Tried And True Favorite - Despite The Incidentals
Our work takes us to NYC every 3 months or so, and the challenge to find a reasonably priced, spacious, bright, hotel in a convenient location is ever present. After staying in our share of charming yet inconvenient places, we seem to always find ourselves at the Doubletree Metropolitan in Midtown Manhattan. Here are the things you will find disappointing: $2.00 charge per bag to hold them, no coffee maker in room, no free internet in room, no safe in room, These would seem like deal breakers, but they are not. The bag fee is up front, so no dillying around with what to pay the bellman. There is a coffee bodega (help-yourself-restaurant) directly next door. You can get a great breakfast, coffee - frankly anything, all until the wee hours of the morning, which is very convenient and cheap. There is internet in the room for $14.00 per day. Steep. But, you can go down to the lobby and skype away to your hearts content for free. It is a nice open space and I have made many a great contact purely by accident because of this. Although there is no safe, the front desk will store things for you. Better yet, don't bring anything of value. I would suggest this on any trip, especially to the city. What you DO get is a very clean, centrally located mid-town hotel. The subway is directly outside the front or side door - 20 steps and you are there. The rooms are spacious for New York Standards. What pleases us is the size of the window. No little postage stamp here looking at a brick wall. This makes the room seem huge and full of light. The front desk staff is wonderful. My favorite staff member is Karen, who will do whatever it takes to make your stay pleasant. She knows all our family by first name now, which is something that rarely happens in todays society. Warm cookie upon check-in...and sometimes if you just want one before bed. You will be withing walking distance to Central Park, The Met, Park Avenue, Madison Avenue Shopping, MOMA...and so much more it will make you giddy. The rate always seems to be one of lowest when I check on line, not to mention the points you can accrue by joining their honors club or their association with many of the airline mileage plans. They do have a great breakfast in the morning which is an add on - well worth it if you prefer to sit down and fill up before you start a busy day. All told - this is New York City. Nothing is free and everything costs something. For us, this hotel balances out the good with the not so good.
On a personal note: During the great hurricaine of 2010, we put our daughter up here for 5 days after she was evacuated from her apartment in lower Manhattan. I spoke with the hotel manager and he explained the plan they had in place during the citys lock down. They took excellent care of her and went above and beyond. You can not put a price on personal safety of your loved ones. For that reason, they have my business and recommendation.