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By Root 1920 0

few years ago a five-year, $60 million renovation turned a nearly invisible old dowager into a modern scene-stealer. The Carlton’s makeover includes many a happy detail, from the two-story lobby designed by David Rockwell to still-intact, original 1904 Beaux-Arts details such as the stained-glass dome (created by workers from the Tiffany glass factory). Rooms are small for the money—they start at 200 square feet—but make up for it with amenities and flair, including mahogany accents, free Wi-Fi, and docks for iPods plus USB and Ethernet ports. One snafu—the bathrooms, outfitted with swanky Molton Brown products, are underlighted at best. Millesime, a new high-profile restaurant helmed by famed French chef Laurent Manrique, opened in late 2010. Pros: spectacular lobby; stylish rooms; nice amenities. Cons: expensive bar; small rooms; lackluster restaurant. TripAdvisor: “service was top notch,” “room service was prompt,” “bathroom was spacious and well-stocked.” | 88 Madison Ave., between 28th and 29th Sts., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/532–4100 or 800/601–8500 | www.carltonhotelny.com | 294 rooms, 22 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bar, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 28th St.

Herald Square Hotel.

$–$$ | The sculpted cherubs on the facade and vintage magazine covers adorning the common areas hint at the Herald’s previous incarnation as Life magazine’s headquarters. The hotel is a great value. Rooms are basic, but all have TVs and phones, and some were renovated to include flat-screen TVs. Shabby-chic fixtures and white-on-white bedspreads round out the look, but beware the unrenovated rooms, which verge on just plain shabby. There’s no concierge and no room service, but the staff is friendly, and nearby restaurants will deliver. It’s a great bargain, given the convenient neighborhood. Pros: cheap; centrally located. Cons: unattractive lobby; readers report inconsistent service. TripAdvisor: “very clean and quiet,” “hidden gem,” “comfortable beds.” | 19 W. 31st St., between 5th Ave. and Broadway, Murray Hill | 10001 | 212/279–4017 or 800/727–1888 | www.heraldsquarehotel.com | 120 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, some pets allowed | AE, D, MC, V | Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R, M to 34th St./Herald Sq.

Hotel Giraffe.

$$ | Ensconced just off Park Avenue South for more than a decade now, the Giraffe remains a consistent property with friendly service, big rooms, and lots of repeat customers, particularly business travelers. The style is Art Deco, right down to the deluxe rooms’ red-velvet armchairs and French doors, which open onto private Juliet balconies from which you can survey Park Avenue. Recent upgrades include flat-screen televisions, Egyptian cotton sheets, and iPod docks. Be sure to take time to relax on the open-air rooftop bar for a drink in any weather. The civilized service here includes complimentary breakfast, coffee, and evening wine-and-cheese reception Monday through Saturday. Pros: high-quality linens: rooftop terrace for guests; quiet hotel. Cons: street noise near lower levels; pricey for the quality you get. TripAdvisor: “breakfast buffet,” “large rooms,” “very comfortable lobby.” | 365 Park Ave. S, at E. 26th St., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/685–7700 or 877/296–0009 | www.hotelgiraffe.com | 52 rooms, 21 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | CP | Subway: 6 to 28th St.

Hotel Roger Williams.

$$ | A colorful choice in a rather plain neighborhood, the Roger Williams continues to have a following among repeat visitors to New York. A lobby styled like a front parlor, with comfy, IKEA-style seats and newspapers, is a great place to relax, thanks to the copious light that pours in from the oversize picture windows. Rooms are similarly cheerful and include nice touches like flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, Aveda bath