Prince Kitano NYC: The Most Luxurious Hotel You've NEVER Seen!
Prince Kitano NYC: Forget Everything You THINK You Know About Luxury. Seriously. (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, listen up. I'm about to tell you about a hotel that’s like… a secret. You’ve probably never even heard of it. And that’s a good thing, because it means it hasn't been overrun by the Instagram hordes. We’re talking about Prince Kitano NYC: The Most Luxurious Hotel You've NEVER Seen! (And yes, that's their tagline. It's, like, ridiculously accurate.) This isn't your average, cookie-cutter luxury experience. It’s… different. And let me tell you, after my recent stay, “different” is a very good thing.
First, the elephant in the room (or, you know, the accessibility):
- Accessibility: Okay, let's be real, this is CRUCIAL. They've got it! They actually get it. The Facilities for disabled guests are a major plus. While I didn't need them myself, seeing the elevators, the wide hallways, and knowing that they're genuinely trying to make things easy for everyone made me breathe a sigh of relief. Wheelchair accessible is a big, beautiful checkmark.
(Rambling Mode Engaged)
You know what grinds my gears? Hotels that claim accessibility but then have a shower that's, like, two inches off the ground. Seriously?! But here, they seem to really be thinking about it. It’s not just an afterthought; it's part of the design. Huge kudos on that.
Now, Let's Get to the REALLY Good Stuff: The Pampering and the "Me" Time!
- Spa/Sauna/Pool with a View & ALL the Relaxy Things: Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This is where Prince Kitano really shines. The Spa is… well, I could practically live there. They offer a whole galaxy of treatments, from Body scrubs and Body wraps to the usual suspects like Massage. But it's the ambiance, the sheer calm of it all that gets you. I spent a solid hour in the Sauna, just melting away stress. And that Pool with a view? Forget about it. I may or may not have spent approximately 3 hours there one afternoon, staring at the city and pretending I was a glamorous movie star. (Don't judge me, you'd do it too!) Steamroom, check. Foot bath, check. And the Gym/fitness center? Surprisingly well-equipped, though I mostly used it to… you know, look at the equipment. Hey, I earned those extra cocktails somehow!
- Fitness Center: I actually hit the treadmill once or twice, and I will say it was a good set up.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Basically, they've thought of everything. The Spa/sauna combo is a highlight, but even wandering around the impeccably decorated lobby is a form of relaxation.
(Anecdote Alert!)
I had a massage one afternoon. It was so good, I almost fell asleep on the massage table. Almost. Then, I started giggling like a lunatic because the masseuse looked like she was holding back a laugh too. Turns out, I snored during the shoulder rub. Mortifying! But hey, it was so relaxing, I couldn't help it! The Spa experience was just divine.
The Essential Comforts (or, "What's in the Rooms?")
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Okay, that's a lot of stuff. Here’s the deal: the rooms are beautiful. Seriously, impeccably designed. Think clean lines, rich textures, and a general feeling of well-being. The Bed? Cloud-like. Blackout curtains? Bless them. Because, let’s face it, sometimes you just need to sleep until noon, and these rooms allow it. Free Wi-Fi? A total lifesaver. Wi-Fi [free] I used every single day. The complimentary tea and free bottled water in the room were a welcome touch. The air conditioning worked like a charm (especially crucial in NYC summers). The robes were plush. Everything just worked.
(A Quick, But Opinionated, Sidebar)
I'm a sucker for a good bathtub. And let me tell you, the bathtubs here are amazing. Deep, luxurious, and perfect for a long soak with a book. So, if you're a fellow bath enthusiast, consider this your official endorsement!
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Drinking Too!)
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: This is where Prince Kitano really surprised me.
- Restaurants: You have a few options. One is a traditional, high-end Japanese restaurant (they do amazing sushi). Another is a more International, with a fantastic Breakfast [Buffet] where you can fuel up for a day of exploring.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant / Western cuisine in restaurant: Both the Japanese and International restaurants have offerings.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for evening cocktails.
- Room service [24-hour] / Coffee shop: They have you covered at all hours. I had Breakfast in room one morning. This was a true luxury.
- Bar: I spent a few pleasant hours in the bar. They make a killer martini. They also have a Happy hour.
- Snack bar: Grab and go or a quick bite.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Bottle of water are nice touches.
- Desserts in restaurant. Need I say any more?
- The service at the Japanese restaurant was impeccable. The sushi was fresh, and the atmosphere was sophisticated.
- I enjoyed my breakfast [buffet].
- The poolside bar was a wonderful place to gather and relax.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes!
- Cashless payment service: Always a plus.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: Important.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Makes sense.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Excellent.
- Safe dining setup: I always felt safe.
(A Slightly Embarrassing Confession)
I may have ordered room service, like, three times during my stay. Don’t judge me! The menu was tempting, and sometimes you just don’t want to leave the comfort of your luxurious room. And the food was delicious. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant was good too. I mean, what is a luxury hotel without quality coffee?
Safety and Cleanliness: Because, You Know, the Real World
- Cleanliness and safety: This is something they nail.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They take it seriously.
- Rooms sanitized: You’d better believe it.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yep.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They make it happen.
- Food delivery: If you want it.
- CCTV in common areas / CCTV outside property: They are on top of it.
- Fire extinguisher: Safety first.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always there.
- Hotel chain: A good one.
- Safety/security feature: Always good.
- Smoke alarms: A necessity.
(A Tiny Critique, Just Because I Have to Be Fair)
The lighting in the elevator felt a little dim. Minor complaint, but hey, someone has to point these things out!
The Extras: Services and Conveniences
- Services and conveniences: They have everything.
- Concierge: Amazing. They helped me with restaurant reservations, directions, and even finding a last-minute gift.
- Air conditioning in public area: Crucial, especially in the summer
- Business facilities / Meeting/banquet facilities / Meeting stationery / Seminars: For the workaholics.
- **
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to create an itinerary for the Prince Kitano in New York, but this isn’t some sterile travel ad. This is real life. Expect chaos. Expect opinions. Expect me to get distracted by a particularly intriguing pigeon.
The Prince Kitano: A New York Diary of Delight (and Possible Disaster)
(Because, let's be honest, travel is always a little bit of both.)
Day 1: Arrival & The "Oh God, I've Left My Charger" Panic
- Morning (Or What Passes for It After a Red-Eye): Arrive at JFK. Ugh. Airport. The universal symbol of soul-crushing tedium. Grab that overpriced coffee and try not to make eye contact with anyone who looks like they might try to talk to me at 7 AM. Pre-booked a car (because I am NOT wrestling with the subway after a flight) - a splurge, but hey, who am I to deny myself?
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Kitano Check-In & The Charger Crisis: Finally, The Prince Kitano. Okay, this lobby is…pretty. Calm. Japanese. Like a visual hug. Check-in smoothly, thank god. Then it hits me: "WHERE'S MY BLOODY PHONE CHARGER?!" My heart plummets. Panic mode activated. Gotta find a store. Gotta find juice. Gotta find…sanity.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Charger Hunt & The Ramen Revelation: A furious scavenger hunt ensues. Walked a mile, I’m sure. Found a Duane Reade, bought a charger that probably costs more than it should, and now I’m going to get some food because I'm starving. Oh my god, I found a Ramen place nearby. It's called Totto Ramen. The reviews are glowing. This feels like divine intervention.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Ramen Experience - Holy Mother of God (It's Good): Okay, Totto. This is serious ramen. Rich, porky broth. Noodles with the perfect amount of chew. Soft-boiled eggs that weep deliciousness. I'm currently in a happy food coma. Worth the potential charger-related anxiety. Consider doubling down on this experience because it really, really was good.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Reclaiming Control & A First Stroll: Back to the now-charged phone and the hotel. I'll settle in (unpack? ha!) and just check on my emails. The sun, the day, the air of the city. I think I could walk. Time to stroll around the neighborhood, a welcome breath from the plane and all the errands.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: UES Promenade & The (Relatively) Calm: Just a simple walk on the Upper East Side. Seeing the well-groomed dogs, the fancy shops, and honestly, feeling a little smug that I'm here. Not bad.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Kitano's Hakubai Restaurant: Trying to get reservations here was a mini-drama in itself (pro-tip: book way in advance). Supposed to be amazing Japanese. Expectations? High. Wallet? Concerned. Let’s hope for a Michelin star experience.
- 8:00 PM - Late: Trying To Not Crash and Burn Post-dinner? Might fall straight into that inviting hotel bed. Or, if the city calls… a very brief peek at the Times Square (because you kind of have to, right?) before scurrying back to the hotel to recharge everything… including myself.
Day 2: Culture Vomit and Unexpected Delights
- Morning: Museum Hopping & Coffee Chaos: Wake up. Coffee is required. Hit up the Met (because, again, you have to). Get overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all. Vow to come back and actually study the art instead of just wandering around in a daze. The museum will be exhausting. Have to have a mid-morning coffee break to stay sane.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM : The Guggenheim & The Architecture Induced Headache: I'm going to the Guggenheim next. I am not particularly fond of the building but I shall visit anyway. The art should be more digestible, or at least… different. Wish me luck.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Break - From The Curb! Time to eat. Preferably something quick! I'm going to grab a hot dog / food truck situation. I'm planning a walk.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Central Park Ramble & The Squirrel Conspiracy: Central Park. Bliss. Get lost for a while. Watch the performers. Observe the squirrels. Become convinced the squirrels are plotting world domination. (They totally are.)
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Grand Central Terminal: A quick visit here. The architecture is amazing, even if I'm not keen on the crowds.
- 5:00-7:00 PM: The Empire State Building & The View That Makes You Question Everything: The Empire State Building. I'm not sure about the queues, but I have to do it. It is Iconic. The view! It should be spectacular. I will let you know what I think.
Day 3: Shopping, Jazz & The "I Need A Nap" Revelation
- Morning: Shopping on Fifth Ave (Or, The Art Of Avoiding Overspending): A quick visit to some stores for some retail therapy. I'll window shop, most likely.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch somewhere quick. There are tons of options around. I'll just check it out, maybe something casual.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Greenwich Village Exploration: Get lost in the charm of Greenwich Village, wander a bit.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00pm: The Blue Note - Jazz Dreams & Reality Checks: I've managed a reservation for the Blue Note! This is going to be amazing. But…jazz. Will I understand it? Will I be able to keep my eyes open? Will my wallet survive? Only time will tell.
- 7:00 PM - Late: Last Supper & Farewell Drinks: A nice dinner, maybe at a place I didn't discover before. Then maybe a final cocktail at a rooftop bar, or maybe not. The "I need a nap" revelation is starting to set in.
Day 4: Goodbye, Big Apple! (Until Next Time, Hopefully!)
- Morning: Breakfast & Farewell Stroll: A final, leisurely breakfast at the hotel – which I'll probably scarph down in a hurry, because I'm always running late. A final walk around the neighborhood because I'll regret it if I don't.
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to JFK & The "I Wish I'd Done More" Regret: The dreaded journey to the airport. The bittersweet moment as the city fades into the distance. The inevitable "I wish I'd (fill in the blank)" regret. Oh well. There's always next time.
Important Considerations (aka, The Fine Print):
- Mood Swings: Expect them. I'm a human. Sometimes I’ll be euphoric, sometimes I’ll be crabby. Adapt accordingly.
- Improvisation is Key: This is a suggestion. If something doesn't work, or if I stumble upon something amazing, I'll change it. That's the point.
- The Food is the Star: I'm a foodie. Expect multiple food-related tangents. Prepare to be hungry.
- Pace Yourself, Fool: New York is exhausting. Don't try to do everything. Prioritize. Rest. Hydrate.
- I Am Not a Travel Agent: This is a diary. It is not professional advice. Do your own research. Have fun!
Okay, now I'm off to pack. Wish me luck. And send coffee. I'm going to need it.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits! (Romantic Getaway)
Prince Kitano NYC: The Secret's Out (Maybe?) - Your Burning Questions Answered (With Feelings!)
Okay, spill the tea: What *is* Prince Kitano all about? I've heard whispers... very quiet whispers.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this is a ride. Prince Kitano? Picture this: a discreet, quietly opulent haven in the heart of Midtown. It’s like a secret society, honestly. You kind of *stumble* upon it. No flashing neon signs screaming "LOOK AT ME!" Just pure, understated elegance. They're going for "refined Japanese hospitality meets New York City energy". And frankly, they mostly *nail* it. The lobby itself...oh man. It’s like walking into a curated art gallery where you actually *get* to touch things. And the scent? Not overpowering, but this subtle, calming fragrance that makes you instantly want to take a nap (in a very chic way, naturally).
Is it... expensive? Because let's be real, I can barely afford ramen.
Let's just say, you're not going to raid your couch cushions and find enough to book a suite. (Unless you have a *very* generous couch.) Yeah, it's pricey. Think "splurge," "special occasion," "saving every penny for a year" kind of expensive. My *god*, that room service bill...it almost gave me a heart attack. Okay, it *did* give me a mini-heart attack. But the thing is...and here comes the caveat...if you can swing it, it’s worth the splurge. The experience, the service...it's all elevated. You feel like royalty. Even if you *are* just checking out the mini-bar and secretly trying to figure out how they make those amazing little chocolates. Don't judge me.
What's the vibe like? Should I bring my ripped jeans and band t-shirt?
Buddy, *no*. Leave the ripped jeans at home. Think "sophisticated yet comfortable." You'll see everything from impeccably dressed business travelers closing deals to well-heeled couples celebrating anniversaries. It’s not stuffy, but it *is* refined. I saw a guy in a perfectly tailored suit who looked like he stepped straight off a yacht. In *New York City*. I was simultaneously impressed and intimidated. So basically, pack your "I want to look good, but not like I'm trying too hard" outfit. Think nice cashmere sweater, dark jeans, maybe a blazer. Anything goes, but think "effortlessly elegant."
Is the location convenient? I hate having to Uber everywhere.
Location, location, location! The Prince Kitano is *gold* in this department. Smack-dab in Midtown East, walking distance to all sorts of things. Think museums, shopping on Fifth Avenue, grand Central Station... all reachable. Getting a cab is ridiculously easy, and the subway is right there. Seriously, you can get anywhere you want from this place. It's a dream for exploring, especially if you're sightseeing. I got lost in a museum, and that was great and so easy to get back to the hotel.
Tell me about the rooms! What's the *oomph* factor?
The rooms... *sigh*. Okay, here’s where I go full-on gushy. Because WOW. The Japanese influence is *everywhere* – clean lines, minimalist design, and the most soothing color palettes you've ever seen. Think creamy whites, muted grays, maybe a pop of cherry blossom pink. The beds are like sleeping on a cloud dipped in silk. And the *views*...depending on your room, breathtaking. I had one of those ridiculous corner rooms – the window was literally the whole wall, so you could see the city *forever*. Honestly, I just stood there, mesmerized, for probably half an hour. I kept thinking, *”This is what living well feels like.”* Even the *bathrobes*! They feel like wearing a hug. I may or may not have stolen one. (Just kidding! ...Mostly kidding.)
Okay, let's talk about the food. Is it any good? The restaurant... the cafe... are they worth it?
Oh, the food. *Chef's kiss*. The main restaurant, Hakubai? It's a true Japanese dining experience. Think delicate sushi, perfectly grilled fish, and some of the finest sake I’ve ever had. It's not cheap, mind you. But the quality is top-notch, and the presentation is an art form. The cafe? Perfect for a quick, delicious breakfast or a light lunch. I devoured their pastries more than once. The matcha latte was a total game-changer. Okay, I’m officially hungry. *Again.* I'm dreaming of both places. Both are worth the cost, even if you have to make ramen for a month afterward.
Tell me about the service! Is it as attentive as the hype says?
The service? Okay, here's a story. I arrived late, almost had a disaster. I was flustered, had a terrible taxi ride, then somehow managed to spill coffee all over my white shirt *right* before check-in. I was a mess. I was mortified. The front desk person, a woman with the most serene smile, didn't blink an eye. She immediately offered to have my shirt cleaned (and miraculously, it came back perfect) and got me a welcome drink while I waited. And here's the thing: that level of service wasn't just a one-off. The staff is genuinely attentive without being intrusive. They anticipate what you need before you even realize you need it. They are polite but not pretentious. It's pure Zen. I felt seen as a person, not just a room number. Frankly, it's *almost* unsettling how good they are. Prepare to be spoiled rotten.
Any downsides? Anything I should be aware of?
Alright, let's get real. There are a few things. The price, as we've covered. And while the location is amazing, it's also *Midtown*. So don't expect quiet serenity outside the hotel walls. You're in the middle of the hustle and bustle of NYC. You might hear sirens. You might get a little lost in the crowds. But honestly? It's worth it. And sometimes, *sigh* when they are all booked up. Ugh!
Okay, if you *had* to pick one standout moment... what was it?
