Where to Stay - New York City 2009 - page 49

architect David Rockwell and refurbished magnificently. The high-
light of that $60-million renovation is the grand lobby complete with
a marble curving staircase and a cathedral-like high ceiling. While the
Roger (p. 60) a few blocks up, also recently renovated, went for a
cool, sleek, modern-tropical look, the Hotel Carlton has tried to
recapture the glory of the past blended with New Age nods such as
contemporary furnishings in the lobby along with a bubbling, two-
story waterfall. Rooms are a generous size and retain that Beaux Arts
motif with the addition of modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and iPod
clock radios. The marble bathrooms offer plenty of counter space;
some rooms have bathtubs while others just have showers.
88 Madison Ave. (btwn 28th and 29th sts.), New York, NY 10016. & 800/601-8500
or 212/532-4100. Fax [phone]. www.carltonhotelny.com. 316 units. $329
standard; from $450 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $40. Subway: 6 to 28th
St./Lexington Ave. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; business center; limited room
service; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, Wi-Fi, iron/ironing board, safe,
iPod clock radio.

Hotel Giraffe In the increasingly fashionable Madison Park
area, this hotel is a real charmer with a calm, intimate feel. Guest
rooms are stylish, evoking an urban European character, with high
ceilings, velveteen upholstered chairs, and black-and-white photo-
graphs from the 1920s and 1930s. All the rooms are good size, with
high ceilings, while deluxe rooms and suites feature French doors
that lead to small balconies with large windows and remote-con-
trolled blackout shades. Bathrooms are spacious with plenty of mar-
ble counter space and glass-paneled doors, and all rooms have
marble-topped desks. But what really separates this hotel from so
many others are its services: A continental breakfast is included in
the rate and served in the hotel's lobby, where coffee, cookies, and tea
are available all afternoon, and wine, cheese, and piano music are
offered each evening. There is also a lovely rooftop garden.
365 Park Ave. South (at 26th St.), New York, NY 10016. & 877/296-0009 or 212/
685-7700. Fax [phone]. www.hotelgiraffe.com. 73 units. $409-$559 from
$650 1- or 2-bedroom suite; from $2,500 penthouse suite. Rates include continen-
tal breakfast and evening wine and cheese accompanied by piano music. Check
website or ask about reduced rates (as low as $299 at press time). AE, DC, MC, V.
Parking $28. Subway: 6 to 28th St. Amenities: Restaurant; 2 bars; complimentary
access to nearby gym; concierge; business services; limited room service; laundry
service; dry cleaning; rooftop garden; video and CD libraries. In room:A/C, TV/VCR,
Wi-Fi, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, CD player.
INEXPENSIVE
Gershwin Hotel This creative-minded, Warholesque
hotel caters to up-and-coming artistic types—and well-established

Kids