New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [247]
Bryant Park Hotel.
$$ | A New York landmark in brown brick towering over the New York Public Library and Bryant Park, this sleekly modern hotel is still a Midtown hot spot. There are lots of over-the-top design elements, like padded leather headboards with a decorative bolster pillow, marble bathrooms with a rainfall showerhead and Molton Brown products, and “adult toys” available from guest services. Despite the trendiness, the rooms themselves are actually bigger than average, though lower floors tend to be a bit dark and have subpar views. Both the Koi restaurant and Cellar Bar are popular with the after-work crowd (with complimentary open bar for guests between 5 and 6 pm daily), though later in the evening both the restaurants and the neighborhood tend to be overly quiet. Still, during the day, the location can’t be beat, with Fifth Avenue and Times Square equidistant from the front door. Pros: gorgeous building; fashionable crowd and setting; across from Bryant Park. Cons: expensive; Cellar Bar frequently booked for events. TripAdvisor: “simple, clean, modern furnishings,” “park across the street is lovely,” “cellar Bar is superb.” | 40 W. 40th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10018 | 212/869–0100 or 877/640–9300 | www.bryantparkhotel.com | 112 rooms, 17 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, gym, laundry service, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, D, F, M to 42nd St.; 7 to 5th Ave.
Casablanca Hotel.
$ | Evoking a sultry Mediterranean locale, the Casablanca is outfitted with mirrors and mosaics, ceiling fans, wooden blinds, and dainty little bistro tables in the public spaces. It’s all rather theatrical, but then again, so is the neighborhood. Prices have gone up in recent years, which makes a quality stay here dependent on whether or not you find a good rate. Huge tiled bathrooms, many with windows, feature Baroness Cali amenities, and the bedrooms have soundproofed windows to limit noise from the Times Square adjacent location. On the second floor, music plays while guests linger in the spacious librarylike Rick’s Café for the complimentary breakfast buffet and wine-and-cheese evenings. Pros: great access to the Theater District; all rooms are smoke-free. Cons: exercise facilities at nearby New York Sports Club, not on premises; heavy tourist foot traffic. TripAdvisor: “personality and character with great service,” “this hotel is very good value,” “a brilliant hotel in a great location.” | 147 W. 43rd St., Midtown West | 10036 | 212/869–1212 | www.casablancahotel.com | 48 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, D, MC, V | Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S to Times Sq./42nd St.
Chambers Hotel.
$$$–$$$$ | This hotel casts itself as a center for art lovers, with more than 500 contemporary works in public spaces throughout the property. It adds to the sophisticated feel, though the artsy types are now rubbing elbows with foodies, as the Chambers is also the site of Má Pêche, David Chang’s first Momofuku restaurant north of 14th Street. Whatever your obsession, you’ll find sleek rooms designed by David Rockwell, with Red Flower bath amenities, a beige-and-taupe color scheme, and hardwood floors. The bathrooms, with mosaic tile and marble floors, are particularly snazzy, though the fixtures could use updating. The lobby, one of the best in the city, is especially notable for the gigantic, oversize teak doors that separate you from the world outside. Pros: artsy, fun, lighthearted style; great art abounds; buzzing restaurant; wonderful central location. Cons: no gym; rooms slightly worn. TripAdvisor: “multiple subway stops nearby,” “staff is friendly,” “fantastic shower.” | 15 W. 56th St., off 5th Ave., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/974–5656 or 866/204–5656 | www.chambershotel.com | 72 rooms, 5 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry service,