The New York EDITION

The New York EDITION is a swish hotel set in an iconic building with a clocktower that was built in 1909 to host the headquarters of Metropolitan Life Insurance. Decor is classy and elegant, though understated, awash in neutral hues and dim lighting. A beautiful helix-style staircase commands attention in the lobby, as does a long fireplace, while old photos of entertainers line the walls in some common areas, like the atmospheric lobby bar. Though a part of the Marriott chain, the property has a boutique feel, as is true of all properties under the company's EDITION umbrella. Guests are a mix of well-heeled families with older children, couples, and business travelers. Note that there have been complaints about the elevators here, including broken ones and long waits.

The New York EDITION is located on the corner of East 24th and Madison Avenue and looks right out over Madison Square Park. The area is walkable, with plenty of spots to eat and drink nearby, including Eleven Madison Park right across the street (named the world's best restaurant in 2017) as well as Eataly just across the park, a five-minute walk away. The Flatiron Building is around the corner from the hotel (a three-minute walk), while the Empire State Building can be reached in 11 minutes on foot. The hotel is right around the corner from the 23rd Street subway station, while Penn Station takes around 15 minutes to get to on foot. It's about a half-hour to an hour by car to JFK, depending on traffic, or around 70 minutes by public transit, while LaGuardia can be reached in 20 to 40 minutes by car or about an hour by public transportation.

Rooms and suites at this property are sophisticated and elegant -- in an understated way -- cloaked in light neutral hues like cream colors that are contrasted by dark-wood detailing, including large headboards and door frames. Light-wood floors match tables and desk chairs, while large black-and-white framed photos hang on the walls. 

There are a couple of different types of rooms here, starting with entry-level 220-square-foot (20-square-meter) Guest Rooms. Superior and Deluxe Rooms are larger and add sitting areas, while suites range in size from the 452-square-foot (42-square-meter) Loft Suite to the 1350-square-foot (125-square-meter) Penthouse Suite, plus they add living areas. Many rooms have great city views.

Rooms on the lower floors have higher ceilings and bigger windows than their higher-floor counterparts. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free high-speed Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, and free bottled water, but there are no coffee- and tea-making facilities (though there is free coffee served in the lobby in the morning). Sleek, stone bathrooms are elegant and minimalist, equipped with rainfall showers, as well as hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, robes and slippers, and custom-made Le Labo toiletries with a signature scent. Only higher-category suites add soaking tubs. 

For many travelers, the hotel's star attraction is its restaurant, The Clocktower, a Michelin-starred option with three dining rooms and a seafood-forward menu with English influences. Breakfast and brunch are also served here a la carte, and there's a prix-fixe lunch menu with all options available a la carte, plus afternoon tea service is available. Attached to The Clocktower, The Bar serves drinks and a smattering of snack items, from buttermilk fried chicken to goat cheese churros. Food is also served morning until night at the Lobby Bar, with light meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and a good selection of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. Room service is available around the clock.

Wellness facilities include a 24-hour gym with plenty of treadmills and other types of cardio machines, plus a cross trainer and free weights. It's a bit small, but it has all the necessary equipment. There's also a small spa with two treatment rooms on the 39th floor of the building that offers customizable massages and exfoliations.

The property also offers a good amount of event space for weddings and meetings on the third floor, including a number of small meeting rooms, and the Penthouse Suite can also be used for events. Though there isn't a proper business center, the hotel can also organize basic secretarial services (along with a host of other concierge services) and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.