A Midtown East icon, the 1,300-room Waldorf Astoria comes with some of New York's best (or at least most expensive) spa services, fitness facilities, restaurants, and bars. Rooms are elegant and feature the high-end amenities expected of a hotel of this category, and suites have palatial black-and-white marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs. However, Standard Rooms are small for the price, and there’s a fee for Wi-Fi. The dress code and antique decor aren't for everyone, though the cinematic history and unrivaled elegance might make the price tag well worth it.
A Midtown East icon, the 1,300-room Waldorf Astoria comes with some of New York's best (or at least most expensive) spa services, fitness facilities, restaurants, and bars. Rooms are elegant and feature the high-end amenities expected of a hotel of this category, and suites have palatial black-and-white marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs. However, Standard Rooms are small for the price, and there’s a fee for Wi-Fi. The dress code and antique decor aren't for everyone, though the cinematic history and unrivaled elegance might make the price tag well worth it.
Part hotel, part hostel (with shared bathrooms), the Pod is pretty basic for business-focused Midtown East. But it's still not the cheapest hotel. Rooms -- those with their own bathroom -- also have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and iHome iPod docks. But they're tiny -- maybe the smallest in New York. For the price, opt for the Holiday Inn Sixth Avenue in far-hipper Chelsea.
Part hotel, part hostel (with shared bathrooms), the Pod is pretty basic for business-focused Midtown East. But it's still not the cheapest hotel. Rooms -- those with their own bathroom -- also have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and iHome iPod docks. But they're tiny -- maybe the smallest in New York. For the price, opt for the Holiday Inn Sixth Avenue in far-hipper Chelsea.
The upper-middle-range Grand Hyatt New York has a prime location in New York's corporate and tourist center. The highlight here is the location -- it's next door to Grand Central Station and within a 15-minute walk of Times Square, Bryant Park, and Rockefeller Center, although the Midtown address can be too chaotic for some guests. The 1,306 modern rooms come in a wide range of categories, and all include a mini-fridge and windows that open (rare for NYC). New York Central restaurant, lounge, and bar serves upscale western European-inspired fare with views right over 42nd Street. There's also a 24-hour to-go market in the lobby, modern fitness center, and business center with secretarial services. Travelers seeking a chain hotel in a slightly quieter setting, should check rates at The Westin New York Grand Central.
The upper-middle-range Grand Hyatt New York has a prime location in New York's corporate and tourist center. The highlight here is the location -- it's next door to Grand Central Station and within a 15-minute walk of Times Square, Bryant Park, and Rockefeller Center, although the Midtown address can be too chaotic for some guests. The 1,306 modern rooms come in a wide range of categories, and all include a mini-fridge and windows that open (rare for NYC). New York Central restaurant, lounge, and bar serves upscale western European-inspired fare with views right over 42nd Street. There's also a 24-hour to-go market in the lobby, modern fitness center, and business center with secretarial services. Travelers seeking a chain hotel in a slightly quieter setting, should check rates at The Westin New York Grand Central.
Located in business-focused Midtown East, this old-school upscale hotel is a favorite among visiting dignitaries, politicians, and extended-stay business travelers. The veteran staff is known to greets guests by name and the lobby is filled with antique furniture. The 30 guest rooms and 162 suites range from 350 to 935 square feet, and most include balconies and/or kitchenettes. Italian food is served at Bistagno for dinner and room service is available 24 hours. There's a small on-site fitness center, but guests are better off taking advantage of the free access to NY Health and Racquet Club. Expect a bit of a staid atmosphere, except for the lively rooftop bar and lounge, Upstairs, which draws locals and tourists for cocktails, weekend brunch, and incredible views. The nearby Lotte New York Palace Hotel is a more contemporary business hotel alternative, with the additions of a French bakery and a spa.
Located in business-focused Midtown East, this old-school upscale hotel is a favorite among visiting dignitaries, politicians, and extended-stay business travelers. The veteran staff is known to greets guests by name and the lobby is filled with antique furniture. The 30 guest rooms and 162 suites range from 350 to 935 square feet, and most include balconies and/or kitchenettes. Italian food is served at Bistagno for dinner and room service is available 24 hours. There's a small on-site fitness center, but guests are better off taking advantage of the free access to NY Health and Racquet Club. Expect a bit of a staid atmosphere, except for the lively rooftop bar and lounge, Upstairs, which draws locals and tourists for cocktails, weekend brunch, and incredible views. The nearby Lotte New York Palace Hotel is a more contemporary business hotel alternative, with the additions of a French bakery and a spa.
The Park Lane is an aging luxury hotel living off of its past prestige and Central Park location. On the positive side, the common spaces are still grand, if a little old-fashioned, the restaurant has huge arched windows overlooking the park, and some rooms have gorgeous park views. But rates are high for what you get. Rooms have classic style that's a bit generic and are showing wear and tear; the bathrooms are similarly unexceptional. (We found an empty mini-fridge oddly placed under the bathroom sink.) Harry's New York Bar (named for real estate developer Harry Helmsley) has a dark, clubby ambiance, but cocktails are incredibly expensive, even for New York. Elevator waits can be very long, and the service feels unpolished for a hotel in this price range.
The Park Lane is an aging luxury hotel living off of its past prestige and Central Park location. On the positive side, the common spaces are still grand, if a little old-fashioned, the restaurant has huge arched windows overlooking the park, and some rooms have gorgeous park views. But rates are high for what you get. Rooms have classic style that's a bit generic and are showing wear and tear; the bathrooms are similarly unexceptional. (We found an empty mini-fridge oddly placed under the bathroom sink.) Harry's New York Bar (named for real estate developer Harry Helmsley) has a dark, clubby ambiance, but cocktails are incredibly expensive, even for New York. Elevator waits can be very long, and the service feels unpolished for a hotel in this price range.
The grand historic common spaces, competitive rates, and Midtown location are the main draws at this classic landmark property. The Roosevelt Hotel (named after Teddy) opened in 1924 and has been featured in blockbuster movies, including the original Wall Street and Men in Black 3. This entire-block property rising 19 floors contains a whopping 1,015 rooms, and the location is close to Grand Central Station and many tourist sights. Rooms are modern, if a bit generic, but it's hard to do better in the neighborhood for this pearl category and price.
The grand historic common spaces, competitive rates, and Midtown location are the main draws at this classic landmark property. The Roosevelt Hotel (named after Teddy) opened in 1924 and has been featured in blockbuster movies, including the original Wall Street and Men in Black 3. This entire-block property rising 19 floors contains a whopping 1,015 rooms, and the location is close to Grand Central Station and many tourist sights. Rooms are modern, if a bit generic, but it's hard to do better in the neighborhood for this pearl category and price.
The Gotham, one of Manhattan’s skinniest hotels, opened its doors in 2009 in the same spot that was once endearingly known as the Gotham Book Mart. The 66-room boutique pays homage to its former tenant through the name, of course, but also through the sophisticated decor. The cheerful lobby has a welcoming feel -- even more so when guests are offered a glass of wine from one of the trendily dressed staff members (no uniforms here). Every room comes with a balcony or patio, and guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and use of the neighborhood sports club.
The Gotham, one of Manhattan’s skinniest hotels, opened its doors in 2009 in the same spot that was once endearingly known as the Gotham Book Mart. The 66-room boutique pays homage to its former tenant through the name, of course, but also through the sophisticated decor. The cheerful lobby has a welcoming feel -- even more so when guests are offered a glass of wine from one of the trendily dressed staff members (no uniforms here). Every room comes with a balcony or patio, and guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and use of the neighborhood sports club.
With spacious, contemporary rooms featuring Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs; a wonderful gym with tons of machines and natural light, and an appealing restaurant that turns into a hopping bar with DJ sessions at night, the Westin Grand Central is a solid pick for those who prefer a quieter location in Midtown within walking distance of a few major attractions. Most rooms have great city views (including of the Chrysler Building), but note that there’s a daily fee for Wi-Fi, and that valet parking is quite pricey.
With spacious, contemporary rooms featuring Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs; a wonderful gym with tons of machines and natural light, and an appealing restaurant that turns into a hopping bar with DJ sessions at night, the Westin Grand Central is a solid pick for those who prefer a quieter location in Midtown within walking distance of a few major attractions. Most rooms have great city views (including of the Chrysler Building), but note that there’s a daily fee for Wi-Fi, and that valet parking is quite pricey.
This property delivers on all of the Hampton Inn staples, and the convenient Midtown East location makes it a solid pick for both business and leisure travelers. Constructed from the ground up in 2013, the 148-room hotel is fresh and modern. Guests get free Wi-Fi, a free hot breakfast, a 24-hour business center, and a well-equipped fitness center (though it's in the basement). Rooms are comfortable, with large beds and flat-screen TVs; they're a decent size for New York City, and at least four feature balconies.
This property delivers on all of the Hampton Inn staples, and the convenient Midtown East location makes it a solid pick for both business and leisure travelers. Constructed from the ground up in 2013, the 148-room hotel is fresh and modern. Guests get free Wi-Fi, a free hot breakfast, a 24-hour business center, and a well-equipped fitness center (though it's in the basement). Rooms are comfortable, with large beds and flat-screen TVs; they're a decent size for New York City, and at least four feature balconies.
The Midtown outpost of this four-and-a-half-pearl hotel remains a mainstay for travelers loyal to the brand, but it has some quirks and drawbacks that should be noted. A bold statement is made from the start, with grandiose interiors designed by I.M. Pei, yet beyond the marble-clad lobby, Four Seasons New York delivers an abbreviated version of a luxury hotel experience. Features check high-end boxes -- there's a bar with top-notch cocktails and 24-hour room service -- but the hotel lacks a dinner restaurant, the spa and small gym are in the basement, and there's no pool. Its 368 spacious guest rooms and suites are sophisticated and comfortably staid, with custom-made furniture, minibars, and bathrobes, though high-end amenities like espresso machines and iPod docks are missing. Travelers looking for a step up in features can try The St. Regis New York.
The Midtown outpost of this four-and-a-half-pearl hotel remains a mainstay for travelers loyal to the brand, but it has some quirks and drawbacks that should be noted. A bold statement is made from the start, with grandiose interiors designed by I.M. Pei, yet beyond the marble-clad lobby, Four Seasons New York delivers an abbreviated version of a luxury hotel experience. Features check high-end boxes -- there's a bar with top-notch cocktails and 24-hour room service -- but the hotel lacks a dinner restaurant, the spa and small gym are in the basement, and there's no pool. Its 368 spacious guest rooms and suites are sophisticated and comfortably staid, with custom-made furniture, minibars, and bathrobes, though high-end amenities like espresso machines and iPod docks are missing. Travelers looking for a step up in features can try The St. Regis New York.