The Manhattan Club

In a 26-story pre-war building with a broad brass entrance awning, revolving doors, and a well-dressed bellman (or two) guarding the entrance, the Manhattan Club exudes an air of class that fits its exclusive-sounding moniker and prestigious Midtown address. Inside, the handsome lobby, with its giant marble floor tiles, blond timber paneling, thick square columns, leather Chesterfield armchairs, and Deco-era table lamps, exudes Old World clubbiness. If it weren’t for the blinding bright overhead lights, the setting would feel like a private club from another decade. Upstairs, the Club Lounge takes decor in a more boutique-chic direction, with midnight-blue velvet armchairs and a contemporary take on giant basket chandeliers. The space (by day) is perfect for reading or working. By night, it takes on a moody lounge bar ambience, with ultra dim lighting and a full bar on offer -- but oddly, no cocktails, no meals (other than a continental breakfast), and virtually no customers, which is a little depressing given the beautiful, yet clearly under-used space. 

The Manhattan Club has an excellent central location near many major landmarks. It's about a two-minute walk to Carnegie Hall, and is within walking distance of Central Park (seven minutes), Times Square (nine minutes), the Museum of Modern Art (eight minutes), and Rockefeller Center (10 minutes). The closest subway is the Seventh Avenue N, Q, and R line, about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Lincoln Center -- home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and Jazz at Lincoln Center -- is a 13-minute walk from the hotel. JFK International Airport is about an hour's drive, and LaGuardia Airport is about a 35- to 45-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

The Manhattan Club's 50 suites follow the same "classic New York" aesthetic seen in public spaces. Guest rooms fall into Executive Junior, Metropolitan, City Lights, and One-Bedroom categories. Layouts are generous, particularly by New York hotel standards, and resemble residential apartments more than hotel rooms, with kitchenettes, stunning marble bathrooms, and plenty of room to walk around in. Decor varies among rooms, but the vibe is consistently elegant, with a timeless look. The Metropolitan Suite, for example, blends Art Deco and Chinoiserie. Herringbone-patterned floors complement a neutral color palette of soft grays and browns, while silver and gold details in furniture add a subtle bling factor. 

Living areas include two-seater sofas, work desks, and large flat-screen TVs. Kitchenettes with wood cabinets come with stainless steel microwaves and dishwashers, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and basic dining necessities, including cutlery, dishware, and glassware. The carpeted bedrooms feature dome chandeliers suspended over the bedside tables, casting ornate illumination onto the walls. Large flat-screen TVs, telephones, climate control, and Bose music/digital clock systems round out the tech. King beds are comfortable, with crisp white linen, and double-door wardrobes have been customized for function, with illuminated interiors, deep drawers, vanity mirrors, plush bathrobes, and irons and ironing boards. Gray- and white-toned marble bathrooms are massive and fitted with separate toilets, huge mosaic and marble showers, and spacious marble vanities with vanishing TVs in the light-up mirrors. Towels are white and fluffy, and individual toiletries and hairdryers are also provided. Free bottles of Voss water and free Wi-Fi are available in all rooms.

Many properties that offer apartment-style lodging have little on offer when it comes to features, but The Manhattan Club has a fair amount of on-site extras. The Club Lounge offers drinks in the evening, with a full range of liquor, wines, and a good selection of craft beers, but oddly, it doesn't serve cocktails. Aside from pretzels and a continental breakfast, no snacks or meals are available on-site either. Breakfast, not included in the room rate, can be taken in the Lounge or “to go.” It includes fresh fruit, yogurt, boxed cereal, bagels, pastries, juice, and coffee. While the lack of a restaurant, cocktails, and room service is a let down, the Lounge offers a tranquil, sophisticated setting to relax, work, or read. A range of newspapers and magazines are available here each morning. The fitness center is state-of-the-art with a wide range of cardio- and weight-training equipment, yoga mats, exercise balls, fresh towels, and spa water. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the hotel also has a business center, valet parking, and concierge services. There are two elevators, which are both large and handsome, but clearly can’t handle the 26-story traffic load, so guests should be prepared for a slow ride.