The Roosevelt Hotel

Built in 1924, the 1,015-room Roosevelt Hotel boasts a stunning lobby and 30,000 square feet of meeting space. Entering the hotel and walking up a half flight of stairs to the lobby, one is immediately struck by the grandness of it all -- the two-story ceilings, the huge chandelier, the gleaming marble floors, the surrounding balconies. The front desk area is marked by a special hanging clock.It’s not uncommon to see flight crews arriving or departing -- they are a staple here (the hotel is actually owned by an airline), as are tourists and mature business travelers. The lobby provides a comfortable place to people watch, and the Madison Club Lounge lounge spills over into the lobby and is popular for after-work drinks. Just note that rooms aren't as impressive as the lobby, and there is a pesky Wi-Fi fee throughout the property, even in the common areas.A number of major films have shot at the Roosevelt, including Wall Street,Quiz Show, and Maid In Manhattan. It's also been mentioned on the television series Mad Men, with the show's fictional 1960s characters drinking there or spending the night after fighting with the wife.

The Roosevelt Hotel’s classic entrance between Madison and Park Avenues has been a landmark staple in Midtown East since 1924. Grand Central Station, home to numerous subway lines, Amtrak trains, and Metro North trains, is right across the street. Guests are within walking distance of a few popular sights, including Bryant Park and the New York Public Library; it's a slightly longer (16-minute) walk to Central Park. Just note that during the day this area is largely business-focused and there are lots of office workers hurrying to work, lunch, or errands. This area isn't known for its nightlife.

Rooms at the Roosevelt are mean to evoke the elegance of old New York, and the gold bed throws and red accent walls create a stately look. Historic black and white photos of the hotel adorn the walls. Rooms range in size from quite small to spacious -- the largest option being the four-bedroom Presidential Suite. Standard rooms and bathrooms can be short on space, while certain Deluxe rooms -- it's the luck of the draw -- have much more room and massive walk-in closets. Underwhelming bathrooms contain the necessities and, ladies take note, unimpressive toiletries (plus very little counter space on the pedestal sinks). All rooms come with flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, while mini-fridges and coffeemakers are available upon request. Though rooms were renovated in 2012, they lack the wow factor of the grand common spaces.

The 24-hour fitness center has fresh fruit available, but the hotel lacks spa services and a pool. There are several drinking and eating options on-site, including a breakfast restaurant and a lobby lounge, but the rooftop bar, mad46, is the spot to go in warmer months; hotel guests will find plenty of trendy locals mingling here. Two massive ballrooms and a range of meeting rooms are well used for weddings and corporate events.