The Vibe
Staypineapple is an 89-room boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan. It’s playful vibe and colorful artsy décor will appeal to travels looking for something fun and out of the ordinary. Staypineapple is pet friendly, welcoming all kinds of furry friends. The hotel is a short walk to the Javits Convention Center, and vacation travelers will find the sights and attractions at their doorstep. Time Square, Broadway, Bryant Park and the Empire State building are all less than a 20-minute walk. Penn Station is nearby, making it easy to navigate the city by train and subway.
The hotel’s common space includes a small lobby with two sofas, and a dining table that is convenient for eating takeout meals and doubles as a workspace. Chandeliers, butterfly mosaic tiles and a sparkling crystal pineapple in the lobby welcome guests. Rooms contain a free refillable branded water bottle, and there’s a water refilling station in the lobby, which includes still, sparkling and hot water.
How I Felt
Happy. Pineapples are sweet, yellow and make people happy, according to the mural by the elevator. I’d agree that the friendly staff, bright warm ambiance and free morning coffee set the tone for an enjoyable stay. The complimentary, delicious pineapple-shaped afternoon cookies were a mood booster, too. Guests receive a coaster upon check-in that can be redeemed for a free soft drink or small snack during their stay.
The Digs
My cozy king room was compact but make good use of space. There’s a sliding drawer under the bed for your suitcase, and two cushioned stools on wheels that can be tucked out of the way when not in use. The nightstands have pull out extensions, adding extra space to set a laptop. I found the space too tight for working, so I used the dining table in the lobby to catch up on emails.
Blackout shades, quiet air conditioning and fluffy European-style duvets made for a comfortable night’s sleep. Tommy Bahama bath products, plush towels and soft, butter yellow robes are provided in the well-lit bathroom. Start the day with coffee from the in-room Keurig or coffee in the lobby every morning.
The Agenda
Staypineapple’s Midtown location can’t be beat. My husband and I took advantage of our GoCity Pass to visit the Guggenheim Museum, Top of the Rock and take an incredible sunset cruise in New York Harbor. We also booked a Broadway show, enjoyed the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt experience and explored Roosevelt Island. Coffee in Bryant Park, the lights of Time Square, the Chrysler Building – we explored them all on foot and subway from Staypineapple’s convenient location.
The Eats
With no onsite restaurant, we enjoyed coffee in the lobby and then walked a block to Essen for breakfast. We fueled up with fresh fruit and breakfast sandwiches at this fantastic buffet-style healthy deli. The options for dining are incredible in this part of Manhattan; we grabbed pizza by the slice at 2 Bros. Pizza, slurped down Chinese noodles at Bites of Xi’an and enjoyed an incredible spread of Greek small plates at Molyvos. Whatever your taste or dining style, you’ll find a suitable options near the hotel.
Why I Would Go Back
I traveled with my husband on this trip, but I would come back as a solo female traveler because of the hotel’s small size. A lobby with one entrance, only four rooms on each floor and an attentive staff felt very secure. The location was fantastic, the rooms are clean and comfortable and the afternoon pineapple cookies are addictive.
Kirsten Harrington
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