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Squint and You Can Pretend You're at the W
Just how nice are these new properties? Let's put it this way: For what you're getting, you may as well be paying $300 a night. And we can think of plenty of places we'd rather spend the difference
Marian Smith
July/August 2006 issue
Tuesday, June 20, 2006;
Four Points by Sheraton
Characteristics: Rooms are plush, with dark curtains and soft upholstery. The lobby is sleek--stainless steel accents, brown and white canvas furniture. At the attached U and Mei restaurant, the scene is zen, with water cascading over gray pebbles. Perks: In-room high-speed Internet access, Wi-Fi in the lounge, and a fitness center In the area: Sunday brunch at Cookshop. 156 Tenth Ave., 212/924-4440
Hampton Inn
Characteristics: Decor includes soothing blue and charcoal color scheme, with leather headboards. Three rooms have backyard terraces, and five have balconies with views of the Brooklyn Bridge. An exercise room and coin-operated laundry machines are in the basement. Perks: In-room high-speed Internet access, local calls, USA Today, and lobby breakfast bar with French toast and scrambled eggs In the area: The modern lounge at the new Exchange Hotel. 129 Front St., 212/742-0003
Hilton Garden Inn
Characteristics: Rooms are over 300 square feet, with 27-inch flat-panel HDTVs, microwaves, minifridges, ergonomic Herman Miller desk chairs, and clock radios with hookups for MP3 players. There's an in-house 24-hour convenience store in the lobby. Perks: In-room high-speed Internet access, efficient gym with "Stay Fit" loaner kits (Pilates band, yoga mat, hand weights) In the area: Take-out sandwiches from 'Wichcraft kiosks in Bryant Park. wichcraftnyc.com
Holiday Inn Express
Characteristics: Inviting touches include cherry furniture and headboards, geometric print upholstery, goose-down comforters, rainshower heads, and flat-screen TVs. Perks: Nine premium movie channels, local calls, USA Today, and $10 off day passes to the New York Sports Club In the area: Tapas and wine at Tintol. 155 W. 46th St., 212/354-3838
Courtyard by Marriott
Characteristics: Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the eastern-facing ones above the 11th floor have river views. The color scheme is funky--yellow and purple, calmed down with headboards finished in mahogany. A rooftop bar opens later this year. Perks: A 50-foot indoor pool, large gym with steam rooms, detergent for the coin-op laundry machines, and high-speed Internet access In the area: Casual Italian at Spigolo. 1561 Second Ave., 212/744-1100
Opened March '04.
60 W. 25th St., 212/627-1888, fourpoints.com, from $215
Opened March '06.
320 Pearl St., 212/571-4400, hamptoninn.com, from $199
Opened October '05.
790 Eighth Ave., 212/581-7000, timessquare.stayhgi.com, from $189
Opened October '05.
15 W. 45th St., 212/302-9088, express5thavenue.com, from $189
Opening July '06.
410 E. 92nd St., 212/410-6777, marriott.com, from $209