New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [246]
Belvedere Hotel.
$ | Guests choose the Belvedere more for the central location, adjacent to Times Square, and less for the rooms, which lack life (and light). The executive rooms are an exception, since they raise the bar considerably with chandeliers, cream-color carpets, and leather chairs. Still, even standard rooms are spacious and come with kitchenettes with microwave, mini-refrigerator, and coffeemaker. The helpful desk staff and location convenient to theaters make this a great affordable choice. Pros: good rates available; renovated rooms are good value. Cons: can be loud with street noise; slow elevators. TripAdvisor: “bath is small but adequate,” “updated, spacious rooms,” “not far from Times Square and sightseeing.” | 319 W. 48th St., between 8th and 9th Aves., Midtown West | 10036 | 212/245–7000 or 888/468–3558 | www.belvederehotelnyc.com | 328 rooms, 1 suite | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, laundry facilities, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: C, E to 50th St.
Best Western President Hotel.
¢ | After a $15 million renovation that transformed it from a ho-hum Best Western, the President is the only politically themed hotel in the city. It starts with the purple color scheme, a combination of Republican red and Democratic blue. Portraits and other political-theme items are scattered throughout the hallways and rooms—suites have Revolutionary War uniforms on freestanding body forms. The lobby fills up at peak times with families and older folks preparing to set off on their day; at the back, Primary, the hotel’s bar, is popular with an after-work crowd who sip political-theme cocktails like the Jackie O. Standard rooms have been touched up with white vinyl couches, Lucite furnishings, and flat-screen TVs; they’re small, and the moody, colored lighting makes up for the lack of natural light. Bathrooms are even darker, but that can be forgiven for this price. Times Square and the Theater District are at your doorstep here, which makes things convenient, if crowded come nightfall. Guests get free access to the nearby New York Sports Club and, upon request, pre-loaded iPods. There are two on-site restaurants: Saigon 48 for Vietnamese fare, and Aoki, a Japanese/sushi eatery. Pros: sleek rooms for the price; convenient location; unique theme. Cons: cramped lobby; dark bathrooms; poor views. TripAdvisor: “wonderful staff,” “small but clean rooms,” “nice fitness center.” | 234 W. 48th St., between 8th Ave. and Broadway, Times Square | 10036 | 212/246–8800 or 800/828–4667 | www.presidenthotelny.com | 334 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, MC, V | Subway: C, E to 50th St.
The Blakely.
$$ | It may be a tried-and-true design motif, but it’s hard to resist the English gentlemen’s club when it’s done right. The Blakely plays it up, with Chesterfield sofas and wood paneling in the lobby and rooms with flat-screen TVs, DVD and CD players, large work desks, and Frette robes. The feather-topped beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets are particularly cozy. Room service is provided by Abboccato, a stylish Italian restaurant that gathers a large after-work crowd and also operates the hotel bar. Pros: all rooms have kitchenettes; central location; good-size rooms; acclaimed restaurant. Cons: rooms facing 54th Street can be noisy; some rooms have little natural light. TripAdvisor: “friendly and attentive staff,” “spacious, clean accommodations,” “very nice location.” | 136 W. 55th St., between 6th and 7th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/245–1800 or 800/735–0710 | www.blakelynewyork.com | 57 rooms, 54 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen, refrigerator, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot,