The Kimberly Hotel

The Kimberly Hotel has a beautiful entrance (with a posted doorman) that's flanked by two black statues holding elaborate chandeliers on their heads. Once inside, the small lobby's classic look could use a bit of a refresh. The antique furniture, grandfather clock, and curio cabinet filled with ceramics are likely expensive -- but on the dated side. A concierge desk sits is crowded into a corner by the elevator bank and the reception desk is located by the front entrance. A certain diplomatic air hangs over the Kimberly. It's proximity to the United Nations makes it a popular hotel with diplomats and politicians, particularly when the U.N. General Assembly is in session. The Secret Service has been known to bunk here, too. But overall, the crowd is mostly traveling businesspeople in town for week-long stays. At night, especially in the summer, the surprisingly hip rooftop bar gets crowded with locals who flock here for cocktails and views. 

The Kimberly Hotel is located on 50th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue. As this area of Midtown is mostly a 9-to-5 business district, the streets can empty out in the evening. While the area lacks the extensive number of subway lines available at Union Square or Times Square, it's possible to access the East Village, Chelsea, and the West Village from the nearby E, M, and 6 lines. The E and M are two blocks away, at 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue, and they take passengers into lower Manhattan and Queens. The 6 line is at 51st and Lexington, which goes up and down the east side of Manhattan.East Midtown doesn't have a particularly vibrant nightlife scene but there are a fair number of top-quality steakhouses and sushi spots that cater to the financial powerhouses in the area. Dos Caminos is around the corner, for those on the lookout for fresh-fruit-juice margaritas. Rockefeller Plaza is a nine-minute walk. Fifth Avenue is a 10-minute walk for major shopping spots, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York. It's about a 20-minute walk up to Central Park. LaGuardia is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel, while J.F.K. International Airport is around a 45-minute drive. 

The hotel itself is divided into two distinct sections: the Suite side and the Townhouse side, where the guest rooms are. In 2012, The Suite side was renovated top-to-bottom and included an update to bathrooms, whereas guest rooms alone were renovated on the Townhouse side. All of the rooms have free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, touch-screen concierge services, lap-top sized safes, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Frette linens. Suites upgrade to a kitchenette with a large mini-fridge, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, and glassware. Each room at the Kimberly is individually laid out and decorated, but the overall classic look includes neutral tones and refined furnishings. Bathrooms aren't as spacious as the bedrooms. Expect (most) shower/tub combos, single sinks, a basket filled with toiletries, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and bathrobes. City-facing suites on floors 10 and higher also have balconies with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, with many featuring partial views of the iconic Chrysler Building. Rooms on the top floor can occasionally experience noise from the rooftop bar. Evening turndown service is a nice touch. 

Feature are squarely aimed at business travelers, with the exception of the tourist-friendly Upstairs bar. It's located on the 30th floor and offers a surprisingly hip space with a club-like vibe and cocktails. Breakfast buffet is served there, but only open to hotel guests, and for an extra charge. Brunch is open to the public on weekends. A retractable awning and heated floors make it comfortable year-round. Bistango Italian restaurant is located just off the lobby, and provides Italian favorites and wood-fired pizzas for dinner. Room service is available 24 hours. Guests can either use the on-site 24-hour fitness center, which has a nice selection of Precor cardio machines in a carpeted room, or take advantage of free passes to the New York Health and Racquet Club. The nearest location is three blocks away on Madison Ave and 50th Street. There's also a 24-hour business center with computer and printer services, free Wi-Fi, and a concierge staff.