The St. Regis New York

It's hard to find fault with the St. Regis New York. There are hotels, and then there are Hotels -- iconic, epitomizing structures that are more than the sum of their rooms and amenities. In a hotel, you sleep, and maybe eat or log a few miles on the treadmill. A Hotel, however, is a different stay. It's a destination within a destination, a place where those who can afford to stay there experience a special slice of the city, and where those who can't afford it visit anyway.

The St. Regis, along with The Plaza, the Mandarin Oriental, and just a few others, is a New York Hotel. It's a place worth visiting even if you can't afford to stay there. At the least, splurge on a Bloody Mary (or Red Snapper, as it is known here) in the legendary King Cole Bar, supposedly the first place stateside to serve the tomato juice and vodka concoction.

Built in 1904 by John Jacobs Astor IV, the great-grandson of the country's first multi-millionaire, the St. Regis is, like The Plaza, a Beaux Arts landmark -- even the standard guest rooms, not just the ornate lobby, have crystal chandeliers, crown moldings, striped silk wall coverings, and 12-foot ceilings.

Aside from its gorgeous interior design and coveted location, the hotel is known for its top-notch service. Each room comes with a personal butler available 24 hours a day, and concierges are known for being true experts in everything New York. Whether you're working or playing in the city, this is a top luxury pick.

The St. Regis New York is located in a busy part of Midtown East in Manhattan. It sits in the middle of New York’s high-end shopping district on Fifth Avenue, and just four blocks from Central Park. Aside from great shopping, this part of town offers easy access to restaurants and major attractions. Tourist sights within easy walking distance include the Museum of Modern Art (one block away), St. Patrick's Cathedral (five blocks away), Radio City Music Hall (six blocks away), and Rockefeller Center (eight blocks away). The St. Regis offers free town car services within a 10-block radius of the hotel on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are also nine subway lines within four blocks of the hotel. John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are each about a half-hour drive away, though it can take over an hour to get to either of them during rush hour.

Last remodeled in 2013, the hotel’s 229 rooms embody old-world glamour -- but with a modern twist. Striped fabric walls, beautiful Art Deco moldings, and gold-accented furniture are offset by sophisticated touches such as Greek Key pattern carpets, crystal chandeliers, and pops of rich blue or red. Rooms are also quite spacious, though not the biggest of the luxury bunch. Superior Rooms (the entry-level category) are 450 square feet, the same as the standard rooms at the Mandarin Oriental, New York and slightly smaller than the 500-square-foot standard rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel New York.

All rooms have Bose sound systems, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs with free premium movie channels, and minibars stocked with a range of drinks and snacks. Coffeemakers, however, are not available in any room type. Wi-Fi is included in the “destination fee,” which is charged on top of room rates. Other standard amenities include garment pressing (two items maximum on arrival). Suites add wet bars with microwaves and mini-fridges or full kitchens.

Bathrooms in standard rooms are especially spacious with double sinks, Italian marble finishes, and rainfall showers (but no tubs). For a separate tub and shower, guests need to upgrade to a Deluxe or Grand Luxe room (though a few units in these categories still lack tubs). In-mirror TVs are available in all bathrooms, as are swish Remede toiletries and professional-style hairdryers.

Twice-daily housekeeping is also standard, and all rooms come with 24-hour, personal butler service at no extra charge. Butlers can deliver morning coffee, pack and unpack luggage, and assist with a wide range of other services.

The Deluxe Suite St. Regis New York are particularly popular options, offering living spaces separated by sliding doors. For those seeking a seriously luxe stay, there are a few seriously impressive themed suites. The Dior Suite has chic and sophisticated decor inspired by the Dior ateliers in Paris, while the St. Regis New York Tiffany Suite reflects the gorgeous style of Tiffany & Co., including accents of the famous Tiffany blue color.

Guests at St. Regis New York get free access to the 24-hour fitness center located on the 19th floor. It features a wide array of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as personal trainers and private yoga and Pilates classes on request for a fee.

The hotel also features over 13,500 square feet of meeting space, including 13 meeting rooms and a ballroom for up to 250 guests. Other business-friendly services include a staffed business center and free town car service available for drop-offs within a 10-block radius of the hotel. The car, a Bentley, is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can also be rented for private trips, including to the airport. On-site parking costs a steep nightly fee, and there are valets available on request. Electric cars can be charged free of charge on-site as well.

The on-site Fodera Hair Salon provides hair and nail services, but the hotel lacks a full spa.

Astor Court is the hotel’s only restaurant. Its dining room is large and elegant, with fresco-covered ceilings, gold-accented walls, and eye-catching chandeliers. It serves international cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, the St. Regis New York afternoon tea service takes place here and includes lots of sweet and savory bites.

Room service is available 24/7 for a fee.

The on-site King Cole Bar is a New York landmark. According to legend, it was the first place in the country to serve a Bloody Mary, which is called a Red Snapper here. Behind the bar, a large, famous Maxfield Parrish mural hangs. The St. Regis New York bar also serves small plates.