HotelChatter

Kimpton Hotels

Nine Zero Gets NYT Stamp of Approval

August 20, 2007 at 10:27 AM | 0 Comments

The first line of Stuart Emmrich's review for the NY Times of the hotel Nine Zero goes like this:

Finally, a hotel for dog-loving, yoga-practicing, environmentally conscious history buffs.

If that's not enough to let you know it's a Kimpton Hotel, then we don't know what other clues you would need.

Nine Zero's been open for a while but in this day and age everyone seems to be look for a green hotel during their travels and Nine Zero definitely lives up to the expectations with its eco-friendly cleaning products and fair trade coffee.

Emmrich loved the place from top to bottom. This was actually one of the most positive reviews of a hotel we've seen from NYT all year. Not that they are too harsh on hotels in the first place but still, Emmrich only mentioned one thing to avoid: hanging out in the lobby during the hotel's daily wine-tasting hour.

However, judging from this picture we may make our own suggestion: Avoid the lobby during the week when business travelers of the male persuasion are hanging out in the lobby. Sheesh, where are the ladies at?

[Photo: Jodi Hilton for NYT]

Related Stories:
· Check In, Check Out: Nine Zero [NY Times]

London Hotel Reviews

Athenaeum Hotel Dressing Too Young for its Age

November 6, 2006 at 1:33 PM | 0 Comments

Old and classic is pretty much a given when it comes to London hotels located in the heart of the city. This is why they need to go a little further to impress us, whether that be with a celeb clientele or a really hot bar.

Stuart Emmrich of the New York Times recently checked into the Anthenaeum located right off Picadilly. The hotel boasted a regular Brit celeb list in its early heyday but now has undergone a renovation--perhaps to keep up said clientele.

However, Emmrich's description of the new Anthenaeum is pretty underwhelming and totally unexcited. The rooms are spacious but have lost their old plush robes post-renovation, no celebs were to be found, and Emmrich finds, this place just may be trying too hard:

Though the Athenaeum was clearly in need of a freshening up, some of the new touches almost make the hotel come across like a middle-age dowager trying to stave off the ravages of age by dressing a little too young, a little too hip -- as if the queen had suddenly shown up at one of her garden parties in Stella McCartney. (Please, bring back Hardy Aimes.)

Overall this hotel is one to grab when you're not looking for anything in particular except maybe an address or some good room service.

Related Stories:
· Check In Check Out [New York Times]
· Athenaeum Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]