New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [250]
Hotel 41.
$ | Bamboo in the window beckons guests to the warmly lighted lobby of the Hotel 41. This stylish hotel is not meant for family visits; rooms are tiny, even for two people. Most standard rooms face a brick wall, but if you can get past the size and not-so-thrilling views, it’s a cozy place to stay, with a bed showing off crisp linens, a TV hanging above the closet, and plush terry-lined robes for lounging. Bathrooms are elegant, with half-glass showers and original tile on the floor. Downstairs, Bar 41 is a dark sports bar–like hangout with rock music loudly playing. Find serenity in the intimate back-room wine cellar. Pros: DVD player in rooms and DVDs to borrow in the lobby; some rooms have refrigerators; Aveda bath amenities. Cons: lack of queen-size beds; small rooms; no view. TripAdvisor: “friendly and helpful staff,” “good air conditioning,” “Aveda products in bathroom.” | 206 W. 41st St., Midtown West | 10036 | 212/703–8600 | www.hotel41nyc.com | 47 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator (some), DVD, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry facilities, parking (paid) | AE, MC, V | Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S to Times Sq./42nd St.; A, C, E to 42nd St./Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Hotel Metro.
$–$$ | With mirrored columns and elegant black-and-white photos in the lobby, the Hotel Metro feels distinctively retro. Guests tend to hang out in the lounge, where coffee and tea are served all day, or in the adjacent library, a quiet nook with sofas and a desk. Upstairs, restrained, tasteful rooms with leather headboards and cushioned Art Deco chairs include bathrooms with Gilchrist & Soames products and double-height ceilings. In summer the Metro Grill rooftop bar provides outstanding Empire State Building views. Pros: renovated exercise room has flat-screen TVs; iPod dock and free Wi-Fi in rooms. Cons: noise seeps from outside; rooms are tasteful but spartan. TripAdvisor: “well-equipped gym,” “avoid hotel car service,” “excellent Midtown location.” | 45 W. 35th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10001 | 212/279–1310 | www.hotelmetronyc.com | 179 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R, M to 34th St./Herald Sq.
The Hudson.
$$$ | Budget fashionistas flocked to the Hudson when it first opened, but now it is starting to show its age. Yes, the rooms remain a solid deal for an Ian Schrager hotel designed by Philippe Starck, but these days the minuses outweigh the pluses. For starters, no one told the staff that theirs is no longer the hot property, so a fussy attitude remains. The rooms are smaller than small—some measure just 150 square feet, which at this price point would require a significant refresh of the furnishings to be worth the money. Still, the flat-screen TVs, riveted headboards, and contemporary art are an escape from the usual for hotel design, even in New York. The showers, some of which are peekaboo style, are a nice extra touch. The garden-lounge remains one of the more coveted outdoor spaces in town. Pros: fabulous, elegant bar; gorgeous Francesco Clemente fresco in lobby; breathtaking Sky Terrace. Cons: staff can be condescending; tiny rooms; worn furnishings. TripAdvisor: “serene and comfortable rooms,” “sky terrace,” “location is a plus.” | 356 W. 58th St., between 8th and 9th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/554–6000 | www.hudsonhotel.com | 1,000 rooms, 2 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 1, A, B, C, D to 59th St./Columbus