up by the George Washington Bridge. Although only 11 floors, it overlooks a bevy of neighborhood brownstones, apartment buildings and churches.
All of its 54 small-yet-stylish rooms are complemented by splashes of color, wood finishes and unbeatable views of the Hudson River to the north and recognizable city skyscrapers to the south. They also feature an on-site abstract art gallery featuring works by Harold Krisel and Chris Pieretti
The Washington Heights area is traditionally home to culturally rich Dominican and Puerto Rican communities, so the surrounding food options are worth
exploring. You can take a stroll across the recently restored High Bridge, NYC's oldest standing bridge, or through picturesque Fort Tryon Park.
6. Z Hotel NYC (11-01 43rd Avenue - Queens)
Another recently-opened hotel to hit Long Island City, the Z NYC strategically placed itself to give guests some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline from the Queens riverbank as possible, with over 100 rooms that face west towards the glittering city.
Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize these cityscape views, as well as the soft, natural light that these rooms can get during the day. The rooms here also rival its competitors by being a touch bigger than a standard boutique room, which sometimes makes all the difference to an already-cramped life.
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The Z's sprawling basement
bar and restaurant just completed a thematic revamp and their massive rooftop
bar gives guests unrivaled panoramic views of the city. There's also complimentary shuttle service between
the hotel and Manhattan every hour if you're feeling a break from the subways too.
7. The OUT Hotel (510 West 42nd Street)
A trailblazer hotel with a bit of a sordid past, the OUT Hotel off of 11th Avenue has gone through what many would call a redemption story. This hotel geared for gay tourists has changed management companies after its previous owners politically offended their core clientele. *cue awkward turtle*
Since 2009, the OUT was as a flagship for gay tourism in NYC with its nightclub XL, the biggest of its kind in the city, and recent concerts by Barbra Streisand and Cyndi Lauper. The 105-room facility includes 7,500 square feet of restaurant and lounge space, like the gastronomic restaurant KTCHN.
Now newly remastered, the OUT, although still LGBT-centric, is opening its doors and creating an environment for people from all walks of life to indulge in, like the two massive pools, outdoor rain showers and VIP cabana areas in their luxurious spa. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?