Hotel check: Hotel Roger Williams New York

Published: 01/03/2006 - Filed under: Archive » 2006 » March 2006 » Tried and Tested » Tried & Tested » Hotels » United States » Import errors »

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What's It Like? Hotel Roger Williams, or "The Roger" as it is known by locals, has a contemporary design and all its rooms were refurbished in 2005. The hotel is on a corner site and has plenty of windows giving it a bright and airy feel. The face behind the place is Roger Williams, 17th century founder of Rhode Island as well as The Northern Baptist Church,n ext to the hotel (the Church owns the land that the hotel occupies).

As I approached the hotel, the door was opened for me. The lobby was accessed through some curtains. Inside, it was warm and welcoming. During check-in, the lady behind the desk was friendly and efficient, providing me with all the information I might require for my stay. This was one of the finest welcomes I have received in a long time.

Where Is It? The Murray Hill neighbourhood in Midtown on Madison Avenue at 31st

Street. It is well located and easy walking distance to some of New York's many landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and SoHo. It is also on subway lines 4, 5, and 6.

How Many Rooms?190 including 15 classic rooms, two suites as well as deluxe, superior and garden terrace rooms. There is a good selection of nibbles and snacks on the in-room menu, so entertaining on your terrace is an option.

Room Facilities I was staying in a deluxe room, which was a fair size. It was modern and brightly decorated with an orange and red carpet, and orange, red, and white colour scheme with some walls of light wood. The bright colours encompassed the other furnishings including an orange headboard and lamp, a bright green stool and office chair, a blue armchair, red minibar, a big green picture of a tulip and a quilted multi-coloured bedspread. Although such a kaleidoscope of colour sounds a little over the top, I liked it – it was clean, fresh, modern and remarkably simple.

The bed was comfortable and had Egyptian cotton linen and down duvets and pillows – I slept well. Other amenities included an iron and ironing board, a small safe, flat screen TV and free wifi. The desk had a large red bowl which included all the minibar nibbles. It was a great selection and too tempting when working late. For those on a diet, I would advise removing the bowl before setting to work.

The bathroom was small but had all the essentials including a rainhead shower. It had a bathrobe, hairdryer and Aveda bath products. A number of amenities were for sale such as toothbrush, razor and a subtly named "intimacy" kit.

Restaurants and Bars The Lounge Roger Williams on the mezzanine level serves as both bar and restaurant and overlooks the lobby. It is open for buffet breakfast called the "Breakfast Pantry" (US$12 plus tax and service) from 6.30amto 10am on weekdays and from midday to 4pm for lunch. Breakfast was very good with a selection of pastries, meats, cheeses and fruit. In the evenings the lights soften the playful colours and the space opens for dinner and drinks from 4pm to midnight, or 1am on some nights, but closes early on Sunday.

I visited the lounge in the evening and the food options were good, including simple snacks such as shrimps and fillet mignon bites on sticks with pepper sauce.There is also a full range of more substantial meals such as sandwiches, burgers, pasta and salads.

Business and Meeting Facilities Veranda 411 is the recently redesigned conference and meeting space on the fourth floor. It accommodates up to 12 people boardroom style. What makes this room special is the access to a 74.3sqm terrace, so going outside for breaks or using the terrace to entertain up to 40 clients is a real option.

There is no business centre but you can check emails and conduct the usual business services at reception. Free wifi is available in all bedrooms and public spaces.

Leisure Facilities The hotel has a fitness centre on the mezzanine level near the lounge with a reasonable number of modern cardiovascular machines and weights.

Verdict A well located hotel, modern and smart with great service.

Price Telephone rates for a midweek stay in March started at US$388 for a classic room, rising to US$422 for a superior room and US$478 for a deluxe room. Rack rates vary depending on the time of year but range from US$360 to US$550.

Contact Hotel Roger Williams, 131 Madison Avenue, New York, tel +1 212 448 7000, hotelrogerwilliams.com.

Julian Gregory