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Tours in New York |
Even though new hotels have been popping up all over the place, occupancy rates have dropped only slightly in New York, mainly because the newer venues are usually at the top of the range. The slow season for the boutique and the high end hotels is in the summer. To get a good deal, visitors should reserve as far ahead as possible. It is a good idea to check out the Internet, as hotels often post specials there that they will not mention over the phone.
The hotels below have been divided into four different price categories:
$$$$ (over US$350)
$$$ (US$250 to US$349)
$$ (US$150 to US$249)
$ (under US$149)
These prices (per room per night) exclude the 13.25% city and state taxes, and the US$2 per room per night occupancy tax. Service charges or breakfast are not included unless otherwise specified.
The hotels below have been divided into four different price categories:
$$$$ (over US$350)
$$$ (US$250 to US$349)
$$ (US$150 to US$249)
$ (under US$149)
These prices (per room per night) exclude the 13.25% city and state taxes, and the US$2 per room per night occupancy tax. Service charges or breakfast are not included unless otherwise specified.
Business
Hotel Giraffe
Friendly and charming, this 73-room boutique hotel, located in the Rose Hill neighbourhood, is close to chic restaurants, and a thriving business community. Sleek and elegant guestrooms are accented with earthy tones, warm woods, granite counters and live plants. Most have balconies. Other amenities include complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, books, a VCR and a DVD player. Free amenities abound, such as passes to New York Sports Club (NYSC), bottled water, a variety of coffees, as well as fruit and sweets, which are available all day. On Monday through Friday, from 1700-2000, there is wine, cheese and live piano music in the lobby. The relaxing rooftop garden is a sanctuary from the bustle of the city.
365 Park Avenue South at 26th Street
Tel: (212) 685 7700 or 1 877 296 0009.
Website: www.hotelgiraffe.com
Price: $$$
Friendly and charming, this 73-room boutique hotel, located in the Rose Hill neighbourhood, is close to chic restaurants, and a thriving business community. Sleek and elegant guestrooms are accented with earthy tones, warm woods, granite counters and live plants. Most have balconies. Other amenities include complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, books, a VCR and a DVD player. Free amenities abound, such as passes to New York Sports Club (NYSC), bottled water, a variety of coffees, as well as fruit and sweets, which are available all day. On Monday through Friday, from 1700-2000, there is wine, cheese and live piano music in the lobby. The relaxing rooftop garden is a sanctuary from the bustle of the city.
365 Park Avenue South at 26th Street
Tel: (212) 685 7700 or 1 877 296 0009.
Website: www.hotelgiraffe.com
Price: $$$
Morgans
With its laid-back sense of style, Morgans does not have to shout to get the visitor's attention. It makes its boldest statement in the lobby, where oversized leather chairs are strewn across the geometrically patterned carpet. Upstairs things are sparser, with rooms decorated in shades of taupe and honey, providing a respite from the glaring city just outside the windows. The baths are a study in simplicity, with clear-glass vanities atop polished steel basins. Morgans Bar, situated on the ground floor, is a great place to see and be seen. The hotel features complimentary continental breakfast, a multilingual staff and in-room massages upon request. For guests on business, rooms are equipped with wireless Internet and plenty of meeting space downstairs.
237 Madison Avenue (between 37th and 38th Streets)
Tel: (212) 686 0300 or 1 800 606 6090.
Website: www.morganshotelgroup.com
Price: $$$
With its laid-back sense of style, Morgans does not have to shout to get the visitor's attention. It makes its boldest statement in the lobby, where oversized leather chairs are strewn across the geometrically patterned carpet. Upstairs things are sparser, with rooms decorated in shades of taupe and honey, providing a respite from the glaring city just outside the windows. The baths are a study in simplicity, with clear-glass vanities atop polished steel basins. Morgans Bar, situated on the ground floor, is a great place to see and be seen. The hotel features complimentary continental breakfast, a multilingual staff and in-room massages upon request. For guests on business, rooms are equipped with wireless Internet and plenty of meeting space downstairs.
237 Madison Avenue (between 37th and 38th Streets)
Tel: (212) 686 0300 or 1 800 606 6090.
Website: www.morganshotelgroup.com
Price: $$$
New York Palace
Even before Travel + Leisure ranked it as one of the world's best places to stay, there was never any doubt that the New York Palace was one of the city's most lavish hotels. The hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan and New York's premier cultural, business and shopping districts. The enormous conference centre in the historic Villard Houses and state-of-the-art health spa cater to the business class. Luxuriously furnished rooms are also designed with the business traveller in mind – even the in-room safes are big enough to store a laptop computer. Other amenities include a multilingual staff, high speed Internet, complimentary weekday shuttle service to Wall Street and to the theatre district Thursday through Saturday.
455 Madison Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets)
Tel: (212) 888 7000 or 1 800 697 2522.
Website: www.newyorkpalace.com
Price: $$$
Even before Travel + Leisure ranked it as one of the world's best places to stay, there was never any doubt that the New York Palace was one of the city's most lavish hotels. The hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan and New York's premier cultural, business and shopping districts. The enormous conference centre in the historic Villard Houses and state-of-the-art health spa cater to the business class. Luxuriously furnished rooms are also designed with the business traveller in mind – even the in-room safes are big enough to store a laptop computer. Other amenities include a multilingual staff, high speed Internet, complimentary weekday shuttle service to Wall Street and to the theatre district Thursday through Saturday.
455 Madison Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets)
Tel: (212) 888 7000 or 1 800 697 2522.
Website: www.newyorkpalace.com
Price: $$$
Waldorf-Astoria
Occupying an entire block on Park Avenue, the Waldorf-Astoria is the meeting place for the world's movers and shakers. The line of limousines in front of the hotel might signal the arrival of a head of state or a captain of industry. The Art Deco showplace, which opened its doors in 1931, retains the glamour of a long-gone era. The murals that once graced the lobby have been painstakingly restored and the rooms exude elegance, especially those in the soaring Waldorf Towers. Yet the Waldorf-Astoria is also the hotel of choice for business travellers, as the rooms have fax machines and high speed Internet access. The executive meeting centre includes high-tech meeting spaces with satellite links and video-conferencing and in the lobby, restaurants and bars, there is WiFi, a wireless high speed connection. Its newest facility, the Spa, offers a variety of therapies as well as in-room massages.
301 Park Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets)
Tel: (212) 355 3000 or 1 800 925 3673.
Website: www.waldorfastoria.com
Price: $$$$
Occupying an entire block on Park Avenue, the Waldorf-Astoria is the meeting place for the world's movers and shakers. The line of limousines in front of the hotel might signal the arrival of a head of state or a captain of industry. The Art Deco showplace, which opened its doors in 1931, retains the glamour of a long-gone era. The murals that once graced the lobby have been painstakingly restored and the rooms exude elegance, especially those in the soaring Waldorf Towers. Yet the Waldorf-Astoria is also the hotel of choice for business travellers, as the rooms have fax machines and high speed Internet access. The executive meeting centre includes high-tech meeting spaces with satellite links and video-conferencing and in the lobby, restaurants and bars, there is WiFi, a wireless high speed connection. Its newest facility, the Spa, offers a variety of therapies as well as in-room massages.
301 Park Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets)
Tel: (212) 355 3000 or 1 800 925 3673.
Website: www.waldorfastoria.com
Price: $$$$
Luxury
Four Seasons
Four Seasons is designed by architect I M Pei, so it should not be a surprise that the onyx-trimmed lobby takes the breath away. Even the standard rooms here outshine the suites at other hotels and the most modest accommodations have padded silk walls accented by sycamore furnishings. For guests who need more room to spread out, the executive suites have living rooms with enormous picture windows and terraces with views of Central Park. All have amenities such as walk-in closets and luxurious, quick-filling marble baths. The sophisticated restaurant and bar, FiftySevenFiftySeven, is a great place for one to impress that special client. There is everything here that the business traveller needs, from seven high-tech conference rooms to a health spa to relieve all that tension. The hotel is centrally located in Manhattan.
57 East 57th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues)
Tel: (212) 758 5700.
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Price: $$$$
Four Seasons is designed by architect I M Pei, so it should not be a surprise that the onyx-trimmed lobby takes the breath away. Even the standard rooms here outshine the suites at other hotels and the most modest accommodations have padded silk walls accented by sycamore furnishings. For guests who need more room to spread out, the executive suites have living rooms with enormous picture windows and terraces with views of Central Park. All have amenities such as walk-in closets and luxurious, quick-filling marble baths. The sophisticated restaurant and bar, FiftySevenFiftySeven, is a great place for one to impress that special client. There is everything here that the business traveller needs, from seven high-tech conference rooms to a health spa to relieve all that tension. The hotel is centrally located in Manhattan.
57 East 57th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues)
Tel: (212) 758 5700.
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Price: $$$$
Mandarin Oriental Hotel New York
It doesn't get much better than this. Stunning vistas, sleek, subtle décor and impeccable service are standard at this ultra-luxury hotel located at Columbus Circle. Huge guest rooms are decorated in creams, browns and dark reds. Granite and marble bathrooms contain soaking tubs with picture windows that overlook the city and are stocked with aroma therapy amenities. Over US$27,000 has been invested in each room's state-of-the-art technology with a home theatre, high speed Internet, two-line cordless phones from which guest can access weather forecasts and the latest stock information. A nearly 23m (75ft) lap pool and daily exercise classes, on-request yoga and fitness instruction are part of the fitness centre offerings. An endless menu of therapies, many of which concentrate on Asian treatments and Ayurvedic practices, can be had at the Spa. The chic Asiate restaurant features French and Japanese cuisine.
80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street
Tel: (212) 805 8800 or 1 866 801 8880.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com
Price: $$$$
It doesn't get much better than this. Stunning vistas, sleek, subtle décor and impeccable service are standard at this ultra-luxury hotel located at Columbus Circle. Huge guest rooms are decorated in creams, browns and dark reds. Granite and marble bathrooms contain soaking tubs with picture windows that overlook the city and are stocked with aroma therapy amenities. Over US$27,000 has been invested in each room's state-of-the-art technology with a home theatre, high speed Internet, two-line cordless phones from which guest can access weather forecasts and the latest stock information. A nearly 23m (75ft) lap pool and daily exercise classes, on-request yoga and fitness instruction are part of the fitness centre offerings. An endless menu of therapies, many of which concentrate on Asian treatments and Ayurvedic practices, can be had at the Spa. The chic Asiate restaurant features French and Japanese cuisine.
80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street
Tel: (212) 805 8800 or 1 866 801 8880.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com
Price: $$$$
St Regis
This Beaux Arts showplace was built in 1904 and has been restored to its original grandeur. The marble-floored lobby hints at the luxury found in the guest rooms – silk-covered walls, richly detailed crown moulding and crystal chandeliers. The Manhattan hotel is centrally located for New York's main business district and all rooms have everything the business traveller could need, from Internet connections to fax machines. There are also 15 meeting rooms. The Ballroom, overlooking the city lights, holds more than 500 people. Guests can stop by for something cool at the cosy King Cole Bar, where the Red Snapper Cocktail (now known as the Bloody Mary) was first concocted.
2 East 55th Street (at Fifth Avenue)
Tel: (212) 753 4500.
Website: www.starwood.com/stregis/index.html
Price: $$$$
This Beaux Arts showplace was built in 1904 and has been restored to its original grandeur. The marble-floored lobby hints at the luxury found in the guest rooms – silk-covered walls, richly detailed crown moulding and crystal chandeliers. The Manhattan hotel is centrally located for New York's main business district and all rooms have everything the business traveller could need, from Internet connections to fax machines. There are also 15 meeting rooms. The Ballroom, overlooking the city lights, holds more than 500 people. Guests can stop by for something cool at the cosy King Cole Bar, where the Red Snapper Cocktail (now known as the Bloody Mary) was first concocted.
2 East 55th Street (at Fifth Avenue)
Tel: (212) 753 4500.
Website: www.starwood.com/stregis/index.html
Price: $$$$
Moderate
The Gershwin
Not far from the much-photographed Flatiron Building is The Gershwin. With its red façade and odd-shaped Hershey kiss-like designs, one of the city's last remaining bargain hotels is tough to miss. Buttercup yellow walls or cherry-red moulding decorate the simple but comfortable rooms. The hotel is particularly popular with young people, as the funky Pop Art decor, nightly film screenings, arts events and affordable travel packages aim to please 20-something travellers. All rooms are en suite. Dorm-style rooms, suites and accommodations for families are also available.
7 East 27th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
Tel: (212) 545 8000.
Website: www.gershwinhotel.com
Price: $
Not far from the much-photographed Flatiron Building is The Gershwin. With its red façade and odd-shaped Hershey kiss-like designs, one of the city's last remaining bargain hotels is tough to miss. Buttercup yellow walls or cherry-red moulding decorate the simple but comfortable rooms. The hotel is particularly popular with young people, as the funky Pop Art decor, nightly film screenings, arts events and affordable travel packages aim to please 20-something travellers. All rooms are en suite. Dorm-style rooms, suites and accommodations for families are also available.
7 East 27th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
Tel: (212) 545 8000.
Website: www.gershwinhotel.com
Price: $
Howard Johnson Express Inn NYC
The first chain hotel to make its way to the crossroads of the East Village and Lower East Side nightlife is a great choice for those who want to be near the city's nightlife but not drain their wallets. The simple rooms are motel-style and have a little turning-around room; some have hot tubs or microwaves and mini-refrigerators. All rooms are en suite. The biggest surprise, besides the hotel's move to the neighbourhood, is the ample in-room amenities, such as complimentary high-speed Internet, newspaper, hairdryer, iron, coffeemaker and breakfast.
135 East Houston Street (at Forsythe Street)
Tel: (212) 358 8844.
Website: www.hojo.com
Price: $$ (including breakfast)
The first chain hotel to make its way to the crossroads of the East Village and Lower East Side nightlife is a great choice for those who want to be near the city's nightlife but not drain their wallets. The simple rooms are motel-style and have a little turning-around room; some have hot tubs or microwaves and mini-refrigerators. All rooms are en suite. The biggest surprise, besides the hotel's move to the neighbourhood, is the ample in-room amenities, such as complimentary high-speed Internet, newspaper, hairdryer, iron, coffeemaker and breakfast.
135 East Houston Street (at Forsythe Street)
Tel: (212) 358 8844.
Website: www.hojo.com
Price: $$ (including breakfast)
Wellington Hotel
Location, location, location! This European-style hotel is situated near Carnegie Hall, a short walk to Lincoln Center, Central Park, Fifth Avenue and just steps from Broadway and the subway. Its lobby artwork and chandeliers are a bit old-fashioned and the rooms are small, but clean and sufficient. Guestrooms have a desk, cable TV, and adequate, marble bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available for an additional charge. There is an adjacent restaurant and a gift shop that can book tours and tickets. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, laundry facilities and parking (additional charge), making the hotel great value, especially for the budget-minded or for families.
871 Seventh Avenue at 55th Street
Tel: (212) 247 3900 or 1 800 652 1212.
Website: www.wellingtonhotel.com
Price: $$
Location, location, location! This European-style hotel is situated near Carnegie Hall, a short walk to Lincoln Center, Central Park, Fifth Avenue and just steps from Broadway and the subway. Its lobby artwork and chandeliers are a bit old-fashioned and the rooms are small, but clean and sufficient. Guestrooms have a desk, cable TV, and adequate, marble bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available for an additional charge. There is an adjacent restaurant and a gift shop that can book tours and tickets. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, laundry facilities and parking (additional charge), making the hotel great value, especially for the budget-minded or for families.
871 Seventh Avenue at 55th Street
Tel: (212) 247 3900 or 1 800 652 1212.
Website: www.wellingtonhotel.com
Price: $$
Other Recommendations
Hotel Elysée
Before it was a French country-styled, 101-room boutique hotel, it was home to literary giants like Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and Harold Robbins. Antiques and earthy fabrics tastefully decorate guestrooms and marble accents the baths. The Club Room is a plush, comfortable room where everything is complimentary - continental breakfast, snacks all day, plus hors d'oeuvres and wine on weekday evenings. The friendly staff helps to underscore the property's warm, European feel. And not to be missed are the simian murals at its famous Monkey Bar, once a favourite hangout of celebs like Marlon Brando, Ava Gardner and Joe DiMaggio.
60 East 54th Street
Tel: (212) 753 1066 or 1 800 535 9733.
Website: www.elyseehotel.com
Price: $$$
Before it was a French country-styled, 101-room boutique hotel, it was home to literary giants like Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and Harold Robbins. Antiques and earthy fabrics tastefully decorate guestrooms and marble accents the baths. The Club Room is a plush, comfortable room where everything is complimentary - continental breakfast, snacks all day, plus hors d'oeuvres and wine on weekday evenings. The friendly staff helps to underscore the property's warm, European feel. And not to be missed are the simian murals at its famous Monkey Bar, once a favourite hangout of celebs like Marlon Brando, Ava Gardner and Joe DiMaggio.
60 East 54th Street
Tel: (212) 753 1066 or 1 800 535 9733.
Website: www.elyseehotel.com
Price: $$$
The Mansfield
A European air permeates the lobby of this over 100-year-old building. Many of its original 1904 touches (ceiling mouldings, terrazzo floors, wrought iron and the skylight in the bar area) remain. Just off the small lobby is a comfortable, clubby room complete with fireplace, game boards, books and espresso/cappuccino machine. Many of the guestrooms, though not ultra roomy, have a bay window sitting area, but all have a workspace and ultra comfy beds. The guestrooms are still being renovated. Continental breakfast is complimentary and the friendly staff is always there to help. Well located, the hotel is walking distance from Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
12 West 44th Street
Tel: (212) 277 8700 or 1 800 255 5167.
Website: www.mansfieldhotel.com
Price: $$$ (including breakfast)
A European air permeates the lobby of this over 100-year-old building. Many of its original 1904 touches (ceiling mouldings, terrazzo floors, wrought iron and the skylight in the bar area) remain. Just off the small lobby is a comfortable, clubby room complete with fireplace, game boards, books and espresso/cappuccino machine. Many of the guestrooms, though not ultra roomy, have a bay window sitting area, but all have a workspace and ultra comfy beds. The guestrooms are still being renovated. Continental breakfast is complimentary and the friendly staff is always there to help. Well located, the hotel is walking distance from Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
12 West 44th Street
Tel: (212) 277 8700 or 1 800 255 5167.
Website: www.mansfieldhotel.com
Price: $$$ (including breakfast)
The Paramount
There is nothing traditional about The Paramount, a post-modern showplace. For example, in the entrance, red roses are displayed vertically in vases set into the wall. The lobby bar, designed by Philippe Starck, has platinum walls and a glamorous staircase sweeping up to the mezzanine. Guests can gaze down from their tables to the music and theatre industry leaders reclining on the slightly off-kilter furniture below. Half a block to Times Square, the location of this Theater District landmark could not be better. The rooms are rather small but few guests spend much time there anyway.
235 West 46th Street (between Broadway and Eighth Avenue)
Tel: (212) 764 5500 or 1 800 436 3542.
Website: www.nycparamount.com
Price: $$
There is nothing traditional about The Paramount, a post-modern showplace. For example, in the entrance, red roses are displayed vertically in vases set into the wall. The lobby bar, designed by Philippe Starck, has platinum walls and a glamorous staircase sweeping up to the mezzanine. Guests can gaze down from their tables to the music and theatre industry leaders reclining on the slightly off-kilter furniture below. Half a block to Times Square, the location of this Theater District landmark could not be better. The rooms are rather small but few guests spend much time there anyway.
235 West 46th Street (between Broadway and Eighth Avenue)
Tel: (212) 764 5500 or 1 800 436 3542.
Website: www.nycparamount.com
Price: $$
Shoreham
Unobtrusively located right off Fifth Avenue, this newly renovated hotel is compact, comfortable and hip. Nice touches like funky artwork and tall, cylindrical vases with fresh flowers adorn its glass and white marble lobby. Toward the back there is a lounge, a business area (computer and printer) plus a small fitness centre and 24-hour cappuccino machine. All are complimentary. Guestrooms have accents of glass and stainless steel: plasma TVs, WiFi, safes, refrigerators and a small work area fill the comfy room. The bathrooms are very modern and some have Jacuzzis and five-headed showers which are a real treat. In-room spa services are available. The Shoreham Bar is a popular hangout for the 20- and 30-somethings.
33 West 55th Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets
Tel: (212) 247 6700 or 1 800 553 3347.
Website: www.shorehamhotel.com
Price: $$$
Unobtrusively located right off Fifth Avenue, this newly renovated hotel is compact, comfortable and hip. Nice touches like funky artwork and tall, cylindrical vases with fresh flowers adorn its glass and white marble lobby. Toward the back there is a lounge, a business area (computer and printer) plus a small fitness centre and 24-hour cappuccino machine. All are complimentary. Guestrooms have accents of glass and stainless steel: plasma TVs, WiFi, safes, refrigerators and a small work area fill the comfy room. The bathrooms are very modern and some have Jacuzzis and five-headed showers which are a real treat. In-room spa services are available. The Shoreham Bar is a popular hangout for the 20- and 30-somethings.
33 West 55th Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets
Tel: (212) 247 6700 or 1 800 553 3347.
Website: www.shorehamhotel.com
Price: $$$
Tribeca Grand
Although the bulk of Manhattan's hotels offer proximity to the major tourist sights, it is refreshing for one to leave the throngs of Midtown for accommodation closer to the culturally rich SoHo and all the lovely cast-iron façades of the former factories and warehouses of this part of the city. The hotel's Church Street bar attracts a well-heeled clientele. The rooms upstairs are minimalist, modern and yet comfortable; on the stainless steel bathroom counters are Bliss bath products. All rooms have telephones with voice-mail, wireless Internet, bed with Egypt cotton linens, as well as VCRs and CD players. A screening room on the lower level features children's movies until 1600 and after that screenings of independent films. The hotel has a 24-hour gym, concierge and business centre. Its sister hotel, the Soho Grand, has a similar aesthetic in a less historic setting.
2 Avenue of the Americas (White and Church)
Tel: (212) 519 6600 or 1 800 965 3000.
Website: www.tribecagrand.com
Price: $$$
Although the bulk of Manhattan's hotels offer proximity to the major tourist sights, it is refreshing for one to leave the throngs of Midtown for accommodation closer to the culturally rich SoHo and all the lovely cast-iron façades of the former factories and warehouses of this part of the city. The hotel's Church Street bar attracts a well-heeled clientele. The rooms upstairs are minimalist, modern and yet comfortable; on the stainless steel bathroom counters are Bliss bath products. All rooms have telephones with voice-mail, wireless Internet, bed with Egypt cotton linens, as well as VCRs and CD players. A screening room on the lower level features children's movies until 1600 and after that screenings of independent films. The hotel has a 24-hour gym, concierge and business centre. Its sister hotel, the Soho Grand, has a similar aesthetic in a less historic setting.
2 Avenue of the Americas (White and Church)
Tel: (212) 519 6600 or 1 800 965 3000.
Website: www.tribecagrand.com
Price: $$$
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