Radisson Martinique On Broadway Rating: 3.5 Pearls

Midtown West, Manhattan, New York City

The Radisson's French Renaissance exterior

Occupying a stately French Renaissance building, but owned and operated by a major mid-range hotel chain, the Radisson Martinique represents a curious blend of old and new, upscale and ordinary, American and European. The property was renovated in 2007 and again in 2011, but it was originally built at the turn of the 20th century by the eminent American architect Henry J. Hardenbergh, who also designed the famous Plaza and Waldorf-Astoria hotels and the Dakota apartment building where John Lennon lived (and was assassinated).

The soft, yellowish lighting in the lobby and other open spaces lends an almost cinematic air to the place. After walking inside for the first time, I couldn't help thinking of the hotels where Robert Redford and his teammates stay in The Natural. And after peering down 18 floors from the top of the wrought-iron spiral staircase, I couldn't help thinking of the scene in Ghostbusters when they trudge up a similar stairwell.

View on a Larger Map

The Martinique is on the corner of 32nd Street and Broadway, which puts it 10 short blocks south of one of the busiest intersections in the world, at 42nd and Broadway in Times Square. Those 10 blocks make a big difference, though. While it's not exactly quiet -- few spots on Broadway are -- the area is significantly less touristed than its neighbor to the north.

The area is a bit of a no-man's land. If you feel compelled to describe the location by name, call it Koreatown, or K-Town -- which isn't an official neighborhood but is a perfectly good tag for the two blocks outside the hotel home to a myriad of karaoke clubs and Korean BBQ restaurants.

In fact, 32nd Street is K-Town's main drag. Walk down the block, away from Broadway, and most of the neon you see will be in Korean. You barely have to leave the hotel to get a taste -- literally -- of Korea. You can grab a plate of bi-bim-bap at KumGangSan, then go across the street to Ding Dong Dang for karaoke. At the least, you'll have fun explaining to your friends what you did last night ("Had me some 'bi-bim-bap' at KumGangSan, then got my sing-song on at Ding Dong Dang ...").

One of the best things about the location is that right outside the hotel's doors is a subway stop where you can catch the B/D/F/M and the Q/N/R lines. You can go north to Times Square and beyond, or south toward Union Square and the Village.

Also close by: the Empire State Building (one block away), Penn Station (about two blocks), Madison Square Garden (two blocks), and the Macy's at Herald Square (about three blocks).

Safety-wise, you should be fine. A lot of the restaurants and karaoke clubs on 32nd Street are open 24 hours, so the block remains well-lit and reasonably populated throughout the night. Greeley Park, across the street from the hotel, is a nice little place to rest your legs and people-watch during the day, but just to be sure, avoid it at night.

New York City has three nearby airports: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark (in New Jersey). Getting to town from JFK or LaGuardia is usually more convenient than getting there from Newark, but travel times are heavily dependent on the time of day and traffic conditions. From JFK, a taxi to anywhere in Manhattan costs a flat rate of $45 and takes around an hour in average conditions. From LaGuardia, a metered cab ride to Midtown Manhattan costs about $40 and can take 30 minutes if traffic is light, three times that if it's bad. Rides from Newark cost at least $40 plus tolls and can take more than 90 minutes. It's customary to tip your driver 15 to 25 percent.

Those looking to save some cash can use the privately run shuttle buses that are available at all three airports for about $14 per person. For more information on the shuttles, go to Super Shuttle or New York Airport Service. Public transit is also available for as little as $7 per person, but travel can take up to two hours and involve a lot of lugging bags up and down stairways.

For mass-transit directions right to the hotel, check out HopStop.com.

Rooms feature stardard chain hotel decor with a black and off-white palette, modern artwork on walls, and hints of color throughout, including accent walls in some rooms.

• Flat-screen TV with premium cable
• Wi-Fi for a fee
• iPod docking stations
• Keurig coffeemaker with free coffee and tea
• Sleep Number beds in Executive Rooms and Suites
• Work desk in all rooms
• Free morning newspaper
• Mini-fridges and microwaves are both available upon request for a fee in guestrooms, but come standard in suites.
• Executive suites have lounge access with free breakfast buffet daily.
• Penthouse suites have glass-enclosed atrium with city views.
• Room service is available, though not 24 hours.

The fitness center

The Martinique boasts many of the usual amenities of a business-oriented big-city hotel, but because of its location in Manhattan, where space comes at a premium, these features are modest by most standards:

• 24-hour business center includes free Internet access, computer, printing, and fax machine; FedEx and UPS pickup available
• The executive lobby is available for those staying in an Executive Suite, and offers free Wi-Fi and a free daily breakfast buffet
• Independently owned and operated Spadium Spa. It's worth noting that because it also has its own entrance next door, the spa can be pretty easy to miss.
• 24-hour fitness center, with a lot of modern, well-maintained equipment
• Standard-issue gift shop off the lobby

Given the Martinique's focus on business travelers, along with its traditional decor, it's not terribly surprising that not many families opt for the Martinique. There's no reason, however, not to bring the family. The area is safe and wholesome enough.

• Cribs (free) and rollaway beds (nightly fee) both available, but call ahead to reserve
• Safe neighborhood, but avoid nearby Greeley Park at night
• For a roundup of the most kid-friendly hotels in NYC, click here.

If you're a dog lover, you might get a kick out of the fact that many of the contestants in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the most famous dog show in the country, stay here for the February event.

For your own furry friend, the hotel allows pets for a refundable deposit and an additional daily fee.

Bi-bim-bap at KumGangSan

• Cafe Martinique is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves American fare. There is a breakfast buffet every morning. There is also a cocktail lounge opening every evening.
• KumGangSan is independently owned and operated but still affiliated with the Martinique. The restaurant is open 24 hours.
• The Petite Poulet Bistro will serve French cuisine for lunch and dinner
• Room service is available daily, though not 24 hours.