New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [258]
Wellington Hotel.
$ | A few blocks south of Central Park and Columbus Circle, the Wellington is a fine jumping-off point for visitors who want to see the sights in Midtown and the Upper West Side. The vibe in the rooms is more classic New York than edgy or modern, with floral patterns and dark-wood headboards and chests. The bathrooms, which are small and dark, don’t have much to recommend them. Suites, however, are spacious, and include foldout couches and extra beds—great for large families. Molyvos, a boisterous Greek restaurant in the hotel, is an excellent dining option, and the breakfast area doubles as a classic diner the rest of the day. The staff is quite amenable to requests. The hotel runs clever theme packages during holidays, which draw return guests every year. Pros: central location; chipper staff; good for big families. Cons: dark bathrooms; limited breakfast. TripAdvisor: “helpful bell boys,” “good sized room,” “close to Central Park.” | 871 7th Ave., at W. 55th St., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/247–3900 or 800/652–1212 | www.wellingtonhotel.com | 600 rooms, 100 suites | In-room: a/c, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, laundry facilities, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: N, Q, R to 57th St.
Westin New York at Times Square.
$ | A $24 million renovation is complete at this giant Midtown hotel; all rooms come with the Heavenly Bed, flat-screen televisions, and Wi-Fi. For even more comfort, spa-floor rooms come with massage chairs, aromatherapy candles, and other pampering pleasures. Though it costs $10 for entry, the gym is impressive, and it even includes Wii Fit and running tours throughout the city. The huge lobby gets crowded during busy check-in and checkout times; Shula’s Steakhouse is a pricey dining option. Pros: busy Times Square location; big rooms; great gym. Cons: busy Times Square location; small bathroom sinks; some rooms need to be refreshed. TripAdvisor: “very friendly receptionists,” “lovely bed,” “smooth check-in.” | 270 W. 43rd St., at 8th Ave., Midtown West | 10036 | 212/201–2700 or 866/837–4183 | www.westinny.com | 863 rooms, 126 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, gym, spa, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St./Times Sq.
MIDTOWN EAST
Affinia 50.
$$ | This extremely popular hotel has a businesslike mood, but it’s also supremely comfortable for families or leisure travelers. Most studios and all suites have plenty of space to stretch out in, with full kitchens and a clean, playful design that incorporates oversize chairs and couches. The second-floor club lounge provides business services and board games for guest use. Those aren’t the only quirky amenities, either: there’s an “evening cheer” reception with complimentary wine and cheese Monday through Thursday, fruit and iced tea at reception, and a six-choice pillow menu. All rooms have a mini-refrigerator and microwave, and suites have countertop stoves. Pros: apartment-style living; good value; kid- and pet-friendly. Cons: ugly lobby; old televisions; pricey Wi-Fi. TripAdvisor: “rooms were clean and stylish,” “real New York experience at a good value,” “great location to midtown attractions.” | 155 E. 50th St., at 3rd Ave., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/751–5710 or 800/637–8483 | www.affinia.com | 56 rooms, 151 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen (some), refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: room service, gym, laundry facilities, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 51st St./Lexington Ave.; E, M to Lexington–3rd Aves./53rd St.
The Alex.
$$$ | Often overlooked in a part of the city that’s heavy with office buildings, the Alex is a sleek little oasis of style on Manhattan’s East Side. This David Rockwell–designed property