Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan

As its name implies, the Crowne Plaza HY36 has a great location in Midtown, suitable for both business travelers and tourists wanting to be near Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and Times Square. The buzzing surrounding streets and construction outside the hotel's doors (as of November 2018) don't make for the best first impression, though once inside everything is swish and orderly. Opened in 2017, the hotel has a modern design that largely consists of neutral tones with pops of blue. Expect geometric features throughout, such as the lobby's hexagonal floor tiles and pyramid-shaped sconces, plus a striking cascading light fixture in the restaurant. There's little lounge space in the actual lobby, but a lounge space near the elevators has cozy seating, a communal table, and board games such as Scrabble. Overall, this is a solid pick for the price. For something a bit cheaper, consider the Best Western Herald Square, which provides free breakfast but has smaller rooms. Travelers wanting to be nearer to Grand Central and Rockefeller Center may prefer the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square.

The hotel's location is convenient for both sightseeing tourists and business travelers working in Midtown. Guests are a five-minute walk from both Pennsylvania Station -- for Amtrak, PATH, and MTA subway connections -- and Madison Square Garden. Countless bars and restaurants fill the surrounding streets, and all major subway lines can be reached on foot. Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a 15- and 25-minute walk, respectively. Downtown sights, meanwhile, such as the New York Stock Exchange, are typically a 30-minute drive or subway ride, without traffic. Cab rides to John F. Kennedy International Airport take roughly an hour to 90 minutes, while LaGuardia Airport is around 45 minutes to an hour away. Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is about the same.

Rooms here are contemporary and fresh, featuring a mostly neutral palette of gray circle motif carpet, wood furniture in varying stains, textured wallpaper, and white linens. Big windows let in a good amount of light -- through views are mediocre -- and they have blackout shades. Although some past guests have complained of noise from the street and adjacent rooms, units are largely quiet. Those seeking extra tranquility should request a room on the 14th or 15th floor, as these are designated quiet floors. A tufted bench, closet with a full-length mirror, and couple of desk drawers provide storage space, though it's a bit limited for two or more guests. Also standard are big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, electronic safes, ironing facilities, and dual alarm clocks and speakers. Woof-floored bathrooms have white subway-tiled showers, hairdryers, light-up magnifying mirrors, and quality toiletries. A big hit with guests are the relaxation kits provided, which include calming foot and body lotion and an essential oil spray.

Opening to the street and lobby, the all-day TGA NYC restaurant serves American fare such as avocado toast, burgers, and roast chicken. It's a sleek space with bar seating at the front and ample booth seating at the back, where a retractable roof allows for lovely outdoor dining. Room service is available from early morning until late, but not 24/7. On the sixth floor is the fitness center, which has a handful of cardio machines, including Peloton bikes, as well as strength-training machines, yoga mats, and free weights. The second floor houses two meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and valet parking is available for a hefty daily fee. Pets are allowed for a fee.