If you haven’t heard about cryptocurrency, you’ve been living under a rock.
Essentially, cryptocurrency, or crypto, is virtual money that uses encryption technology for safe transfer. There are thousands of them but Bitcoin is the oldest and largest of the lot, followed by the likes of Ethereum, Ripple and Solana.
Apart from being recognised as an accepted form of payment, individuals, corporations, and even governments are using crypto as both investment and strategic reserve. In this piece, we will stick to the payment part.
Like many other businesses, travel companies and hospitality providers now accept cryptocurrencies as mode of payment. This provides a flexible option for travelers who prefer digital currencies over traditional payment methods.
Online booking portals such as Travala and Expedia, and crypto payment processors like BitPay and Coinbase provide users the option to book hotels with cryptocurrency. In this piece, we will take a look at some popular hotels in New York City that accept crypto payments.
1. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: This luxurious hotel in Midtown Manhattan overlooks Central Park and is steps away from popular tourist attractions. The 253-key hotel is inspired by the elegant feel of a high-end city penthouse. The hotel features several dining options including the all-day gastro lounge Contour and The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. It also offers a variety of wellness experiences such as the La Prairie Spa and Movement Studio.
2. Park Hyatt New York: Park Hyatt New York is located near Columbus Circle and one block away from Central Park. The property has around 210 rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of the city. You can enjoy delicious continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner at The Living Room Restaurant & Bar. They also offer 24-hour in-room dining service. Try the Spa Nalai and Rossano Ferretti Hairspa on self-care days.
3. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: Located in Brooklyn, this hotel has beautiful views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The 195-room luxury property focusses on sustainability and green design. The interior features native greenery and reclaimed materials. Rooms are powered by green systems such as low-energy LED lighting and smart temperature control. The rooftop pool is a guest favourite here. The Osprey serves organic New American cuisine. Alternatively, you can try some small plates at Harriet’s Rooftop or enjoy a quiet time at Neighbors Café or a drink at Harriet’s Lounge. If you need to unwind your mind and body, go for treatments at Bamford Wellness Spa and sign up for Mind & Movement Programming.
4. The Chatwal: This 76-key hotel in New York City’s Theater District has rooms with art deco-inspired interiors. The Chatwal, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, offers a butler service. The butlers help guests with personalized services such as unpacking, shoe shining and pressing clothes. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness centre, a spa and an indoor pool. The Lambs Club restaurant serves classic American cuisine.
5. The Plaza: This hotel has welcomed guests from around the world since 1907. Located at Central Park South, the hotel has 282 rooms, including luxurious suites. The Palm Court restaurant at the property is known for its Afternoon Tea, which includes authentic American dishes and the signature Lite Fare & Cocktails. The Champagne Bar is known for excellent caviar and wines. The hotel also has a spa and gym.
6. Conrad New York Downtown: Located near Wall Street in Downtown Manhattan, Conrad New York is an all-suite luxury hotel. It has 463 rooms, a fitness centre, and one of downtown Manhattan’s largest hotel event spaces. The hotel’s standout feature is its artwork exhibition, with 2,000 unique pieces of contemporary art spread throughout the hotel and a 10-story art installation in the lobby. The fine dining eatery ATRIO Wine Bar & Restaurant is famous for its inventive American dishes. At the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar, you can enjoy signature handcrafted cocktails with panoramic views of New York Harbor, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty.
7. Arlo SoHo: Arlo SoHo is a 325-key boutique hotel in Lower Manhattan, close to some of downtown New York’s famous attractions. ART SoHo, the rooftop lounge with views of the Hudson River, the Freedom Tower, and NYC skyline, offers delectable cocktails, craft beer and wine. The property also has a library where you can hang out with your gang or play board games.
8. The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue: The 5-star luxury hotel is in central Manhattan and boasts stunning views of the Empire State Building and several other attractions. The property has 234 residentially-styled guest rooms with modern furnishings.
9. Baccarat Hotel New York: The exquisite Baccarat Hotel is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan. The 5-star property has 114 rooms with crystal-infused Parisian designs and are highlighted by the fiery crimson shade of Baccarat red. The Spa De La Mer is the first dedicated spa in the US by the skincare brand La Mer. It has four treatment rooms for guests to enjoy customised spa experience based on bio-fermentation.
10. Hilton Club The Quin New York: This 208-key hotel is very close to Central Park and steps away from Carnegie Hall. The hotel features a Technogym fitness centre with personal trainers on request.
These are just ten of the many hotels in the Big Apple that have embraced cryptocurrency as a form of payment. But hotel policies change, so make sure you verify before you book a stay!
[Picture generated by Meta AI]
