THE HOTEL: Ink48 is one of the newest additions to the US-based Kimpton Hotels group. The 222-room boutique hotel is on Midtown's 48th street and is set in a former printing house, hence its name.
The Check-in: The doorman whisked away our bags after we pulled up immediately outside the hotel and we were welcomed by the solitary member of staff at the front desk. The stylish lobby featured dark-wood decor, plush turquoise sofas and soft lighting. There was minimal paperwork and we were given a quick introduction to the hotel and its facilities.
The Room: There are various room types, most with uninterrupted views across Manhattan or the Hudson river. Mine was a City View Studio Room (as pictured), oblong in shape, with a king-size bed, lounge chair, sofa, small table, work desk, large flatscreen TV, iPod docking station, iron and ironing board, double sinks, extra deep bath and separate shower. The bright lights of Times Square could be seen peeping between the skyscrapers that dominated the views.
The Business: The largest of six meeting spaces is the top-floor rooftop restaurant and lounge, while the Courier, Garamond and Helvetica rooms (continuing the printing theme) host up to 30 each in a U-shape layout.
The Facilities: The ground-floor Print restaurant and bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the more formal rooftop Press restaurant is open for dinner. An on-site fitness centre is being joined by a brand new spa facility this summer. There's wireless internet throughout the hotel, plus a laundry service and paid-for valet parking.
The verdict: Plenty of thought has gone into this trendy, design-led hotel, placing it firmly in the boutique bracket. A relaxed atmosphere pervades the property and complimentary morning tea and coffee, newspapers and an evening wine reception are a nice touch. If there's one thing missing it's a nearby subway station, though cabs are cheap enough and readily available on Eleventh Avenue.
The details: Ink48, 653 Eleventh Avenue, New York, NY, 10036, USA. Rates start from $229 plus tax (approx £159) per room per night. Tel: +1 212 757 0088; www.ink48.com Andy Hoskins
