Intercontinental Barclay New York City hotel review

Funded by monied American royalty the Vanderbilts and once a favourite stop-in for the likes of Marlon Brando, Debbie Reynolds, Bette Davis and Jimmie Durante, you'd be no fool thinking that you're in very good company at New York's Intercontinental Barclay.

The Lowdown:

A mammoth historic luxury beast lodged between Park Avenue and Lexington, there's everything from Grand Central to the Rockefeller Center, Central Park and shopping strolls down Fifth Avenue within easy reach. And for those brave enough, the tourist-packed Times Square is just a couple of blocks west of the hotel.

After a $180 million 20 month refurb, this 1926 grand Art Deco throwback has embraced modern luxe glamour pretty effortlessly. The interiors are old school glam merged with millennial-friendly modernity (e.g. off the wall USB chargers), and you'd never know that the chic winding staircase in the snazzy lobby didn't even exist when Hemingway and Harold Stirling Vanderbilt used to call the New York grand dame a temporary home.

It looks old school, but it's totally fresh, to the point where The Intercontinental Barclay embraces its glitzy past without getting awkwardly (and desperately) trapped in a time warp.

The staff are also a major plus. Over friendly and intensely knowledgable about the place pre and post refurb, they are more than happy to show you around upon request.

The Rooms:

There are 702 of them to choose from, some with views of the city and others of the central courtyard. Each is decorated with Hudson River school landscapes from the early days of the 19th century depicting a load of picturesque upstate destinations (including the Catskill Mountains). Modern touches include 42 inch LED flat-screens and access to PressReader, a digital news library and the gateway to thousands of good reads.

Star of the show is the bathroom. A vision in marble, the space is polished with well-lit mirrors (ideal for pre-party make-up sessions with the stylist), on-trend brass fittings, one enormous shower, and darling containers that hide away a year's worth of toiletries.

Speaking of the toiletries: the hotel once housed Caswell-Massey - America's first luxury fragrance and personal care company - and has stocked up on its famed apothecary ever since.

Best room? Well, it would have to be the Presidential Suite. Bill Clinton once stayed there when he first ran for the US Presidency in 1992. Since then, royalty, heads of state and the world's rich kids have all shacked up inside its 3,400 sq ft residences.

We can't blame them, with views of the Empire State, a private fitness room, library, baby grand piano and the marble entrance hall (with all the Federalist details) are enough to persuade anyone to fork out $8,000 per night.

Food & Drink:

If you love gin, you're in the right place. The Barclay's Gin Parlour is home to no less than 110 different varieties of Mother's Ruin. Yes, 110. The Signature Hive Cocktail (made from locally sourced honey) is a firm guest favourite, along with a straight shot on the rocks for all the hardcore gin-lovers out there.

Breakfast, which comes in the form of a rather intimidating buffet - think granola jars, eggs, seasonal fruits, donuts (obviously) and hearty meats - is also served in the space, along with lunch and dinner menus expertly crafted by chef Peter Betz.

Things to Do:

NOMI Beauty rules the wellness space at this hotel. Massage services are the Barclay's supreme speciality. Choose from a Swedish, deep tissue or targeted sports treatment. There's also a 60-minute signature couples treatment if you want to go all cutesy.

All treatments include collagen skincare masks and scalp massages for extra pampering. Elsewhere, you'll find Nomi Beauty, your go-to pitstop for all things hair and makeup, and if you're one of those fitness types, a small but well-equipped gym awaits your glutes.

If you'd much rather be outside, go for the Limousine and Town Car service where a dishy driver will whisk you all over the city at your command.

The Highs:

The location - you couldn't ask for a better one, especially if you're a first time visitor. Oh, and it's also pet-friendly, too.

The Lows:

The music that blares outside the place. Advice, run in and cover your ears. And there's no pool, but we guess you can't have everything.

111, E 48 Street, New York City, New York, 10017, USA. Suites on request.