New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [263]
Roger Smith.
$ | This quirky choice is one of the better budget buys in the city. The art-filled rooms, matched by the murals in the lobby, are homey and comfortable, with down pillows and quilts on the beds. Some have stocked bookshelves and fireplaces. Suites have kitchenettes. Bathrooms are small, but do have tubs. An eclectic mix of room service is provided by five local restaurants, and guests have access to the nearby New York Sports Club ($15 fee). Rates can drop by as much as $75 per night in winter and summer, so ask when booking. Pros: good location near Grand Central; intimate atmosphere; free Wi-Fi. Cons: street noise; small bathrooms. TripAdvisor: “pleasant and helpful staff,” “warmly recommended,” “not far from Grand Central.” | 501 Lexington Ave., between E. 47th and E. 48th Sts., Midtown East | 10017 | 212/755–1400 or 800/445–0277 | www.rogersmith.com | 102 rooms, 28 suites | In-room: a/c, kitchen (some), refrigerator, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry service, 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.
Roosevelt Hotel.
$ | Named after Teddy, not Franklin, this Midtown icon steps from Grand Central has plenty of elbow room for stretching out. An ornate lobby with cushy couches and an old-school bar with heavy wood detailing makes the Roosevelt feel like it’s from another time, and it should—the property dates from 1924. Happily, the amenities don’t hark back to that era, though rooms are a little tired: the carpeting shows some wear, the art on the walls is chain-generic, and the bedding is blah. However, the beds do have pillow-top mattresses, and the bathrooms are nice and big. The rooftop lounge, mad46, serves themed cocktails that include a “Teddy-tini.” Pros: great public areas; big bathrooms. Cons: dated decor; limited in-room amenities. TripAdvisor: “amazing location,” “well-maintained and clean rooms,” “good value.” | 45 E. 45th St., at Madison Ave., Midtown East | 10017 | 888/833–3969 | www.theroosevelthotel.com | 1,015 rooms, 24 suites | In-room: a/c, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, gym, parking (paid) | AE, MC, V | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to Grand Central/42nd St.
The Setai Fifth Avenue.
$$$ | Setting new standards of luxury on lower 5th, the towering, limestone-clad Setai has been conceived as an opulent crash pad for wealthy overseas tourists, captains of industry on long-term stays, and anyone in need of some serious pampering. Every detail has been attended to, beginning with an intimate lobby appointed in muted beige tones, onyx, leather, and glass, where you’ll be greeted by your personal assistant (no old-school concierges here), who will attend to your every whim and desire. Rooms, which measure an average of 700 square feet, feature touches like walnut panel trim, giant hardwood closets, cushy Duxiana beds clad in Pratesi linens, and huge bathrooms with expansive rain showers and soaking tubs. The 54 “apartment suites” have living rooms, Miele appliances, and distinctive art on the walls. For sheer indulgence there’s the expansive, winding, 12,000-square-foot Auriga spa, which feels like its own neighborhood. There’s an ice room, a Turkish-style hammam, individual waiting areas for treatment rooms, and treatments tailored to the lunar cycle. White-hot Italian chef Michael White is behind the stove at Ai Fiori, the Setai’s Mediterranean-theme restaurant, and the Bar on 5th has quickly become a favorite after-work and late-night destination for sophisticated cocktails and live jazz. Pros: attentive service; gorgeous spa; great location. Cons: street noise reported by guests on lower floors. TripAdvisor: “top notch,” “treated us like royalty,” “very satisfied.” | 4005th Ave. between 36th and 37th Sts., Midtown East | 10018 | 212/695–4005 | www.setaififthavenue.com | 157 rooms, 57 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen, refrigerator (some), Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, spa, laundry service,