Washington Square Hotel: NYC's Chicest Secret Getaway? (You NEED to See This!)
Washington Square Hotel: NYC's Chicest Secret Getaway? (You NEED to See This!) - A Thoroughly Unorganized Review
Okay, so, chicest secret getaway? That's what they're saying about the Washington Square Hotel. Honestly, after my stay, yeah, I'm leaning towards… mostly true. It's like a bohemian Parisian flat smushed into the heart of Greenwich Village, throwing a party you didn't know you were invited to, yet somehow absolutely need to be at. Let's unpack this… mess. (And yes, I'm intentionally being a bit extra. Bear with me.)
Accessibility & Safety - Trying to be inclusive and… doing a decent job.
Right out the gate, let's get the important stuff out of the way. Accessibility. I can’t fully speak to every aspect, but they do have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and I think some accessible rooms. Gotta check directly for your needs, it's NYC after all. I'm pretty sure the lobby and common areas are fairly manageable.
Cleanliness and Safety… Because 2024 is a thing.
Look, the world is weird. And the Washington Square Hotel is trying. They're definitely playing the "we care!" card with anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and a whole laundry list of hygiene protocols. They even have that room sanitization opt-out available thing if you're into avoiding the cleaning overkill. I saw plenty of hand sanitizer stations, and a doctor/nurse on call, which is comforting, especially after… a night in the Village. They also boast a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in the rooms.
Important takeaway: They seem to be taking it seriously, and for me, a germaphobe with a history of allergic reactions, that's a huge win. I felt relatively safe.
Rooms: Where the Magic (and Maybe the Dust Bunnies) Happens
Okay, the rooms. This is where the "secret getaway" part really shines. I stayed in a… well, let's just say it wasn't the penthouse. But it WAS charming. Blackout curtains? Check. Bathtub? Check! (Important for post-exploring-NYC relaxation.) Free Wi-Fi?! Oh, praise be! It's free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless that actually WORKS for once! There's even Internet access – LAN for the tech geeks. And a coffee/tea maker. Essential. Seriously, that first cup in the morning, that's what separates a surviving from a thriving NYC experience.
Things I loved:
- The air conditioning actually worked, a godsend in July.
- The desk and laptop workspace, ideal to work on my travel blog (you’re reading it!).
- The complimentary tea and free bottled water. Nice touches.
- The reading light. I mean, gotta read! (What, I don't have to be working every second of my vacation?)
Things that weren’t perfect:
- The soundproofing. It's good, but not perfect. I could occasionally hear the faint rumble of the city below and the happy chatter of people in the hallways. (Part of the charm? Maybe.)
- The window that opens. A definite plus! (Fresh air, always!)
- The bathroom was small, as most NYC bathrooms are, but the hair dryer was surprisingly good! And I didn't even notice the presence of any extra toilets
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Bohemian Spirit
The restaurants at the hotel. This is where things get interesting… and, honestly, sometimes frustrating. They advertise Asian cuisine in restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant and a bar, a coffee shop, and more.
The breakfast: I had the breakfast [buffet] one morning. It was… okay. Standard hotel fare. Coffee was decent. But I would have preferred the the a la carte in restaurant or the breakfast in room. They do offer a breakfast takeaway service, which seems like a smart option for those wanting to get out there and explore immediately. I love it when a hotel caters to a variety of needs.
The bar: I didn't spend a ton of time at the bar, but it always looked lively. Happy hour seems to be a popular draw. They have a poolside bar. That's tempting, but it's more for the look of a rooftop pool in a hot city rather than any actual space.
The coffee shop: I hit the coffee shop frequently. It felt like a true local haunt, and I was able to grab a coffee and some snacks. Room service [24-hour] is a definite win, too.
Overall dining take: It's fine. Not Michelin-star worthy, but convenient, especially after a long day of pounding the pavement.
Services and Conveniences: Living the Parisian-Village Life
The Washington Square Hotel offers a solid suite of services, perfect for tourists or business travelers.
- Concierge and doorman: Invaluable, especially in a city like New York. They were super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service and dry cleaning: Yep, they got you.
- Luggage storage: Essential for those early arrivals or late departures.
- Contactless check-in/out: A definite plus right now.
- Currency exchange: Handy if you're arriving from abroad.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have a meeting stationery, indoor venue for special events, outdoor venue for special events, and audio-visual equipment.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Gift/souvenir shop: For those last-minute gifts for friends or family.
- Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking: This location seems to assume that you will be arriving by car.
- Wi-Fi for special events: This makes the location very attractive for business travel.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Bit of Zen (and a Lot of… Village)
Okay, this is definitely not a resort. No spa, sauna, steamroom, or swimming pool. Okay, so basically, this hotel is really not about luxurious pampering.
BUT! Let's focus on the good stuff. The hotel's location is the real selling point here. You're steps away from Washington Square Park, a whirlwind of street performers, chess hustlers, and the quintessential NYC vibe.
- Things to do: Explore the Village! Wander through crooked streets, discover hidden cafes, catch a show at the Comedy Cellar, lose yourself in the shops and art galleries.
- Ways to relax: Okay, so no spa. But… you have the Village. Grab a coffee, read a book in the park, people-watch. Simple pleasures, right?
Accessibility & Safety: A Deeper Dive
The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property make me feel secure. The security [24-hour] is crucial.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: A godsend after a long flight.
- Taxi service: Easy to hail a cab.
- Bicycle parking: For the ambitious cyclist.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: The hotel seems to welcome families, although I didn't see many kids during my stay.
- Babysitting service: Is available.
Final Thoughts and a (Slightly Messy) Recommendation
So, is the Washington Square Hotel a "chicest secret getaway"? It's not perfect. And it’s definitely not the most luxurious hotel in the city. But if you want a hotel that's oozing with character, in a perfect location to soak up the Greenwich Village vibe, with free Wi-Fi, a decent room, and a staff that actually seems to care, then YES. Go. Book it.
Here's my offer to you:
Ditch the Chain Hotels, Embrace the Village Vibe! Book your stay at the Washington Square Hotel and get:
- 15% off your first night, because honestly, who doesn't love a discount?
- Complimentary breakfast for two, so you can fuel up for a day of exploring.
- A complimentary bottle of wine at the bar, because, well, it's the Village!
- Free access to the hotel's bicycle parking.
- Early check-in if one is available.
(Use code: VILLAGEESCAPE at checkout - but don't tell everyone about this secret, okay? We want to keep it… a secret.)
**The Washington Square Hotel: It's not just
Bataan Beachfront Paradise: 3BR/2BA, Unbeatable Price!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly neurotic account of my time at the Washington Square Hotel in New York City. Prepare for some serious deviations from the straight and narrow. Consider yourself warned.
TITLE: Washington Square, Where Dreams…and Definitely Coffee Stains, Are Made (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival! (Cue the Dramatic Music…and My Luggage's Weight Fluctuation)
1:00 PM: Arrival at Washington Square Hotel. Check-in.
- Anecdote: "Oh boy, here we go again." Landed at LaGuardia feeling like a crumpled piece of paper. My luggage, bless its heart, decided to add an extra fifteen pounds of "mystery weight" – probably a rogue pair of shoes I swore I didn't pack. The hotel lobby? Chic, yes. But the lighting? Subdued enough to make me second-guess whether I'd actually showered this morning. The check-in lady was very New York, meaning efficient but with a glimmer of 'don't-waste-my-time' in her eyes. I stumbled through the formality, my brain still processing the three-hour flight. Room 312, here I come!
1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance & Panic Over Unpacked Suitcase.
- Quirky Observation: The room is… compact. Very "cozy." But the view! Looking over the street makes me feel I'm in the movie. I'm instantly tempted to throw open the window and yell "I'M HERE!" But, you know, decorum (sort of). And then, the panic – unpacking! Seriously, why do I always overpack? I’ve got enough clothes to outfit an army. This is going to take hours. Hours. I decide to procrastinate and find the TV.
- Emotional Reaction: Total relief when I actually found a comfortable-looking bed. This is the only thing I actually care about.
2:00 PM: Coffee Run (Emergency Level).
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, the hotel coffee situation is dire. I'm not sure what kind of bean they're using, but it tastes like burnt sadness. So, mission: coffee. Found a cute little cafe a couple of blocks away.
- Natural Pacing: Stumbled out, hair a mess, feeling like a zombie desperate for caffeine. Managed to find a great local place. Ordered a large latte and sat by the window, people-watching. Ah, New York, you can be pretty magical…despite the existential dread that looms.
3:00 PM: Washington Square Park Exploration. (Attempted)
- Messier Structure & Occasional Rambles: Okay, so the park! I was all psyched for this. Apparently, the heart of Greenwich Village. I pictured myself strolling, contemplating art, maybe even befriending a friendly pigeon. The reality? A little…intense? There were people juggling, people preaching, people playing chess with a ferocity I didn't know existed, and some dude playing a saxophone that could either be considered brilliant or… well, let's just say "experimental." I tried to find a bench, but they were all occupied. I lasted about 20 minutes, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer vibrancy of it all.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Honestly? I felt a little lost. Like I was missing the "secret handshake" to enjoy it properly. It was a whirlwind of movement, noise, and opinions. But I also felt that it's probably the best feeling I've experienced in a long time, standing here.
- Doubling Down: Okay, I'm going back tomorrow. And this time, I'll bring a book and I'll find a bench. I'm determined to conquer this park.. or at least become marginally less intimidated by it.
5:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. (Nap Attempt #1 Failed)
- Natural Pacing: Decided to retreat. The room felt like a haven after that sonic boom of the park. I thought a quick nap would prepare me to take on the city, but then I was wide awake.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a Neighborhood Spot.
- Anecdote: Found a little Italian place a friend recommended. Pasta. Glorious, carb-laden pasta. The waiter was charming, the wine was flowing, and for a brief, blissful moment, I forgot about the existential dread the park had planted. I even struck up a conversation with the couple next to me, who were visiting from… Nebraska. They were adorable, and we bonded over our shared confusion about the subway system.
- Messier Structure & Occasional Rambles: Realized as I was shoveling pasta in my face, that everyone in the world seems to be more sophisticated in New York than I am.
9:00 PM: Attempted "Early Night," Reality: Scroll Through Instagram for Hours.
- Quirky Observation: The hotel room's walls are paper-thin. I could hear the couple next door giggling through the walls. And I spent an embarrassing amount of time scrolling through Instagram, feeling inferior to everyone else's meticulously curated lives.
Day 2: Park Redemption! (Fingers Crossed)
9:00 AM: Breakfast & Pre-Park Fuel
- Minor Categories: The hotel doesn't offer breakfast. Back to the coffee shop! This time, I got some food to eat. Feeling a little more prepared, which is a lie but at least I'm trying.
10:00 AM: Washington Square Park…Round 2!
- Doubling Down & Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, here we go. Book in hand, water bottle ready. Deep breaths. I walked in, feeling a little braver this time. Found a bench! A real bench! Sat down, opened my book, and… well, there was a dog. A massive, slobbery dog who decided my lap was the perfect napping spot. He was adorable, so I couldn’t really complain. Suddenly, I was petting the fluffy thing, and a woman was standing near me. We spoke. She recommended I check out the fountain. The fountain! Then, another conversation with a street artist. Suddenly, a stranger was giving me life advice. What just happened? It was a beautiful mess.
1:00 PM: Lunch. (Randomly, Deliciously)
- Natural Pacing: Ended up at a tiny deli. Ordered some delicious sandwich. Conversed with the owner. I actually started to get a handle on this city! For a moment.
3:00 PM: Wandering the Village.
- Messier Structure & Occasional Rambles: Explored the shops, the little streets. I even found a bookstore! I bought three books. Was feeling good. Until I got lost. Very lost.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Panic set in. Lost! In a city of millions! I tried to retrace my steps, feeling increasingly flustered. Then a local kindly pointed me in the right direction, with a knowing smile. God, I love New Yorkers.
6:00 PM: Dinner and Show (Maybe?)
- Opinionated Language: Decided on dinner and a show. But which one? There are about a million options. I found a cool restaurant, where I decided to have my meal.
8:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. (Exhausted But Exhilarated)
- Quirky Observation: The room, now slightly less intimidating, welcomes me. I ordered a pizza. And I'm too tired to care about the noises this time! The door is opened, ready for sleep.
Day 3: Departure (and a Promise to Return)
9:00 AM: Last Coffee Run. (Sigh.)
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I'm going to miss this, in a weird way. The chaos, the people, the pizza slices twice the size of my face.
- Natural Pacing: One last long latte to fuel the journey.
10:00 AM: Check out and Head to Airport
- Emotional Reaction: Saying goodbye to the Washington Square Hotel was bittersweet. The room was cozy, the location near great. I’d definitely be back, luggage weight fluctuation be damned.
Final Thoughts: New York, you are a wild, wonderful, chaotic mess. And I wouldn't have it any other way. See you soon, you crazy city!
Okay, Okay, Here's the FAQ...But, Like, *My* FAQ, Ya Know?
1. So, what *is* even this whole...thing? Like, what are we *talking* about?
2. What's the *point* of pottery? I mean, beyond the obvious "make things" part.
I had this *terrible* first experience with pottery. I took a class ages ago, and on my first attempt at the wheel my hands just turned into…well, into *giant* clumsy clubs of doom. I was trying so hard, but the clay spun… and *flung* itself onto all the other students. I was the human equivalent of a clay-spewing geyser. I wanted to run away and cry. But this amazing woman, the instructor, just smiled, said, "Welcome to pottery!" And then…she showed me a bunch of other ways to make pottery besides the wheel.
It’s also a great excuse to get dirty, which I find oddly freeing. And, if you're lucky, you can make some pretty cool stuff. Maybe even something you can actually use! My first bowl? Disaster. My hundredth? Still not great, but at least it holds cereal now.
3. Okay, I'm intrigued. How hard is it *really*? Be honest.
But here's the thing: It's also incredibly rewarding. Each little victory feels *huge*. When you finally get the clay centered? Pure bliss. When your first piece doesn't collapse in on itself during firing? Victory! So, yeah, it’s hard, but it’s a good kind of hard. The kind that makes you feel… well, like you actually *earned* something.
4. What equipment do I *need* to get started? Is this going to break the bank?
So, the answer is yes. It can absolutely break the bank. But like, gradually. You can start with a basic hand-building class and go from there.
Honestly though, most of them are worth it.
5. What about the firing? How does *that* work? And is it dangerous? And can I get a discount?
Firing is where the clay turns into the solid thingy you want. It involves super-high temperatures, inside a kiln (which is basically a really fancy, ceramic oven). It can crack anything you made before!
As for the firing being dangerous? Kind of. The kilns get *hot*. Like, "melt your face off" hot. So you have to be careful. And no, you can't get a discount.
6. How long does it take to make something? Like, from start to finish?
7. What's the most frustrating thing about pottery? And how do I avoid it?
How to avoid it? Good question! You want to get the clay to the "leather hard" phase, where the clay is firm. Also, don't rush the drying process. Slow and steady wins the race. And, honestly? Accept that some pieces will just… crack. It's part of the process.
8. What's the most *rewarding* thing about pottery?
Then there's the community. Potters? They're a quirky, supportive bunch. We all share tips, commiserate about cracked pots, and celebrate the small victories. It's a pretty great thing to be a part of.Stay By City
