Beatiful renovation
What got me to this hotel was the factoid that Harpo Marx worked here a as a bellboy when it was the Seville Hotel. The renovation of this landmark hotel is breathtaking. From the stained glass over the restaurant to the narrow, spiraling staircases inside it has been lovingly restored. The modern ac, bedding and free wi-fi just make it amazing. There are bathrobes hanging near the shower door and there's an umbrella in the closet. All the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful We were able to check in around 11:00am with absolutely no fuss and checkout was a breeze, too. We had breakfast in the restaurant and it was excellent -- the coffee met my coffee snob standards. There was also free coffee available in the business center. The area is in Murray Hill. You're just a short walk to a subway station, and the Jazz Standard club is only a couple of blocks away. The Empire State Building is in shouting distance. Getting around was easy; the cab to Grand Central was around $8.00 with a tip. To compliment the staff some more, a staffer helped us get a cab, helped us and our luggage into the cab, and left before I could get a tip out of my pocket for him. He did not hint/ask for a tip. I just hope he's there next time we go.
The only negative/strange thing about the hotel was the lack of an electrical outlet near the bed. I like to plug my e-reader in at night and read it while it charges, but that wasn't possible. I'm sure that if I'd called the desk they would have sent someone up with an extension cord.