Amy Adejokun
Section editor
An excellent, trendy hotel, with a truly original decoration and a good geographical situation. It will please those who love a fashionable atmosphere. But not those who love quiet and quality of service.
At 541 Lexington Avenue, at the intersection of 49th street. In Midtown West, just behind the Waldorf Astoria. The hotel is 17 miles away from La Guardia airport, 16 miles away from JFK, and 17 miles away from Newark. Five blocks away from Grand Central Station and lines 4, 5, 6 & 7.
The rooms of the W are very nicely decorated (more soberly than the hotel), with warm colours and enhanced with a beautiful lighting. They are of adequate size, with 25 m² on average. The bedding is comfortable, the sound-proofing is adequate and the level of features is excellent: television ( with movie channel and Inetrnet access ), tea and coffee kit, fax, two telephones ( including one wireless telephone, two distinct lines and an answering machine ), safe, ironing table and iron, minibar, individual air conditioning, radio/CD and dressing. The bathrooms, rather small, have many products, a bathtub, bathrobes, and a hair dryer. There is a room-service 24h a day.
At the image of its European and North American equivalent, its reputation is due mostly to its original setting, a trendy decoration and a fashionable atmosphere. The W is not disappointing, since this establishment of 780 rooms is located behind the Waldorf Astoria and offers a really friendly environment, with a multitude of good discoveries about design and decoration. Renovated in 1998, the ground floor of the establishment hosts the reception area, a porter service, a small fast-food store, two bars - one of them being on two levels and, set back a bit, a restaurant with a capacity of 150 guests. The hotel has also a small business center and a very beautiful spa/fitness center, (a staff of 7 people, a beauty salon, massages and different treatments.) With its fancy, unusual decoration and numerous facilities, the "W New York " at first sight, makes a good impression. But on second thought, it seems that form, surely nice, has been favoured at the expense of quality of service and friendliness. The staff is distant, almost unfriendly. The hall is noisy, often overcrowded, with music whose sound level is the same as the one in stores during sale. Without speaking of expensive amenities. It is sad to think that you have to choose between countenance and service...
The restaurant, behind the bar of the lobby, offers guests a convivial and pleasant environment. It offers a healthy american cuisine. To the right of the entrance, there is a fast-food outlet, directly accessible from the lobby and, on the left, the Wiskey Blue: a beautiful bar of 280 m², with a warm decoration and softened lighting.
There are several " W " in New York City, but only one " W New York " which is the only one of the chain to have a spa. If you phone from your room, even local New York calls, do it with a telephone card (it is easy to find one in the USA.): the W bills calls at prohibitive and even scandalous high prices. The hotel offers access to a range of CDs and videos.
massage, beauty salon, sauna, stretching, spa
gym, aerobics, dance, step, bums and tums
A well-located hotel, very near Times Square, which will satisfy enthusiasts of art deco atmosphere. The Edison offers, besides some meagre amenities, a good level of comfort.
Although no longer owned by Ian Schrager, his and Starck's influences are still felt throughout the hotel, even after a renovation which was completed in April 2009. Very much in the same vein as the Hudson and to a lesser extent the other Morgans hotel group properties, the Paramount mixes good facilities, the best of design and great food, drink and partying and all in an enviable location in Midtown Manhattan. Not a great option for families given the relatively tight rooms, but couples and friends would appreciate the design element and the bar and restaurant. The hotel is set to become even more of a hotspot once its nightclub opens early next year (2011).
After a recently terminated $15 million renovation, it would be quite wrong to say anything other than "Money well spent!" The hotel, which has a location difficult to better, is certainly one of a kind and has some excellent facilities and original décor. Pet-friendly (to what some would say is an absurd point), it has that edge of eccentricity that one can only find here in New York. Popular amongst bohos and trendy thirty somethings it could equally serve as a familial base for a week or so's stay. However much we liked The Muse, and really, we are fans, it must be said that it has one huge flaw and that is its front of house staff. Shame, because everything else is spot on.
A hotel without any attraction or charm. It offers few amenities except clean accommodations and a good geographical location in the heart of Manhattan.
You couldn't ask for a better location. Although this is a hotel which markets itself strongly as venue for conferences and events, it finds itself in the middle of the New York tourist area and has facilities that would suit any type of traveller, on business or pleasure. Add to that the little bit of magic that the Hudson Theatre brings to the table, together with the Art Deco surroundings, and you've got yourself the perfect base from which to discover the city that never sleeps. Decent sized rooms, some great views and the best of the city on your doorstep-definitely to be considered.
Although the Premier welcomes all guests, it was originally built with the woman traveller in mind. At once formal and relaxed, the hotel is ideally situated for both business and pleasure. It is a fresh, modern and well-considered hotel with good size rooms and some great views. Recommended for lone female travellers or businesswomen as well as for couples looking for a comfortable, discreet yet functional base in New York.
This New York outpost of the Spanish chain Room Mate is so funky it hurts. It marries great Iberian design with a clever use of space and an impressive range of services given the hotel's size. What's more it has a location (for tourists) to die for and laid back but efficient service. The rooms could be bigger, but then you wouldn't get the value for money that Grace offers. The property is perfect for young couples or groups of friends on a certain budget looking to get the absolute most from their dollars. This one's a definite winner!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
You may be coming to the United States to see New York, but the St. Regis is a destination in itself. The most sumptuous hotel we have visited to date in the city, its beautiful Beaux-Arts interiors are a sight to behold. It's (rightly) famed for its unrivalled service and King Cole Bar (more in 'Food and Drink') as well as its beautiful, spacious and well appointed rooms, however it does lack some of the high tier amenities of its rivals, such as a swimming pool, and the views are not quite as good. That said it can boast an Alain Ducasse restaurant and original antique décor. It's true to say that some may find the hotel's opulence a little overbearing, but let's not lose sight of the fact that this is nonetheless a true masterpiece. Even if you don't have the means to stay here, come and take a look around as the property has some unique features. Couples, friends or business travellers will all find their calling at the St. Regis.
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.
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?