Fodor's Expert Review Hyatt Union Square New York
134 4th Ave., New York, New York 10003, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice
If Hyatt conjures visions of Anywhere USA, for this Union Square franchise, think again. This is as contemporary as they come, with Nordic-inspired furnishings in a sleek, technology-integrated accommodation fit for the urban traveler on a quiet corner of a central Downtown thoroughfare.
room
Mostly designed with two people in mind, the rooms are cut trimly with each inch of space maximized for some function. King-sized beds (firm but plush) flow into storage-nightstands (with lighting controls for the whole room) that merge into built-in closets. Desks and TVs are at once part of the same wall unit, and often as are the bar carts, housing a flush minibar but more importantly complimentary Nespresso.
Book on the second floor, on which all rooms have terraces (kitted out with outdoor lightings and flora galore).
bathroom
As with so many contemporary spaces, the bathroom’s trough sink and tiled spa shower are exposed—a modernist slatted partition is all that separates here from the bedroom. But, fear not, the toilet is behind closed doors.
lobby
The first sign of the Hyatt Union Square’s growth spurt (it opened in 2013) is the lobby’s transformation from a cookie-cutter contemporary gallery-feel to 19th century clubhouse, a design allusion to the origins of 4th Avenue, which was once the Bowery. Flanked by the hotel’s bar and restaurant, the lobby feels like a proper lobby. Stately couches and armchairs await for guests awaiting transport. There is always complimentary infused-water and fresh fruit, apple cider after 5 and occasionally sweet treats from Union Square’s beloved farmer’s Greenmarket (whose parent company GrowNYC is a partner of the hotel).
spa
With no spa onsite, the hotel has a deal with the lavish Red Door spa on 18th street offering guests 20% off treatments.
gym
The hotel’s gym occupies the majority of the basement level—it’s big and kitted out with nearly every machine, cardio or weight, found in membership establishments. There are also headphones, apples and the papers should those be required for burn sesh. If for whatever reason the gym isn’t sufficient, the hotel also has partnerships with some of the larger gym chains in the area.
dining
The recently opened Bowery Road is an independently owned-and-operated American Brasserie from the Apicii group, serving local and seasonal fare with ingredients from the Union Square Greenmarket. Bi-level, with a 30-foot custom chandelier (and designed by the buzzy Dutch East Design), the dining space is stylish and comfortable—an upscale neighborhood joint, if you will. Guests are privy to special offers to dine at the restaurant. Bowery Road also provides breakfast to guests with the bed-and-breakfast package.
drinking
If the Library of Distilled Spirits’ sumptuous velvet banquets and brass high bar stools wasn’t enough to lure you in, perhaps the over 1,000 varieties of liquor will. Swank enough for the style set, expert enough for the cocktail connoisseurs and laid back enough for anyone and everyone. The Library’s speciality are seasonal drinks are made from herbs and fruits found at the Union Sq. Market.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Union Square sees the the intersection of the 4/5/6 and N/Q/R/W subways, as well as the all-important L train to Williamsburg and Bushwick, which will shut down in 2019 for repairs.
Restaurants
Located at the nape of the East Village, which covers lots of ground but remains an unparalleled culinary corner of New York, there are far too many top-pick restaurants to rattle off. However, for the finer fare, try Hearth (9-minute walk), an early addition to the neighborhood of American local and seasonal. It would be remiss to deny yourself the original Momofuku Noodle Bar (10-minute walk), which started David Chang’s ascent to star chef, though many New Yorkers prefer the Ssäm Bar (6-minute walk). Try your luck at getting a table at Hong Kong dim sum import Tim Ho Wan (3-minute walk), but if you can get in, it’s well worth the often 1-hour wait.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Hyatt Union Square doesn’t feel like a Hyatt—and yet, offers the expected quality standards of the hotel conglomerate. Comfortable and practical, stylish and predictable, this outpost has a boutique feel with corporate standards. The best of both worlds. The Hyatt Union Square also makes a concerted effort to be part of its community, by partnering with NYC Grow as well as neighboring establishments, which is certainly felt throughout the halls.
QUICK FACTS
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