How’d you like a view like this from your hotel room in midtown Manhattan? Okay, truth be told, the skies are rarely this dramatic in the Big Apple, but New York does get sunset and cloud drama, especially in the fall. Even without the sunset blessings or if you happen to be there on a dreary February day, it’s one helluva view, don’t you think? We thought so when we first checked into our Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel suite during a recent stay in late January when we headed east for the New York Times Travel Show, one of our favorite travel events in the states. Be sure to read my write-up on the event because if you love to travel, you won’t want to miss this annual event. If you’re a business traveler, you’ll also want to know about the Renaissance since it’s a stone’s throw from the Jacob Javits Center where so many conventions and events are held. Even on a cold day, it was an easy ten minute walk to the Javits — no taxis, Uber or metro. In other words, ideal!
Fairly new, the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel, is New York City’s first multi-sensory, interactive “living” hotel. Created with the award-winning digital design firm Réalisations Inc. Montreal, the hotel has set up this very cool opportunity to interact with technology and digital artwork that apparently changes with every visit.
Guests and visitors entering the hotel from either 34th or 35th Streets (we used both as they are equally convenient) can interact with stunning digital displays projected along the corridor, a passage which spans the length of an entire block. The display does not change on its own, it only responds to human movement, and the interaction between walkerbys and the wall creates a visual tapestry of subtle, organic graphics.
In producing this ambient intelligence, an environment that is sensitive and responsive to the presence of people, Réalisations utilized a variety of technologies including reflective wallpaper, motion detectors, projectors and 3D cameras to capture and project data and movement occurring in the corridor. The oh so cool a “living” interactive wall showcases a vision of the digital future.
Think local artists and neighborhood experiences, showcasing the ever-changing tapestry of the city and the energy of the surrounding Garment District. Timed to mirror the opening and closing of the elevators, the projected digital displays are always evolving.
The hotel is a six minute walk from Madison Square Garden, one block away from Penn Station, a nine minute walk from the Empire State Building and a 13 minute walk from the Theater District. The rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and mini fridges. Many have city and/or skyline views, and some have balconies or terraces. As for the suites? Modern, chic, artistic and creative and you get your own living room seating area. Take a look at our ceiling, which is pretty standard of other suites on the property — we checked! I had a look at three different suites and two standard hotel rooms. They are all expressively decorated with touches of whimsy, warm yet vibrant colors — in other words, artfully balanced that will appeal to both leisure and business travel guests.
Suite bathrooms are spacious, a rarity in New York especially in midtown.
Then there’s their ever so creative lobby and relaxing lounge area, as well as a fitness center.
If you’re on a VIP floor or have booked a suite (likely one in the same), you get access to their breakfast lounge, which is only open to YOU. One caveat is that it’s only open Monday through Friday, which makes it a great add-on for business travelers.
While we’re talking food, it’s worth noting their upscale sports bar restaurant on the premises called Rock & Reilly’s, which blew us away. Sure, it’s casual and FUN, meaning it’s a great venue for a few cocktails and to kick back. While it’s not fine dining, the cuisine is a cut above what you’d expect from a hotel eatery. The Food & Beverages director is Robert D’Arcangelo and the chef is Chef Chai Trivedi, who comes from Indian heritage and both went over and above to make us feel ‘at home.’ Be sure to read my write-up on the restaurant as it’s definitely worth a stop by and, as much as this may sound crazy given the chef is Indian, ORDER the pasta! His sauce is outa this world — even Anthony agreed! We couldn’t get enough of it although rest assured, their salads, brussels sprouts and apps were oh so delicious as well. They also have a dining terrace which is a nice plus.
And let’s not forget that view!
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Note: I was a guest of the hotel but all opinions expressed are entirely my own. They didn’t pay me to write this or have any influence on what I wrote. This write-up is how I experienced the hotel.
Renee Blodgett is the Founder and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.
Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.
Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.
She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.
Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.
