Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Jolly Madison Towers is a piece of Italy, left in the middle of Manhattan. This beautiful facility offers high level amenities, and an environment most enjoyable, completely renovated.
At 22 East 38th Street, near Madison Avenue. In the Murray Hill neighbourhood, two blocks from the Garment District commercial area. The hotel is 17 miles from La Guardia airport, 16 miles from JFK, and 17 miles from Newark. It is located near metro lines 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Although quite small, about 215 ft², the rooms of the Jolly combine comfort and charm. The decor is fancy, without frills, with marine blue carpeting, and ecru walls. Facilities are of good quality. cable television (20 channels, including the movie channel HBO), with Internet connection, and video games, mini-bar, individual air conditioning, telephone with answering machine, ironing table and iron, and, soon, a safe (already available for no charge at the front desk.) Note the availability of magazines, and a very comfortable desk armchair. Soundproofing is efficient. Unfortunately, all rooms are not all bright. Decorated with dark marble, the bathrooms are beautiful and functional, they have a bathtub (except for 5 of them), welcome products, and a hair-dryer.
Built in 1923 by architects Murgatroyed and Odgen, the Jolly Madison has 1920's architecture: an elegant red brick façade, enhanced by a terracotta decor (almost unique in the city). The interior decor is Italian style, enhanced with Verona marble. The hotel has 216 rooms, including 6 suites, housed on 17 floors. The personnel are impeccably uniformed, the cleanness spotless, a number of facilities, the hotel has excellent standing, and attracts essentially European customers. In short, a charming establishment that well deserves its four-star rating. Note the presence of a superb oriental spa/massage centre in which you will be able to discover the good effects of Shiatsu ($ 75 a session).
The new restaurant "Cinque Terre", supervised by an Italian chef, offers excellent food of high quality (2* in the New York Times Restaurant Review), inspired by the cuisine of Northern Italy. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner there. To the left of the huge staircase in the lobby, the Whaler offers a superb subdued environment with visible wood ceiling beams and marine upholstery: ideal for before dinner drinks or to enjoy the rest of the evening.
The hotel has been completely renovated. It went from a standard 3* to a standard 4*. The 15th, 16th, and 17th floors are superb, with a view of New York and the Empire State Building.
sauna, massage, beauty salon, spa, hammam, Turkish bath, keep fit
Enguerran D.
Hôtel bien situé pour un séjour dans Manhattan
Bien situé dans Manhattan, personnel
On entend un peu le bruit des clims depuis les chambres tournées vers l'intérieur du batiment.
Jade L.
Jolie hôtel de ville que je recommande
Jolie facile a trouvé et très grand
Chambre insonnorisé la nuit
Alfred B.
tres bon hotel, personnel très chaleureux, chambres confortables, j'y retournerai!
bien situé, calme et tranquille
un peu cher à mon gout
Alain M.
Jolie hôtel situer en pleine ville je recommande vivement.
Jolie et très sympa
Rie a signalé
Olive L.
belle hotel et bon service, nous avons passé de bonne vacances
prix, confort, qualité
aucun
Alain D.
Jolie hôtel avec de très belle vue sur la ville.
Jolie et très calme la journée
Du bruit dehors la nuit
Anonyme.
Hôtel charmant et agréable que j'ai découvert lors de ma visite à new york.
Jolie, deco agréable je recommande.
Rien de mauvais à signalé
Olivier V.
hotel tres agreable .
tres propre et pas cher.
aucun
Théodore V.
Très bel hôtel dans les Etats-Unis avec un personnel chaleureux
Bon acceuil, personnel chaleureux, très bon rapport qualité/prix.
Quelques petites poussières trouvées, mais pas grand chose
Anonyme.
Bon hôtel en général.
Proche du centre.
Ras.
The very first Kimpton hotel to see the light of day in New York, 70 Park Avenue is a smart hotel with a great location which has recently been renovated to bring it (almost) up to date. Its rooms, which have recently been partly renovated, are still not quite as impressive or as spacious as those in its sister properties, but they are nicely appointed and want for nothing. The restaurant and bar provide an added pull to a property which is largely patronised by a business clientele, although there is no reason, unless you are looking for something particularly trendy/luxurious, not to consider 70 Park Avenue as a tourist.
While the Dylan undeniably has a great central Manhattan location, spacious rooms and an interesting history, it's difficult to find that something special here that justifies its being chosen over another hotel in the area at a similar price point. It has modest facilities and the décor and design, while tasteful and inoffensive, is somewhat uninspiring. The well regarded and popular steak house attached to the hotel, Benjamin, is one ace up its sleeve, as might be the impressive alchemy suite, but that's a heavy price to pay in our opinion for a hotel such as the Dylan. Suitable for all types of travellers in any number, we feel that you could get better value elsewhere.
This high class property is everything one would expect from New York's only Japanese-owned hotel: exceptionally calm and quiet, meticulously decorated and appointed and very much focused on giving the very best customer service (which is succeeds in doing with flying colours). With its immaculate, generously sized guestrooms, top class restaurant and bar and excellent location, there is very little for us to pick holes at at The Kitano. While a large proportion of the hotel's guests hail, naturally, from Japan, any demanding traveller will appreciate the luxury and professionalism of this wonderful establishment which would suit any type of traveller to the city.
Of all the Affinia hotels in New York, this is probably the most modern. It underwent a two-year renovation costing $25million and opened in June 209. Ok, it's not a super trendy design hotel, but it has a bit more colour and than the rest and in many ways better features. The hotel could suit any type of traveller such is the range of rooms and their sizes. With a decent location, a touch of originality and a friendly staff, this is not to be overlooked if you are looking for a good value option in Manhattan.
There are times in this job when you uncover a gem of a hotel for which you had no expectations at all (not because you'd heard bad things, but simply because it had until then escaped your attention!). Library hotel is one of those gems. Its theme, as you may have guessed from the name it bears, is the Dewey Decimal System used in libraries around the world. Not only is this a truly original theme which is well exploited in the hotel, but the real genius is that it is one that will never go out of fashion. The hotel itself, which has a great Midtown location and is renowned for its impeccable service, is beautifully appointed and decorated and boasts features which other hotels can only look upon with envy. The Library would be an ideal hotel for couples, friends or families in New York on either business or pleasure.
It all started right here in 1984 when Andrée Putman, the celebrated French interior designer, unveiled the Morgans hotel and triggered what was to be arguably the greatest phenomenon in hotel history by creating the boutique hotel. Renovated last in 2008, still with a large input from Mrs. Putman, the property has kept the same values which has made it and the other hotels in the group of the same name what they are today. An innovative design, functionality, a renowned restaurant and a superb location combine to produce a property which still meets the heavy expectations placed upon its shoulders. Recommended strongly for friends, families or couples as well as those in town on business. Once a classic, always a classic.
We're going to stick our necks out here and say that of all the hotels we have stayed at in this city, the Setai probably takes top spot. Of course there are many different types of hotel in the city and not everyone is looking for what the Setai has to offer, but as on overall experience, it can't, in our opinion, be bettered. The rooms are not only some of the biggest in the city, but they are likely to be the best appointed in terms of amenities too. The stunning, contemporary spa is as luxurious as it is spacious and in its restaurant the hotel has one of most memorable dining experiences to be had. But what impressed us most, and where the hotel rises above it competitors, is the consistent attention to detail and impeccable service the likes of which we've never seen. Although new (November 2010 opening), this is right up there with the old masters and the best thing is that it can only get better!
The smarter, more luxurious sister hotel to The Court just next door, The Tuscany, which went through a multi-million dollar renovation throughout 2012, is a breath of fresh air in the crowded New York hotel game. The spacious rooms are appointed to an exceptionally high standard with quality materials and are not so contemporary that they are about to go out of fashion. The public spaces are equally aesthetically pleasing with some great examples of art and design. The breakfast room in the lobby should now be in operation as should an all-day snacking menu (though no true lunch and dinner services). The top-of-the-range fitness room, the good location and the amiable staff make of The Tuscany and great mid-range option for couples and families.
We were quite simply blown away by this hotel. Rare are the occasions where there is nothing to fault, but staying here was one of those - it just couldn't put a foot wrong. Generously proportioned, impressively appointed rooms are complemented by a relaxed yet top class Italian restaurant, while the spa is a sight to behold. You'll have a tough job finding a property where the service is paralleled and don't even get us started on the views! A magnificent, modern and memorable hotel, we recommend the Trump Soho to all kinds of traveller, newcomers or old hands, couples or families. A huge thumbs up.
Q. What do you get when you take $150 million and put them into the hands of one of the world's greatest architect/designers? A. The Mark. Be under no illusions, what Jacques Grange and co have conceived in the leafy surroundings of the Upper Eastside is now the yardstick against which all other hotels will now have to measure themselves. After over two years under renovation with some of the most sought after names in the creative fields working on the project, The Mark has transformed itself from a decent hotel to a hotel of superlatives. Everything is top draw from the design to the staff, from the food to the wellness centre. This all, of course, comes with the price tag that its quality demands, however rest assured that no other hotel can come close to what The Mark has to offer.
We're going to stick our necks out here and say that of all the hotels we have stayed at in this city, the Setai probably takes top spot. Of course there are many different types of hotel in the city and not everyone is looking for what the Setai has to offer, but as on overall experience, it can't, in our opinion, be bettered. The rooms are not only some of the biggest in the city, but they are likely to be the best appointed in terms of amenities too. The stunning, contemporary spa is as luxurious as it is spacious and in its restaurant the hotel has one of most memorable dining experiences to be had. But what impressed us most, and where the hotel rises above it competitors, is the consistent attention to detail and impeccable service the likes of which we've never seen. Although new (November 2010 opening), this is right up there with the old masters and the best thing is that it can only get better!
Let's not mince our words; The Peninsula is quite simply one of the finest hotels in New York, even more so now it is the other side of a renovation. From the very first moment you enter the hotel you'll have no doubt about the quality of experience that awaits you. There is very little to pick holes at here where excellence comes as standard: the large rooms are finely furnished, the restaurants of the highest caliber, the spa one of the most beautiful and complete in the city and the service faultless. Like all top class hotels this all comes at a certain price, however if there was ever one hotel which could justify the cost it would be this one.
This mythical New York hotel has seen its fair share of changes, both within in its walls and outside, however one thing remains constant: The Carlyle is one of the swankiest, smartest, seductive hotels in the city. The very few flaws of the hotel (for example the size of some bathrooms) can be excused by its age; otherwise there are very few hotels of this genre which can claim to offer a similar experience. Not only does it offer top notch service and facilities, but its location and commanding views are also something spectacular. Throw in a rich history, fine dining and exquisite décor and you get a hotel (literally) fit for kings. If you've got the cash, don't even ask yourself the question?
The Pierre has always been a landmark hotel in New York City?and we are glad to report that after its latest $100 million renovation following its takeover by Taj Hotels, it is still very much one of the hotels by which others must judge themselves. It is true to say that it may not have some of the facilities of some of the other top hotels (no spa, smaller rooms), but when it comes to service, style and sophistication, not to mention history, it is untouchable. With a location that would make most hotels weep with envy, fabulously appointed rooms with an Asian touch and a new, top quality restaurant, The Pierre is back on top of its game and ready to welcome once again all types of traveller, no matter their motive for visiting the city. All this comes, of course, at a price, but if you had to choose a place to spend your hard earned cash, this has got to be near the summit of your shortlist.
Although no longer associated with its Parisian namesake, the Plaza Athénée New York continues to offer one of the most refined hotel experiences in the city. Its style may not be as subtle as some of its competitors and thus some many find it a little overwhelming, but there is no getting away from the fact the hotel is a class act from top to bottom. It boasts capacious, well-appointed and recently renovated rooms (January 2010), a fine wellness centre, a celebrated restaurant and bar and an impeccable service from a smart, professional staff. If you're after that classic European opulence the other side of the Atlantic then the well-located Plaza Athénée is one to consider.
Take a step back in time (through a passage lined with suede and leather, of course) to the golden age of travel and the magnificent new Art Deco hotel The Chatwal. Opened recently in August of 2011, it has quickly become one of the places to stay in New York and to be honest, it isn't difficult to see why: a dream location in the heart of Manhattan, superbly appointed, world ?class accommodations, a luxury spa and a fine restaurant. Marrying both old world glamour and modern day luxury, this 'baby grand' hotel will appeal to those looking for good old fashioned service in a romantic setting with everything that makes this a great city within reach.