Where to Stay - New York City 2009 - page 57

may not be loaded with personality, but it does offer the clean, bright
regularity of a good chain hotel—an attractive trait in a city where
“quirky” is the catchword at most affordable hotels. Rooms are over-
size and comfortably furnished, with extra-firm beds and work
desks; even the smallest double is sizable and has a roomy bathroom,
and double/doubles make great affordable shares for families. A total
renovation over the last couple of years has made everything feel like
new, even the nicely tiled bathrooms. Though a bit off the track,
Off-Broadway theaters and affordable restaurants are at hand, and
it's a 10-minute walk to the Theater District.
515 W. 42nd St. (just west of Tenth Ave.), New York, NY 10036. & 888/HOTEL58,
800/869-4630, or 212/695-7171. Fax [phone]. www.thetravelinnhotelcom. 160
units. $105-$250 double. Extra person $10. Children under 16 stay free in parent's
room. AAA discounts available; check website for special Internet deals. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Free self-parking. Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St./Port Authority. Amenities: Cof-
fee shop; terrific outdoor pool w/deck chairs and lifeguard in season; fitness center;
Gray Line tour desk; 24-hr. room service. In room: A/C, TV, dataport, hair dryer, iron.
8 Midtown East & Murray Hill
To find the hotels in this section, see the map on p. 46 and 47. Also
consider the grandest of dames, the Plaza, at Fifth Avenue and Cen-
tral Park South ( & 212/759-3000; www.fairmont.com/thePlaza)
which, at press time, was just re-opening. After a $400 million,
2-year renovation, the Plaza is now part condo, and part hotel. There
are 282 guest rooms ranging from a roomy 482-square feet guest
room to suites of almost 1,500 square feet, some with terraces, and
all feature butler service. The famous Palm Court is open once again
for high (expensive) tea, and the Oak Room and Oak Bar for cock-
tails and dinner. New at the Plaza are the lobby's Champagne Bar
and the Rose Club overlooking the lobby and a fitness club helmed
by trainer to the stars, Radu. Rates start at (gulp) $1,000 per night.
What would Eloise think?
VERY EXPENSIVE
The Peninsula-New York Housed in a beauty of a land-
mark Beaux Arts building, the Peninsula is the perfect combination
of old-world charm and state-of-the-art technology. Rooms are huge,
with plenty of closet and storage space, but best of all is the bedside
control panel that allows you to regulate lighting, television, stereo,
air-conditioning, and the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door. Even
though you don't have to leave the comfort of your bed, eventually
you will need to go to the bathroom, and when you do, you'll find
huge marble bathrooms with spacious soaking tubs and yet another