Carvi NYC

The Carvi Hotel's sleek, modern facade sparks architectural interest along an otherwise dull stretch of 55th Street. The hotel received a complete makeover in 2014 by New York-based DiGuiseppe Architects. The result is a chic, contemporary design that makes thoughtful use of a small footprint to create an intimate atmosphere. In the small lobby, backlit opaque walls mix with sheets of wavy metallic accents. A centerpiece fluorescent chandelier hangs above the front desk that's finished with a swath of shimmering silver. Beneath a large marine-inspired wall mosaic is a long and narrow tufted leather bench detailed with nail-head trim and a duo of leather chairs. As somewhat of an afterthought, a small desk/business station is tucked into a corner.

The hotel caters to a mix of tourists and business travelers, who come to take advantage of the low rates and the ideal location, close to many businesses and classic attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and recognized restaurants such as Smith and Wollensky’s.

The Carvi Hotel is located on a rather nondescript block of East 55th Street that’s also home to a barbershop, shoe repair shop, a gourmet market, and the well-known Shun Lee Palace Chinese restaurant. Wander a few blocks west and guests can access a slew of New York’s famous attractions, including Bloomingdale's, Rockefeller Center, the shops of Fifth Avenue, and Central Park. The Lexington Avenue subway line is also within easy walking distance.

• 45-minute drive to JFK International Airport
• 35-minute drive to Newark Liberty International Airport
• 25-minute drive to LaGuardia International Airport
• 15-minute walk to Grand Central Terminal
• 15-minute walk to Rockefeller Plaza
• 13-minute walk to Central Park
• 12-minute walk to Saks Fifth Avenue
• 11-minute walk to the Museum of Modern Art
• 6-minute walk to Bloomingdale's
• 5-minute walk to the subway at 51st Street

The Carvi Hotel’s 40 rooms are organized into two categories spread over eight floors. The rooms all share the same size (150 square feet), and include either two double beds or one queen bed. The spaces are decorated in a consistent style with a neutral color palette of camel, brown, and dark olive. Walls are decorated with framed contemporary prints. Thick pillow-top mattresses sit atop platform beds with brown leather headboards and are topped with crisp white linens and soft throws emblazoned with the hotel’s logo. Robes, two-cup Cuisinart coffeemakers, and mini-fridges stocked with beverages and snacks (for a fee) are nice extras.

The studio sized furniture gives guests a taste of cozy city living with shallow desks topped with stylish reading lamps, small bedside tables, and armoires in lieu of closets (in most rooms). While the Executive Double rooms allow for an occupancy of up to four people, the space is more suitable for two. Beds are pushed up against the walls on one side, leaving a narrow path that shares one nightstand. Executive Queen rooms have more space to move around as well as an accent chair. Bathrooms are tidy and bright, with vanities and stall showers finished with white Portuguese marble, brushed nickel shelves stacked with white towels, and Pure bath amenities. Wi-Fi is free. Some guests have reported traffic noise from street-facing rooms. 

While the Carvi Hotel lacks amenities such as a gym, restaurant, bar, and meeting space it features intimate boutique style, round-the-clock front desk service, a noon check-out time, and a stunning rooftop terrace with cushy, oversized woven outdoor furniture and panoramic city views. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's a small business center with a desktop for guests' use. Almost endless restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are within walking distance of the property.