THE BUZZ: citizenM has dedicated much of its space to hip
There’s a new twist on hotels—those that provide “affordable luxury” settings with great public spaces with free Wi-Fi and a very appealing social environment.
citizenM New York is riding that wave and has opened in Times Square right in the heart of all the crowds and storefronts and neon lights that make Times Square, well, Times Square.
We say it would be wise to check out the lobby and try a cocktail on for size, where you can get the feel for all things citizenM, whose concept was germinated in Amsterdam (so it must be cool). Brand tenets include self check-in, living room style communal workspaces and a 24-hour grab & go-style cafeteria with locally sourced food, and an open kitchen with a full-service cocktail and coffee bar. There’s free Wi-Fi, (natch, the M in citizenM stands for “mobility”) and artwork abounds with lobby installations and paintings and photographs.
We’re pretty sure this new hotel concept will have people buzzing, if only for its bars. There’s one on the ground floor and another on the 21st-floor roof, which, at 3,000 square feet is a major commitment to the highlife, we think.
Note: Guest rooms here are cozy at 170 square feet and room amenities include “a shower and toilet, which are housed in a prefabricated pod enclosed with glass and an acrylic bottom and ceiling.” The Ritz-Carlton this is not, but then again, room pricing starts at $199.
citizenM is already in Amsterdam, Glasgow, London and Rotterdam and there are plans for another in downtown New York, London and Paris.