New York Palace
455 Madison Avenue, (212) 888-7000
Located just off Madison Avenue in the historic Villard Mansion, this property struck me with its jaw-dropping views over St Patrick's Cathedral, and its Tower wing is the highest hotel in Manhattan. I couldn’t stop taking photos across the city’s skyline. You’re in ‘the heart of midtown’, which may sound like faint praise, but it’s a fantastically convenient location.
Eating in for a special occasion is a definite option as the hotel boasts a two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, GILT, just slightly more sophisticated than the hot dog stand outside. It’s not the cheapest hotel in the city, but if you want to splurge, I’d recommend breaking the bank for a one-off treat – especially given a favourable exchange rate.
The Carlton Hotel
88 Madison Avenue, (212) 532 4100
There’s a regally classical feel to the lobby of this large hotel in Midtown. Primarily a business hotel, that shouldn’t put off leisure travellers as it has way more character than some of its competitors.
The charisma stretches to the traditionally-furnished rooms and its size and primary function mean that its amenities cupboard is well-stocked, with everything from business centre to workout room, and there’s the added bonus of free wireless internet.
The lobby is one of those places you don’t mind waiting around in too much. The crystal chandeliers are a perfect backdrop for sipping a Sunday coffee while you read the papers. If you’re feeling like kickstarting your day, you can always belly up to the wonderful saloon bar, Millesime, where the bartenders can fix you up a classic New York cocktail. Manhattan, anyone?
Plum spot: If you fancy living it up on Fifth Avenue, The Peninsula could be for you
The Peninsula New York
700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, (212) 956 2888
There’s an upscale Oriental theme to this grand hotel, which lies in a plum spot on spiffy Fifth Avenue. It’s a quite fabulous Beaux-Arts building that dates back to 1905, so very traditional for New York. Modelled on its sister property in Hong Kong, the bedrooms boast ‘the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in’ (according to the literature, and it’s hard to disagree) and look out over either bustling 5th Avenue or the quiet back courtyard.
Among the highlights to explore is the solid Fives Restaurant (5th Avenue and 55th Street – you see?), which is apparently famed for its Champagne brunch, though I was confined to a very satisfactory dinner. There’s also the Salon de Ning, which is a rooftop bar with a 1930s Shanghai vibe – the after dinner crowds seize on it as a spot for a late cocktail. The spa here is one of the best in the city.
The Cassa Hotel
70, W 45th St, (212) 302 8700
This style-conscious, 165-room bolthole is a chic new addition to the notoriously buttoned-down Midtown neighbourhood. The ethos may nose towards simplicity, but the rooms still enjoy nice luxury touches such as Frette linens and MP3 docking stations. If you like to stay home, the TVs are 42inch, all good value additions for what remains a reasonable price for Manhattan.
If you’re looking for something better for you than a slice of New York pizza, organic food is the order of the day on the varied menus, and there’s a charming back garden – a real boon in the concrete urbanity of Manhattan. It’s not super-flush with amenities beyond a restaurant, bar and fitness room, but with the accommodations so well thought out, you may not care too much.
Home from home: The Cassa Hotel's rooms feature Frette linens, MP3 docking stations and 42-inch TVs
Chatwal
130 W. 44th St, (212) 764-6200
This none-more-Deco delight is kind of a ‘baby grand’, a jaunty bijoux property but one which has all the grandeur of a much larger hotel. The building housed a well-heeled clubhouse in the early 20th century, and it’s been beautifully restored. You’d do well do linger in the striking, Art Deco lobby, taking in the incredible original design features and if you were to do that while sipping a dry Martini from the bar, you wouldn’t look too out of place. Just off the lobby is the Lamb’s Club, the hotel’s restaurant, is the former club eatery that was graced by the likes of Fred Astaire, and while you don’t need a top hat and tails, you can still feel the opulence.
The rooms are delightfully playful, with wardrobes that look like classic travelling trunks, one of the most original looks I’ve seen in a hotel room, and it doesn’t feel at all gimmicky. There’s no skimping on mod cons, though, and you’ll find all the techno wizardry you’d expect from a modern hotel. The small in-room libraries have a selection of reads such as The Great Gatsby, evocative of the era to which the Chatwal effortlessly transports you.
The MAve
62 Madison Avenue, (212) 532-7373
The textual shenanigans are meant to be an abbreviation of Madison Avenue, but that’s about as annoying as this hotel gets. It’s hard to fault its Flatiron District location, and fans of the East Village or Chelsea will be in hog heaven. Billing itself as ‘eclectic urban’, this new property definitely has a young atmosphere to it, all hardwood floors and trendy bath products.
The bedrooms are decked out in bright primary colours, with pristine white beds to keep things just shy of sensory overload. Modern art on the walls makes for a suitably dynamic backdrop. Breakfast doesn’t stretch beyond coffee and croissants, but for Manhattan, the prices here are a steal and the neighbourhood feel means you’re in for an authentic NYC experience.
Lap of luxury: The Lowell's rooms are large, apartment-like affairs with a continental feel
The Lowell
28 E. 63rd St, (212) 838-1400
Discretion is very much the watchword here in the refined environs of the Upper East Side. A block from Central Park, the unassuming entrance to this high-class hideaway leads into a subtly shadowy lobby, where uniformed staff unobtrusively lead you into the lap of luxury. Welcomes are offered in hushed tones, and there’s a whiff of exclusivity in the air.
The rooms are large, apartment-like affairs with period antiques that make them feel Parisian or at least continental. Cushy armchairs and classy Italian marble bathrooms complement the living quarters. Food options include the attached, but independent, Post House, which by all accounts serves up a first-rate steak. On your way to chow down, stop by the hotel lounge for a chat with charismatic Irishman and head bartender Patrick as he whips you up a bespoke cocktail.
Hotel Chelsea
222 W. 23rd St, (212) 243 3700
Probably one of the most famous hotels in the world, this iconic building still attracts a loyal following of bohemians, music nerds and fans of shabby chic. Its allure comes from the roll call of previous guests, almost a who’s who of counter-culture. Bob Dylan, Charles Bukowski and – notoriously – Sid Vicious are all former residents.
There is still a glut of long-tern residents, even as designers move in to bring the place, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. While there may not be the finest soaps or flattest TV screens, the place is still full of character, and fine for the price if you value stories over pampering.
Superhip: The Cosmopolitan Hotel is a 'basic de luxe' hotel, where services are kept to a minimum to keep down prices
The Cosmopolitan Hotel
At Chambers St, TriBeCa & Lower East Side, (212) 566-1900
Superhip (for this month, anyway – this IS New York City) TriBeCa is home to this ‘basic de luxe’ hotel, where services are kept to a minimum to keep down prices, but what IS there is done very well. With just 150 rooms, it feels somewhat like a large scale Bed and breakfast rather than a hotel, but if you’re looking for somewhere pleasantly functional, then this is the place.
The rooms have a hint of top of the range IKEA to them, but are hugely comfortable and for the price, you’re happy to have a private bathroom in NYC. They all have free Wi-fi, cable television and clean, comfortable beds – all you need really, and you’re here to sightsee and shop, not lounge around the place! Try one of the minilofts for a tweak more luxury, and then enjoy the impressive, prime location and the handy subway proximity.
W Times Square
1567 Broadway, (212) 930 7400
For a hotel brand with such a hip reputation, this is kind of a nerdy place to be hanging out, overlooking the tourist traps of Times Square. However, if you want to stay in the thick of things whilst retaining your cool, this is definitely the place. The entrance is fun in itself – the waterfall in a glass box that runs from the lobby, and board games suspended in Perspex.
The plush furnishings and quirky amenities of the W brand are all present and correct, with the traditional emphasis on the eminently testable “whatever whenever’ service philosophy. Some of NYC’s mosut touristy attractions are right outside, but don’t worry, at the W you can wear your 'I Love NY' t-shirt safe in the knowledge that everyone will think you’re being ironic.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2029598/Top-New-York-City-hotels-The-best-places-stay-City-That-Never-Sleeps.html#ixzz2S9gFd0Bs
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