New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [245]
70 Park Avenue.
$ | Branches in the Kimpton hotel chain have something of a cult following with design enthusiasts, but 70 Park is a low-key, slightly disappointing offering that’s more for road-warrior business types than style hounds. The lobby, with its limestone fireplace and thick-pillowed couches, looks like a contemporary living room, and you’ll find people parked here with their laptops for hours—a couple of laptops are even set out here for guest use. The rest of the hotel simulates a prosperous but rather unexciting home, with a neutral palette, Ultrasuede chairs and couches, and plasma TVs. It all makes for a casual, comfortable, safe choice in this quiet neighborhood a couple of blocks from Grand Central. Some suites have hot tubs and terraces with Empire State Building views. Silverleaf Tavern serves modern-American small plates, and the bar is comfortable even if you’re alone. Pros: weekday wine reception; polite service; simple, unobtrusive rooms and hotel layout. Cons: bland design; no gym. TripAdvisor: “bathroom was also a good size,” “comfortable, clean, and customer friendly,” “street noise was minimal.” | 70 Park Ave., at 38th St., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/973–2400 or 800/707–2752 | www.70parkave.com | 201 rooms, 4 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry service, some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
UNION SQUARE
W New York Union Square.
$ | The W chain’s iconic New York City property continues to attract a mix of trendsetters and tourists, thanks to the downtown location—and the noticeable lack of other hotel options in the neighborhood. Comfortably within the landmark 1911 Guardian Life building at the end of Park Avenue South, the hotel takes advantage of many original details, including a grand staircase to the Great Room lobby and large picture windows looking out on Union Square. There’s also the New York branch of Todd English’s modern Mediterranean restaurant, Olives, which draws hungry after-work and weekend crowds. Rooms are of average size, with the classic W look that includes leather headboards, dark furniture, and Bliss bath products. Wi-Fi is a steep $17 a day, so budget accordingly. Pros: fashionable location; great restaurant. Cons: trendy decor; noisy lobby; expensive Wi-Fi. TripAdvisor: “extremely friendly staff,” “spacious and quiet rooms,” “impeccable service.” | 201 Park Ave. S, at E. 17th St., Union Square | 10003 | 212/253–9119 or 877/946–8357 | www.whotels.com | 254 rooms, 16 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R to 14th St./Union Sq.
MIDTOWN WEST
The Algonquin.
$$ | Even Matilda, the resident cat who holds court in the parlorlike lobby, seems to know that the draw here is the ghosts of its literary past; hordes of literary enthusiasts fill the clubby lobby; signed works of former Round Table raconteurs can be checked out of the library, and their witticisms grace guest-room doors. New Yorker cartoon–strewn wallpaper covers hallways. Newly renovated rooms boast simple, modern decor, but they’re still small and boxy. The renowned Oak Room is one of the city’s premier cabaret performance venues, and the publike Blue Bar makes visitors from around the world feel at home. Pros: free Internet; friendly, knowledgable staff; central location. Cons: small rooms. TripAdvisor: “very well-designed rooms,” “location could not be beat,” “amazing beds.” | 59 W. 44th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10036 | 212/840–6800 or 800/555–8000 | www.algonquinhotel.com | 150 rooms, 24 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: