VIBE

This comfortable yet elegant Kimpton property just around the corner from Grand Central Terminal offers a pleasantly upscale home-away-from-home ambiance. A recent overhaul by celeb designer Jeffry Bilhuber gave the guest rooms an invitingly cushion-bestrewn look. (Though all are uniform in terms of décor, the Premier rooms and Suites offer luxurious Jacuzzi tubs.) The “Living Room” lobby sticks with the comfortable yet swish theme: guests are welcomed to make themselves at home during evening wine receptions.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; colleagues; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

The make-yourself-at-home ethos is fun, especially if you’re traveling with a pet or kids (both are enthusiastically welcome). Other homey treats include in-room yoga accessories, spacious desks (in cramped NYC quarters these are often downsized), and healthy organic snacks in the mini-bar. The convenient location between Times Square and Grand Central is also a plus.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The evening wine reception in the “Living Room.”

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The bathrooms are tiny, and the room décor is lacking in wow-factor.

GOOD TO KNOW

Valet service and limo service are available. The KimptonKids program offers babysitting services, cribs, strollers, in-room safety latches, welcome gifts for kids, and child-sized robes. Pets of all sizes, weights, and behaviors are welcome at no extra charge. The hotel is 100% non-smoking and eco-friendly (be sure to check out their EarthCare eco program, detailed on the website). Complimentary morning coffee is available in the “Living Room.”

CLOSEST COMPS

The Iroquois (New York); Hotel Elysée (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.