One of the quickest routes to Brooklyn from Long Island City is the Pulaski bridge that runs from 11th street beginning at the foot of the Queensboro Bridge. I’ve often taken this road in my day-to-day business during the last few years, noticing the construction of a slender building clad in glass and dark colors. I assumed it would be commercial space at first, but as it began to take shape, I realized it would be the second boutique hotel in an otherwise industrial section of Long Island City.
Following in the archetypal footsteps of the smaller and less opulent Ravel Hotel just a couple blocks west, The Z aims to bring high end clientele to Long Island City, with an attractive, modern design, a long list of amenities and everyone’s favorite part, the rooftop bar/lounge and dining area. At the moment, the Z’s location would seem somewhat odd, being surrounded by many older 1 and 2 story structures, but that will all change in the next few years as development and revitalization of Long Island City continues to swell with sophistication. The Z’s developers had the foresight to set the tone early.
How The Z Came To Be
Many years ago, owner and entrepreneur Henry Zilberman came to the U.S. from Israel with very little money in his pocket and his own American dream. He started working as a gypsy cab driver and later started his own limousine business. In 1996, Zilberman purchased a vacant lot in Long Island City to store his vehicles. The neighborhood was still very much industrial and crime ridden during that time, so the decision had to have make good sense, as rents were a fraction of the price they are today. Zilberman was acutely aware of Long Island City’s potential, as he had experience with developing business in unlikely neighborhoods in his native Israel. In 2005, the surrounding area had already gone dramatic changes with the inclusion of many high-rise condominiums near the waterfront, and a plethora of new commercial space around Queensboro Plaza and the nearby Jackson Avenue. It was at this time that Henry Zilberman saw the opportunity becoming very clear. He began to conceptualize a lavish hotel with glorious views of the New York skyline. Zilberman worked closely with designer Andre Escobar and Managing Director Jon Eklund to mold what would become the Z Hotel.
Opening Event
I had the pleasure of meeting a very friendly and enthusiastic Henry Zilberman while attending the Z Hotel’s Opening Event on Tuesday, June 21st. Upon entering the hotel, I was greeted by friendly concierge service and a grand staircase leading to the warm-lit, subteranean Restaurant-Lounge. I got myself a drink and proceeded to the elevators to join the rest of the party high above me. The timing could not have been more fitting, as on the longest day of the year, guests were treated to a breathtaking 360 degree view of Manhattan and Queens on the Z’s 14th floor, 5000sf rooftop lounge. Two bars kept the delicious cocktails flowing as the god-like DJ and a violinist entertained the crowds in perfect unison from a bulkhead above. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and light bites floated among us as we basked in a cool afternoon breeze. The rooftop’s signature pizza oven curbed any further hunger with fresh baked, thin crust goodness. I even spotted the older, smaller and now much more mediocre-looking Ravel Hotel in the distance.
The 10th floor guest rooms were open for visitors to sample the amenities. It was clear Zilberman spared no expense in the guests’ experience. All of the hotel’s 100 rooms have floor to ceiling windows facing the Manhattan skyline, so everyone gets the best view. Rooms are decorated with dark earth tones and murals of a classic and classy New York. All the materials are top notch and the craftsmanship is instantly apparent, right down to the Steampunk inspired sconces made of filament bulbs and old glass mason jars. The high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets are sure to comfort even the prissiest of travelers. Spend just a couple minutes in any given room, and you’ll get the sense that you’re going to enjoy your stay, regardless of length.
Event gallery:
The Extra Mile & The Icing on The Cake
Where The Z Hotel excels and raises the bar is in the intangibles. Sure, you’ll be impressed with the friendly staff, the modern decor, fitness center and superb atmosphere of its dining venues. That’s what an exceptional boutique hotel should be these days. But you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the little things. Guests need not worry themselves about taking the subway to the city. Drawing on the resources of Zilberman’s limousine business, The Z offers complimentary transportation to and from Midtown, Manhattan via the nearby Queensboro Bridge or Midtown Tunnel. Also free of charge for all guests are global phone calls. Yes, you read that right, Global. As in, “go ahead, call mom in Tokyo while you’re in New York, and it’s on us.” Who does that? Are you starting to feel the spirit of hospitality at the Z yet? And while all this good karma might lead you to think that staying at the Z will quickly empty your pocket, think again. Rates for a two-bed room start at just $169.
Nightlife: Everyone Is A Guest
During the warmer months, you don’t need a reservation to enjoy many of The Z Hotel’s delights. The Restaurant and Rooftop bar/lounges will be open to the public, for unparalleled outdoor nightlife and fine dining. Sure, there are other rooftop destinations in Manhattan, but if you’re a Queens native like myself, who craves classy fresh-air venues and doesn’t want to deal with the bridge and tunnel commute for a good time, the richly crafted Z Rooftop is for you. Even Manhattanites will be drawn to the Z for its chic exclusivity and proximity. The Z Hotel will officially open in July.
Great Hotel, Great Management, Good Luck To Them