New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [244]
Jolly Hotel Madison Towers.
$–$$ | Italians flock to this hotel operated by Jolly Hotels, the largest hotel chain in Italy. In this U.S. flagship you can expect native Italians, or at least Italian-speaking staff, at the front desk and the breakfast room. The look is Positano circa 1920, with parquet floors in the Whaler Bar downstairs (plus a fireplace) and a white-and-gold color scheme in the rooms. Deluxe rooms have views of the Empire State Building and come outfitted with cherrywood furniture; standard rooms, alas, are sized more like a Fiat than a Ford. A separate concession on the premises offers shiatsu massage and a Japanese sauna. Pros: friendly, Italian-style service; good location; attractive bar. Cons: no restaurant; no gym; not contemporary in feel; small rooms. TripAdvisor: “small rooms,” “clean bathrooms,” “superb location.” | 22 E. 38th St., between Madison and Park Aves., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/802–0600 or 800/225–4340 | www.jollymadison.com | 238 rooms, 6 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: bar, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
The Kitano.
$$ | As you might guess from the name, the Kitano imports much of its sensibility from Japan, and such touches include a bilingual concierge and a high-concept Japanese restaurant. Notably, this makes for a service-oriented stay, a welcome change of pace in New York. One thing that’s not classically Japanese? The oversize guest rooms, decked out in beige and gold, have an electric teakettle, Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, and marble-floor bathrooms. Head downstairs and through the eerily quiet lobby to sample the on-site Japanese restaurant Hakubai, or just to rub Fernando Botero’s rotund sculpture of a dog for good luck—it’s the hotel’s mascot. Pros: extra soundproofing in guest rooms; cute mezzanine bar area; guest pass to great local gym; good value. Cons: lower-floor views are limited; very expensive restaurant. TripAdvisor: “courteous and professional front desk,” “spacious, clean rooms,” “sound proofed for location.” | 66 Park Ave., at E. 38th St., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/885–7000 or 800/548–2666 | www.kitano.com | 149 rooms, 18 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bar, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
Park South Hotel.
$ | In this beautifully transformed 1906 office building, restful rooms feel smartly contemporary, though they’ve retained some period details. Watch out for rooms that overlook noisy 27th Street or are too close to the bar on the ground floor; ask instead for a view of the Chrysler Building. Historic New York flavor is the design focus in the mezzanine library, with black-and-white photos of city scenes from the 1880s through 1950s. The Black Duck bar and restaurant warms patrons with its wood-burning fireplace, though the decor is better than the mediocre food. Luckily, several excellent Indian restaurants are just around the corner. The square Murray Hill location may disappoint hipster guests. Pros: free breakfast and Internet; turndown service; good value. Cons: small elevators; tame location; spotty service. TripAdvisor: “staff recognizes and cares,” “nicely decorated,” “comfortable but small rooms.” | 122