New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [251]
Ink48.
$$ | The Kimpton chain’s first foray onto Manhattan’s West Side, the Ink48 (formerly known as the Vu) is all the way west, on 11th Avenue, and a long walk from the nearest subway, three long avenues away. The location makes for a quiet lobby during the day, though things get busier once the bar “cabanas,” with buttons to ring servers for drink service, start to fill up. Whatever the state of things downstairs, staffers are eager to please and move you to your room lickety-split. Upstairs, the first thing that impresses are the views, either looking south toward downtown or over the Hudson—and at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, a nice bonus for history buffs. The rooms, with iPod docks and big flat-screen TVs, have matching red headboards and duvets, plus gold and orange accents scattered throughout, making them pleasantly bright. (The huge windows help.) Bathrooms are big, and suites have some tubs that are cheekily located in the bedrooms themselves. Though windows are double paned, some street noise from the West Side Highway can intrude, especially on lower floors. Pros: friendly staff; great views; large rooms. Cons: strange location; lobby can feel overly quiet at times; street noise. TripAdvisor: “pet friendly,” “large rooms,” “rooftop lounge.” | 653 11th Ave., at W. 48th St., Midtown West | 10036 | 212/757–0088 | www.ink48.com | 195 rooms, 27 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, spa, laundry service, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: C, E to 50th St.
InterContinental New York Times Square.
$$ | The new InterContinental stands to be a top contender among places to stay in Midtown, with a central location (mere blocks from the heart of Broadway, Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen) and reasonable room rates. Standard guest rooms are decorated in muted shades of brown, beige and tan, providing a much-needed, calming retreat from the chaotic streets below. They come outfitted with modern amenities like coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and in-room computers; wired or wiressless Internet access is available. For the foodie traveler, the hotel’s lobby-level French-brasserie restaurant, Ça Va (featuring a special pre-theater menu), is operated by celebrity chef Todd English; no need to travel for a good meal. Pros: close to many different subway lines and a bus terminal; in-house restaurant helmed by celebrity chef; attentive staff. Cons: no pool; fee for Internet. TripAdvisor: “room was lovely,” “centrally located,” “staff was courteous, professional, and gracious.” | 300 W. 44th Street, Midtown West | 10036 | 212/803–4500 | www.intercontinental.com | 518 rooms, 29 suites | In-room: a/c, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 1 restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid). | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St./Port Authority Bust Terminal.
Jumeirah Essex House.
$$$–$$$$ | New managers Jumeirah Hotel Group aimed high with a $90 million refurbishment program for this famed property in 2007, and it still looks fresh several years on. The lobby of this stately Central Park South property is an Art Deco masterpiece, with inlaid marble floors and bas-relief elevator doors. Dreaming of Central Park? It’s across the street. Reproductions of Chippendale or Louis XV antiques decorate guest rooms, all of which have marble bathrooms and luxuriously comfortable beds. Afternoon tea in the lobby lounge is elegantly arranged. Kerry Heffernan’s South Gate restaurant draws a European crowd to its design-conscious interior with an extensive wine list. Pros: great service; amazing views; impressive restaurant. Cons: overly complex room gadgetry; very expensive bar. TripAdvisor: “elegant,” “pricey minibar,” “no traffic noise.” | 160 Central Park S, between 6th and 7th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/247–0300 or 800/937–8461 | www.jumeirahessexhouse.com | 515 rooms, 70 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bar, gym, spa, laundry service,