New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [252]
La Quinta Inn.
¢ | The name may conjure a cheapie siesta spot, but don’t dismiss it: smack in the middle of Koreatown and close to Penn Station, this budget-friendly hotel in a cheerful old Beaux-Arts building may be one of the best deals in town. Never mind the drab green-and-burgundy decor when your room features treats like free Wi-Fi, an iPod plug-in, and a bathtub. In the morning the free continental breakfast goes beyond the usual fare by including granola and oatmeal. Perhaps the best part about staying here is access to Mé Bar. In the evening both guests and locals head up to this year-round mellow rooftop bar for a cocktail in the shadow of the Empire State Building. Pros: self-check-in machines; gift shop on the premises for necessities. Cons: no room service; no frills. TripAdvisor: “efficient and friendly staff,” “clean,” “good value.” | 17 W. 32nd St., between 5th Ave. and Broadway, Midtown West | 10001 | 212/736–1600 | www.lq.com | 182 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: bar, gym, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R, M to 34th St./Herald Sq.
Le Parker Meridien.
$$ | A splash of kookiness in otherwise staid Midtown, the Parker is a whimsical place to visit, and the little touches shine through. Start with the lobby, where Burger Joint is hiding behind a velvet curtain. This carefully dressed-down fast-food restaurant serves one of the city’s best patties. If you’ve got more scratch, there’s always the famous $1,000 omelet at Norma’s for brunch or breakfast, though the restaurant also serves slightly more cost-effective options. Rooms are modern functionalist, with low platform beds and televisions hidden in recessed, cherry-paneled cabinets that rotate. Views of Central Park are worth asking after, though city views are also impressive. The 15,000-square-foot gym is one of the largest in the city, and especially nice for a hotel. One caveat: the boffo lobby, with marble floors and archways supported by hand-painted columns, can get crowded at peak times. Pros: lively, animated spirit; best hotel gym in the city; fun eating options; tech-friendly rooms. Cons: lobby is a public space; small bathrooms. TripAdvisor: “stellar views of Central Park,” “excellent air conditioning,” “rooftop pool.” | 118 W. 57th St., between 6th and 7th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/245–5000 or 800/543–4300 | www.parkermeridien.com | 484 rooms, 249 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, DVD, Internet. In-hotel: 3 restaurants, room service, bar, pool, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, D, E, N, Q, R to 57th St.
The London NYC.
$$$ | Boasting the design expertise of David Collins and the cuisine of Gordon Ramsay in his first stateside restaurant, the London NYC merges the style and flair of both of its namesake cities. Each of the spacious, tech-savvy suites has custom furniture, like an embossed-leather desk, and Egyptian-cotton bedding. Bathrooms are equally well styled, with a Waterworks double-head shower and mosaic tiles. For the ultimate splurge, there’s the 54th-floor duplex London penthouse, the highest hotel room with views of Central Park. The high-end British concierge service, Quintessentially, attends to your every whim with tireless charm. Pros: posh atmosphere without prissiness; Gordon Ramsay restaurant; great fitness club. Cons: inconsistent service; no bathtubs in most rooms; expensive dining options. TripAdvisor: “excellent service and amenities,” “large rooms,” “friendly and helpful staff.” | 151 W. 54th St., between 6th and 7th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/307–5000 or 866/690–2029 | www.thelondonnyc.com | 561 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, D, E to 7th Ave.; N, Q, R to 57th St.
Fodor’s Choice | Mandarin Oriental.
$$$$ | The Mandarin