New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [262]
Omni Berkshire Place.
$$$ | A recent renovation has reenergized this property, giving it a luxe, modern vibe. Towering, modern floral arrangements anchor the reception area, which leads to a dramatic, two-story atrium lounge that’s home to the casual, eclectic Fireside restaurant and bar. The updated, earth-toned guest rooms have a contemporary simplicity as well as plush bedding and tasteful furnishings. The “Omni Sensational Kids” programs features goodies like games, books, and a list of family attractions. Pros: location in the heart of a see-it-all New York; 17th-floor fitness center overlooks St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cons: no free morning coffee; paid Internet. TripAdvisor: “roomy for New York standards,” “top notch,” “lovely rooms, great service.” | 21 E. 52nd St., between 5th and Madison Aves., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/753–5800 or 800/843–6664 | www.omnihotels.com | 396 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry facilities, laundry service, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave. .
Fodor’s Choice | The Peninsula.
$$$$ | Stepping through the Peninsula’s Beaux-Arts facade onto the grand staircase overhung with a monumental chandelier, you know you’re in for a glitzy treat. Service here is world-class and personalized: expect to be referred to by name as you make your way through the hotel. Recently renovated rooms have the latest touches in luxury comfort. The views are stunning: see the northward sweep up 5th Avenue to Central Park past church steeples, or look east toward the beautiful St. Regis across the street. The excellent high-tech amenities include a bedside console that controls the lighting, sound, and thermostat for the room as well as a TV mounted over the tub for bath-time viewing (in all but standard rooms). The rooftop Peninsula Spa, with indoor pool, is monumental. The Salon de Ning, a rooftop bar bedecked with Chinese-style daybeds, has dazzling views of Midtown. Pros: brilliant service; fabulous rooms, with the best lighting of all city hotels (good angles, easy to use); unforgettable rooftop bar. Cons: expensive. TripAdvisor: “impeccable service,” “spacious rooms,” “excellent location.”| 700 5th Ave., at 55th St., Midtown East | 10019 | 212/956–2888 or 800/262–9467 | www.peninsula.com | 185 rooms, 54 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, pool, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave.
Pod Hotel.
¢ | This is the hotel that made bunk beds cool again—and now they’re everywhere; by offering spotless stainless-steel bunks with pullout flat-screen TVs, the Pod makes tiny, tiny rooms tolerable. If you can handle cramped quarters, this is one of the best deals in Midtown (and it seems spacious compared with the Jane). About half the rooms come with standard queen beds and private bath. The rooms, starting at a meager 100 square feet, borrow space-saving ideas from mass transit, with sink consoles like those in an airplane restroom and built-in shelves tucked under the beds. In return for the lack of space you get a convenient location and modern amenities like in-room iPod docking stations and free Wi-Fi. The common areas are cheerful and modern, with an outdoor bar-café and a stylish roof deck. Don’t expect luxe linens or fab toiletries. Do expect to book well in advance, as budget-minded hipsters and stylish thrifty folk of all ages keep this hotel hopping. Pros: an inexpensive and fun way to save money. Cons: many will hate the small rooms; some shared bathrooms. TripAdvisor: “friendly and helpful staff,” “small rooms,” “roof terrace.” | 230 E. 51st St., between 2nd and 3rd Aves., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/355–0300 or 800/874–0074 | www.thepodhotel.com | 347 rooms, 195 with bath | In-room: a/c, Wi-Fi | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 51st St./Lexington