"How did it strike you on arrival?The Hotel Nikko is beautifully designed, with a glass entryway, white marble floors and walls in the lobby, and fountains that add soothing sounds to the open space. The hotel got a massive makeover in 2017, refreshing the guest rooms and public spaces, as well as a seismic update and technology upgrade. The lobby offers plenty of space for visitors to hang out, with couches and high-backed chairs, glass tables, amorphous, standing lamps, and opulent curtains over soaring windows. The Nikko is a Japanese hotel and the influence shows up in its design. What’s the crowd like?Nikko is close to Union Square, so there are shoppers and families, as well as business and international travelers. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Hotel Nikko's refurbished rooms have white linens with blue accent pillows, blue and gray patterned carpets, and blue upholstered chairs in a seating area. Bedside lamps hang from the ceiling rather than sitting on the nightstand, and the rooms get natural light, thanks to oversized windows. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?All of the rooms in the Hotel Nikko come with pillowtop mattresses and down comforters. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Most bathrooms have a separate shower and bath. Bathrooms come with custom Lather bath products made specially for the Nikko. The scents are lavender and bamboo. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Premium Wi-Fi is included in the daily hotel amenity fee and can be used on up to five devices. Room service: Worth it?The room service menu brings the best of the Nikko’s restaurant, ANZU, to your door. Dive in, and you’ll find options like vegetarian egg rolls ($14) and an Anzu cheeseburger at lunch; and udon noodle soup ($22) and braised beef beef shortribs ($39) for dinner. Plus, there’s a good variety of wine available at lunch and dinner, both by the glass and by the bottle. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The Hotel Nikko's 15-meter indoor pool is enclosed by a glass ceiling, so you can catch some sunshine even indoors, or cozy up to one of the three fire pits with a plate of s'mores. The hotel's $39 daily amenity fee (charged only on third-party bookings) will get you access to the hotel's 10,000 square-foot gym, which has dry saunas, a steam room, and a pool. In addition, the hotel is one of the most dog-friendly properties in the city. Not only do they provide four-legged friends comfortable beds, bowls, and special treats at check-in, the hotel also has an expansive pet terrace featuring a dog run. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The hotel has recently been renovated, so everything is in mint condition. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It's a beautiful hotel only a couple of blocks from Union Square. It's a great choice." - Elise Craig
