The Iroquois New York

With 114 rooms, the Iroquois is smaller than most of Midtown West's towering hotels. Attracting mostly moneyed, middle-aged European tourists and upscale business travelers, the hotel maintains a comfortable hubbub -- especially during the workweek -- without feeling crowded.Unlike most similarly priced New York hotels, the Iroquois doesn't have a doorman waiting at the entrance to help hail cabs and open doors, nor are there porters standing by to take guests' bags to their rooms. But all the other services customary at upscale hotels are here: nightly turndowns, twice-daily housekeeping, free morning coffee, room service, and a concierge on staff.

Compared to the crowded sidewalks, neon lights, and commercial storefronts that Midtown West is known for, the hotel's block is relatively calm and classy. The Iroquois is situated on a stretch of West 44th Street known as Club Row because of its grouping of posh university clubs for Ivy League alumni. There's the Harvard Club, the Penn Club, and the New York Yacht Club, as well as several historic hotels. Between all the hotels and fancy clubs, more flags seem to fly on this fancy block than do at the United Nations.With the subway stations at Grand Central, Bryant Park, and Times Square all within walking distance, the hotel is ideally situated near every major train line -- it's just about the most connected location anywhere in the city.Just a short walk away are the Museum of Modern Art, the famous Fifth Avenue shopping district, and Bryant Park, which in the winter months is home to the city's only free-admission ice-skating rink. Other nearby attractions include Radio City Music Hall; Rockefeller Center, which houses NBC Studios and the Top of the Rock observation deck; and the Chrysler Building, one of the city's most beautiful skyscrapers.

The Iroquois's 114 are squarely, staunchly traditional, with old-fashioned furnishings and a mostly tan-and-white color scheme. There are no coffeemakers, but all rooms do have minibars, 43-inch LED flat-screen TVs, digital music players, and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe features include beds with Sealy mattresses and Frette linens.Dim lamps and wall sconces don't do enough to keep the rooms from feeling dark, but bathrooms are well lit and covered in white marble. Like the rooms, they too are quite traditional -- expect white pedestal sinks, brass fittings, and antique-y mirrors -- but come with lots of towels, bathrobes, and Molton Brown bath products.

Right by the entrance, the hotel's library has huge, blown-glass windows looking out onto 44th Street and a collection of vintage books, as well as morning coffee and tea and afternoon cider (to compensate for the lack of in-room coffeemakers). There are also two computers and a printer (Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel).The 24-hour gym isn't very big, but it has two workout stations, a rack of free weights, a treadmill, two bikes, and a balance ball. It's more than enough room -- and equipment -- for one person, but two would be pushing it, and three would definitely feel like a crowd. The gym also includes a decent-size sauna, something rarely seen at most New York hotels. Just be sure to call ahead to the front desk and request that it be turned on.