It’s time to get the old out and in with the new! From top shopping destinations like the Big Apple, exotic Eastern favorites to a not-so-obvious German harbor city, Design Hotels has it covered for souvenir-junkies and high fashionistas alike with these four hotels. In New York, the landmark Gramercy Park Hotel is home to the who’s who of the creative class. Pick up tips on the hot new artist or visit big name designer stores in Nolita, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District nearby. In Hamburg, 25hours Hotel HafenCity is in an upcoming waterfront area and sandwiched between the historic harbor quarter and hyper modern area, making it a great starting point. In Singapore, the heritage chic New Majestic Hotel is located in Chinatown where old alleys and two-story shop houses take visitors on a traditional cultural and shopping trip. In Istanbul’s super-fashionable Nisantasi quarter where visitors are spoilt for choice with shopping, entertainment and gourmet choices, The Sofa Hotel and Residences is available 24 hours a day to arrange any shopping service or pampering comforts with their “Anytime, Anything” button.
Gramercy Park Hotel
This 185-room hotel is where New York happens. Gramercy Park Hotel is located adjacent to and named after the only private park in Manhattan where local residents and hotel guests have exclusive access. Designed by Oscar-nominated director Julian Schnabel, Gramercy Park Hotel is more than a playground for guests and Manhattan’s society both within and outside the hotel. For art aficionados, the hotel is within walking distance from the SoHo art district of Chelsea. On the retail front, the hotel is ideally located with easy access to uptown shopping havens like Fifth and Madison avenues, and downtown style turfs like SoHo, Nolita and the Meatpacking District. The concierge can even make arrangements to fulfill any last minute needs by arranging private shopping sessions.
25hours Hotel HafenCity
25hours Hotel HafenCity is the first hotel to be built in the up-and-coming waterfront area of Hamburg, currently the largest urban development area in Europe. With a modern take on a sailor’s club, this 170-room hotel offers cabin-style suites and is where industrial design meets harbor living. While Hamburg may be blessed with its waterfront, there are other delightful areas and charming boutique filled lanes worth exploring. 25hours Hotel HafenCity provides complimentary bikes and MINIs for shopping tours but guests are advised to book in advance due to their popularity. For an authentic Hamburg touch and in support of the local creative industries, the hotel has partnered with German Mare publishers to create a quirky novelty shop in the lobby.
New Majestic Hotel
The 30-room New Majestic Hotel is where tradition meets glamour as it brings out the best of Singapore’s old and new through its thoughtful design. The hotel features an open-concept, all-white lobby with vintage Compton fans, loft-style guest rooms created by local artists and designers, as well as one of the most popular dining spots in Singapore, Majestic Restaurant. Minutes away from the hotel is an interesting mix of stores in traditional shop houses as well as malls. Guests can scour Chinese handicrafts, herbs, memorabilia, jewelry and even shoes. Traditional Chinese beauty salons and foot reflexology services are also short walks away. The newly launched Guest Experience Ambassador Program gives guests an opportunity to gain insider access to the area and city, whether they are staying for 48 hours or one week. From local plays to Chinese operas to dining at local hawker food centers, it’s a uniquely Singapore experience.
The Sofa Hotel and Residences
Located in the heart of Nisantasi in Istanbul, the 82-room Sofa Hotel and Residences is designed by renowned Turkish architect Sinan Kafadar. The hotel features a sophisticated fusion of chic minimalism and Ottoman flair, complete with ultramodern technology, extraordinary service and a celebrated art gallery. Even the hotel’s Patika bookstore is amply stocked with rare reads for the sophisticated global traveler. Among the selective amenities provided, the 24-hour Anything, Anytime button ensures guests receive personalized service 24 x 7, be it reservations and arrangements within the hotel or outside. The neighborhood offers a wide array of restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques and malls minutes away from the hotel. From the most prestigious mall City with high-end labels to retailers like Beymen and Vakko who stock locally handcrafted labels, Nisantasi is a fashionista’s dream come true.
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