WHAT’S IT LIKE? Opened in 2002, this is a modern hotel in a wonderfully central location. Arriving shortly after midnight after a flight from London, reception was understandably quiet, but the welcome was warm from both the receptionist and doorman. Within minutes, I was on the way to my room with a complimentary bottle of water (all guests are given one on arrival). WHERE IS IT? In Midtown on 41st Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues and very close to Times Square and the Theatre District.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 47, including one penthouse suite and three junior suites.
ROOM FACILITIES: I was staying in the penthouse suite, which was spacious with a large bed, coffee table, desk and sofa – all in creams and beige. The bathroom was large with a spa bath, separate shower and two sinks. Most rooms have smaller bathrooms with one sink and combined shower and bath. My room also had a large verandah with seating. As there is a fridge and plenty of glasses it would be a great place for a drinks party in the summer.
All rooms have bathrobes, Aveda bath products, iron/ironing board, a laptop-sized safe, hairdryer, TV with DVD/CD player and free high-speed internet connection. RESTAURANTS: Lunch is served 1100 to 1600 and dinner 1600 to 2200. Room service is available 1600 to 2200. The bar area is open each day 0700 to 1100, serving Continental breakfast. Complimentary coffee and tea is available from 0700 to 1600 daily.
BAR: Bar 41 on the ground floor is open for lunch and dinner with a happy hour between 1600 and 1900. It serves an interesting array of cocktails. It’s open until 2300.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: Free internet access is available in all guestrooms. There’s a private room off the bar that is suitable for small functions of up to 12 people. As there are no windows, you would not want to be in there all day for a meeting. As an alternative, you can hire the penthouse and convert it to a meeting room for the day. It is large enough for a good-sized meeting table with plenty of circulation space, large windows and, if the weather is good, the verandah for breaks. Reception can help out for fax requests.
LEISURE FACILITIES: The hotel does not have a gym but a one-day pass to the New York Sports Club is available for US$10.
PRICE: Rates vary depending on the time of year but start from US$209 for a Standard Room to US$380 for the penthouse.
VERDICT: A conveniently located hotel with well priced, if small, rooms. If you don’t need all the facilities of a large hotel but want a good price then this is worth a look. Standard Rooms are small so make sure you book something bigger if you are planning to spend lots of time working in your room.
CONTACT: Hotel 41 at Times Square, 206 West 41st Street, tel 1 212 703 8600, www.hotel41.com
Julian Gregory
