Park South Hotel

The Park South Hotel is situated in a beautiful eight-story, redbrick building dating back to the early 1900s. Inside, this boutiquey property is chic and classy thanks to an extensive $20 million renovation completed in 2016. The lobby is stylish with a mash-up of modern and 1930s decor: marbled accent walls, velvety sectional benches, vintage-inspired brass light fixtures, and dark cherry wood details. Another atmospheric lounging spot can be found in the small library, with dark teal bookshelves, brown leathery and blue velvety armchairs, an onyx fireplace, and mirrored ceilings. There's an actual selection of food-related books here, too, curated by a local bookstore. With sophisticated rooms, a popular rooftop bar, two full-service restaurants, and a convenient location -- among other pros -- this hotel is a stylish choice for business travelers and tourists alike.

The hotel is well-located on 28th and Park Avenue in Manhattan's Gramercy and Murray Hill neighborhoods. Many Midtown sights are within walking distance, like the Empire State building (11-minute walk), Union Square (15-minute walk) Madison Square Garden (17-minute walk), and Grand Central Station (17-minute walk). Park Avenue South, well known for it's many restaurants and bars, offers up plenty of dining and drinking options. The area is also well-connected to public transportation, with many major NYC hot spots reachable in 25 minutes or less. Two subway stops are an easy jaunt up 28th street -- the 4 and 6 are a one-minute walk, and the N, Q, and R are a seven-minute walk. LaGuardia airport is about an hour away via public transit, and JFK is about an hour and 15 minutes. Self- and valet-parking are available, costing the obligatory and somewhat pricey Manhattan fees.

Part of the hotel's $20 million 2015/2016 renovations, the hotel's 131 guest rooms have a chic, classic feel. Simple but smart, they feature a soft color palette with whitewashed brick accent walls and brown carpeting that pairs well with dark cherry wood furniture, custom-made for the hotel. Bedding is plush, with velvety runners, striped bolster pillows, and faux white leather headboards. Black-and-white framed photographs show off classic New York scenes and sights. Details like upholstered desk chairs and chandelier drum lighting add to the ambiance. Some bathrooms were only partially upgraded, but they're still modern with white tiling, gray accents, and square sinks. Other bathrooms are fully tiled in gray slate. They may include combination shower and tubs or walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, plus hairdryers and free individual toiletries.Rooms include desks with chairs, blackout curtains, Smart TVs, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi, in addition to safes, irons and ironing boards, and bathrobes and slippers. Mini-fridges are available on request, but in-room minibars and coffee and tea service don't come standard. Higher-category rooms might add extras like docking stations and Keurig coffeemakers. Rooms can be small, especially entry-level rooms, but nothing unusual for Manhattan. 

Features are another major lure for the Park South Hotel. In addition to the lobby and library -- trendy hangout spots for guests in their own rights -- the hotel is host to four restaurants and bars, which are stylish and well-liked among guests and locals alike. Roof, the hotel's rooftop bar, is possibly the most popular, with cocktails served to NYC skyline views -- though it's closed mid-fall through the winter. There's also Coniva Bar & Restaurant, which serves American food with Mediterranean flair for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pizza is a specialty, and the spot's open late several nights of the week. Coniva Cafe serves grab-and-go fare, like pastries, coffee, and Kombucha, in the morning. The hotel's Japanese restaurant, o ya, offers sushi, small plates, and tasting menus during dinner hours. Roof and o ya are both closed Sundays and Mondays.The hotel also has a tiny but functional and modern fitness center, a boon for a central Manhattan hotel, with an elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike, and free weights. There is 1,600 square feet of meeting and event space, plus a pretty nice business center with a long wood table for mini-meetings and a computer and printer for guest use. Guests tend to find the staff helpful -- reception is staffed 24 hours and the hotel has as concierge. Ticket assistance, laundry service, luggage storage, or car or limo booking can be arranged. Cribs are available for guests traveling with children. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is available as well, though it costs an extra fee.