Z NYC Hotel, a boutique property that led the transformation and revival of Long Island City's waterfront industrial zone directly across the East River from Manhattan, has a lot going for it.
Easy access to town, with several subway lines within eight blocks of the hotel property. A new restaurant. Nearby cutting-edge galleries, museums and sculpture studios. Kid- and pet-friendly policies.
They all help to place Z NYC Hotel in a class of its own among New York's hotels.
Nightime views of the 59th Street Bridge, from Z NYC Hotel — Photo courtesy of Z NYC Hotel
A graffiti'd shuttle – one of several friendly freebies, a list that also includes free WiFi in all rooms and free bicycles on-site – leaves every half hour to head west over the Queensborough Bridge, sweeping guests right back to Z NYC Hotel every hour on the hour from 59th Street and Lexington.
All guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. They're also decorated in neutral shades of taupe, with murals of iconic New York images like the Rockettes and a bright red leather chair or settee, desk, very comfy mattresses, plus nice touches like robes and slippers and a clutch of toiletries and a rainfall shower.
Rooms are sleek, with a touch of glamour — Photo courtesy of Z NYC Hotel
Night views are the most spectacular, especially from the Rooftop bar, open through October. The hotel is so close to the bridge spanning the East River, that the play of light is always an enchanting element to every room.
The subterranean industrial-chic lounge is a meeting point, where drinks are served well into the night, as well as appetizers and snacks.
Bikes are available for exploring trendy Long Island City — Photo courtesy of Z NYC Hotel
The arrival of the new ceLLar bar and restaurant conceptualized by Tino Tsutras and Chef Danny Dreesen (@wildcatprochef) has boosted the flavors in the the dining room.
In warm weather months, guests can participate in Sunset Rooftop Yoga and seasonal picnic packages. Brunch is served on Sundays at Villa Enrico for $13.95, or you can upgrade to a warm weather Rooftop Brunch for $19.95 per person.
Lately, Z NYC Hotel expanded its guest appeal with the Pawtastic Package for guests who cannot leave home without Fido, and its Retail Therapy package partners up with Bloomingdale's. So, depending on the season, check the package that may suit you. Rooftop yoga is also a draw in summer months.
Z's shuttle runs back and forth to "The Big Apple" much of the day — Photo courtesy of Z NYC Hotel
Neighboring attractions reflect the character of Long Island City: riverside oasis Gantry Park; MOMA PS 1, housed in a former public school; the Isamu Noguchi Museum occupies a former printing shop; Socrates Sculpture Park was created from an abandoned waterfront space; the Museum of the Moving Image grew out of a complex of movie studios built in 1920; and the Fisher Landau Center for Art, which is housed in a former parachute harness factory.
A flow of international visitors at Z NYC Hotel testifies to its hip vibe, while savvy travelers stay here for the joy of crashing in a corner of the city with a lower decibel than midtown and waking up to the sight of New York City right outside their door. Book a room from the 6th floor up for the most romantic fetching shots of the city.
Views are incomparable from every vantage point at Z NYC Hotel — Photo courtesy of Maria Lisella
