Any hotel that calls itself "the iPod of the hotels industry" is worth checking out.
So we recently headed uptown to take a look inside Yotel NYC, the hyped-up hotel that opened June 3 in Hell's Kitchen.
The verdict?
We loved the futuristic lobby, which is decked in purple neon and stainless steel, and has a robot that stores luggage. It feels more like the inside of a video game than another overstuffed hotel entrance.
Bellhops are old news.
And we had a great time taking in the wacky yet fascinating scenery at the bar, restaurant, and club area on the fourth floor, which is also in keeping with the modernist theme.
Yotel's 669 rooms are compact but modern, with sleek flat screen TVs and sweeping city views. And they're a bargain, starting at $149 a night through September.
The hotel doesn't only cater to tourists; anyone can book Floor Four for a private even and Yotel staff told us the outdoor space and club (which has a DJ every weekend) has consistently hosted parties for New Yorkers who want to impress their clients and friends.
Overall, Yotel seems like an excellent spot for a private party because of its fun, quirky atmosphere, amazing patio views, and ample space. And if you're sleeping over at the hotel, you don't have much of an excuse not to mingle with other guests and have a good time: everything you need—except a bed—is located on Floor Four.
Check-in at the Yotel is totally automated; guests receive their keys after checking in on a computer.
One of the Yotel's quirkiest amenities, the Yobot, stores guests' luggage in compartments while they check into their rooms.
He wasn't feeling well.
The robot was only three weeks old when we visited, but was already "feeling ill" and awaiting repair. Here's what it looks like when it's working:
This set of elevators takes visitors straight to Floor Four, where all the action is. Another set takes guests to their rooms.
The rooms, which are modeled after airline cabins, are compact, but sleek and modern.
Video via YouTube/thepaulcarr
Floor Four is the hotel's entertainment center, with bars, a huge terrace, a Japanese-style restaurant, and entertainment pods.
The decor is wild. We found a few of these statues on the fourth floor.
A rainbow beaded curtain separates a sitting area from the rest of the activity on Floor Four.
The "pods" are small rooms that are used for private entertainment areas for guests.
DohYO, Yotel's "Latin-Asian fusion" restaurant, is named after the platform used in Sumo wrestling events—the tables elevate when you sit down on the seating pads.
The fourth floor has four bars, which means plenty of room even on crowded nights.
Yotel's patio view is absolutely stunning during sunset, and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy drinks on the rooftop.
Yotel is a great place to host a tweetup.
Now check out some other hotels where your inner geek can come out >
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufony6u9Oeo2amqZh6c3yQamRv