St Giles Hotel, New York: VIPs and Signature Cocktails
With our bags checked at LAX and expectations flying high, Maxine and I set a course for New York City. We were on our way with our cameraman, Jimmy, to cover the Victoria’s Secret launch party at the Ainsworth and interview some of the notable VIPs. So, to set the scene, we needed to make sure we stayed at a hotel that was just as hot as the models.
We chose the St. Giles Hotel in Midtown Manhattan because of its super-central location. It was my first time in the City that Never Sleeps, and I wanted to make sure that we were in the heart of the action. Plus, Prince and the Kardashian sisters have been spotted at the hotel’s famous LEX Bar, and if it’s good enough for them, then it is good enough for me and Maxine. The first thing I planned to do was belly up to the bar and order one of their famous cocktails such as the apple martini.
What I loved about this hotel is the hip vibe created by the locals just chilling. There were no awkward tourists anywhere to be found, which added to the low-key/high-fashion attitude of the venue.
The St. Giles is actually two properties – the Court and the Tuscany. The St. Giles suits a spectrum of budgets and lifestyles. It has four different types of rooms – superior, deluxe, courtyard king, and the suite. Each room comes with the same basic amenities, including a 27-inch flat-screen interactive TV, comfortable pillow-top mattress, luxury linens, down pillows, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, a mini-bar, and 24-hour room service. Along with the in-room amenities, there is a cafe downstairs called Icon that serves a great breakfast that will get you moving and ready for the day.
Their pièce de résistance is the suite on the Court’s 15th floor. This suite has a larger floor plan, a full kitchen with a double-sided fridge, a dining room, living room and master bedroom, and two bathrooms. A beautiful balcony is just outside the dining room in case you decide to dine al fresco or catch some rays while looking at the amazing view of the Chrysler Building. This could be a home away from home.
Just next door to The Court is the St. Giles’ second property, The Tuscany. Just as hip and chic, there is the added bonus of Audrey’s Cafe and Lounge. Audrey’s is named after actress Audrey Hepburn, who frequented the bar and lived in the area along with other stars of her era. If you want to feel like a local, come to Audrey’s for a cocktail or two and soak up the atmosphere.
The Tuscany includes a full gym with an atrium that tricks you into thinking you are outside doing your cardio workout or weight routine. On top of this hotel is a penthouse suite that dares you to say you didn’t like your room. It has a wrap-around balcony, working fireplace and a full kitchen. Your view includes the Empire State building and gorgeous NYC skyline.
The Tuscany and The Court
120-130 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Reservations: 1-888-406-8588
Tel: 1-212-686-1600 (Tuscany)
Tel: 1-212-685-1100 (Court)
