Review: The Ludlow Hotel, New York

I can see the ‘Hotel’ sign up the street and I know we are getting close. I’ve walked these streets on Google Maps more times than I care to admit in the weeks before our trip to New York. We booked our hotel through British Airways and were reassured by its Mr & Mrs Smith status, but honestly, we didn’t have a clue about what to expect!

I’m pleased to see when we arrive that The Ludlow Hotel is just as quirky and trendy as the pictures suggested. Dark wood gives a close and cosy vibe in the lobby, and the fire is roaring even though it’s forecast to be more than 20degrees this week.

The Ludlow Hotel lounge

Our room is compact but very tastefully decorated. The large and comfortable bed dominates the room and the feather pillows catch our weary heads like a cloud. We’re treated to a bottle of red which waits patiently for us beside the chairs and keeps our mind off the minibar, which features (amid the usual) pleasure items for couples, next to a jar of gummy bears.

Comfy bed and soft pillows make for a good night sleep

The bathroom is as big as some kitchens I’ve known, and is complete with bath, rain shower, robes and delicious smelling shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion which were probably better than the ones I’d packed from home.

Bathrooms dreams are made here!

We have uninterrupted views of the Lower East Side from our 13^th floor room, and a statue waves us good morning and goodnight from the rooftop across the street. Sunrise is a treat which you can rarely enjoy from your bed, so we lap it up each morning.

Good morning New York!

Breakfast is served each morning in the Dirty French restaurant. Included are fresh fruit, parfait or pastries. Guests can pick one to enjoy with tea or coffee and juice and water. The parfait is large enough alone to feed 2, and the pastries option is actually a basket of 3 enormous freshly baked pasties. You won’t leave hungry that’s for sure. We mixed things up one morning with eggs Benedict which were great, but so filling we didn’t need lunch!

Pastries and Parfait (Granola and Yogurt) for breakfast

The Ludlow wins the award for best WiFi I’ve ever had, anywhere! It was quicker than at my house and perfect for planning the day over breakfast or sharing holiday snaps online from your room.

And take pictures you will! The Ludlow's hidden treasure is its rooftop terrace with amazing views over the Lower Manhattan skyline. For hotel guests only, it's the perfect place to bring that bottle of wine at watch the city light come on after sunset!

Sunset views from the rooftop of The Ludlow Hotel

The Lower East Side is an amazing part of New York to explore, and is so commonly ignored in favour of the towering buildings and sights of Midtown and the Upper East Side. The Ludlow is perfectly placed for those of you looking for an authentic, youthful and rich New York experience, as it has so many amazing places to eat, drink and shop on its doorstep and great connections to the rest of Manhattan and Brooklyn.  

5 stars!