Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and bath butler services. In room:A/C, TV/DVD, high-speed Internet, dataport, mini-
bar, hair dryer, iron, safe, telescopes in rooms w/park view.
EXPENSIVE
AKA Central Park
In 2007, AKA opened four extended-stay
residences with hotel-like amenities in Times Square, Sutton Place,
the United Nations-area and Central Park. Since the AKA properties
operate like a combination apartment/hotel; your stay can be as brief
as 1 night. The rooms, all of them spacious studios to two bedrooms,
feature full modern kitchens, marble bathrooms, two televisions, and
services such as a concierge, fitness center, wireless Internet, and a
complimentary weekday breakfast. I found the Central Park loca-
tion, 1 block from Central Park South, the homiest. It's an attractive
and calming alternative to the nearby hotel hysteria.
42 W. 58th St. (btwn 5th-6th Aves.) New York, NY, 10019.
&
212/753-3500.
Fax
646/744-3120; www.stayaka.com. 134 units. Rates from $395. AE, DC, MC, V. Park-
ing $50 per day. Subway: N, R, Q, W to 57th St.
Amenities:
Complimentary break-
fast (weekdays), health club and spa services, concierge, business center, room
service, laundry service, dry cleaning. In room: A/C, 2 TVs, Wi-Fi, full kitchen, hair
dryer/ironing board, safe, 2-line cordless phone w/complimentary local telephone
services, CD/DVD player.
The Algonquin
The atmosphere in this 1902 landmark
building is so steeped in writers' lore you'll feel guilty turning on the
television instead of reading the latest issue of the
New Yorker
that's
provided in the guest rooms. Rooms can be cramped, but they are
equipped with possibly the most comfortable, inviting beds in the
city as well as 21st-century technology such as high-speed Internet
and flatscreen televisions. If you have a tendency toward claustro-
phobia, head to the plush lobby, where you can sit in cushy chairs,
sip exquisite (and expensive) cocktails, have a snack, or just read or
play on your laptop (the lobby is Wi-Fi-equipped). For a splurge,
stay in one of the roomy one-bedroom suites, where all that is miss-
ing to get you going on that novel you've been toying with is a man-
ual Smith Corona typewriter.
Meals are served in the celebrated
Round Table Room,
while the
Oak Room
(p. 182) is one of the city's top cabaret rooms, featuring
such esteemed talents as Andrea Marcovicci and Julie Wilson.
59 W. 44th St. (btwn Fifth and Sixth aves.), New York, NY 10036.
&
888/304-2047
or 212/840-6800. Fax 212/944-1419. www.algonquinhotel.com. 174 units.
$399-$699 double; from $349 suite. Check website or inquire about discounted
rates or special package deals. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $28 across the street.
Subway: B, D, F, V to 42nd St.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; lounge; bar; exercise room;
concierge; limited room service; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV w/pay
movies, high-speed Internet, dataport, hair dryer, iron, safe.
