The location: Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Grand Central Station, Fifth Avenue and the Mid-Town business districts.
The check-in: Despite arriving as a group, the reception staff were ready with our check-in forms, enabling us to get to our rooms quickly.
the room: A very good sized suite with lounge, kitchen area, bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen area offered ample storage and work surface space along with a fridge, oven and dishwasher. Snack trays and 24hr room service is also available. Both rooms had TVs, mini-stereos and DVD players. Bathroom products and amenities were plentiful and were signature products of Frederic Fekkia.
The business: The hotel has wifi access in all public areas, while for those wishing to use laptops in rooms an ethernet cable was provided at check-in. There was a business centre open to all hotel guests and a private dining area in the restaurant. Alternatively, the Penthouse at the top of the building can be reserved for those wishing to hold private meetings, dinners or a reception.
The restaurant: The hotel has one restaurant called Riingo – led by award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson – which offered American-Japanese cuisine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the 40-seat room. The food was of a very high standard making the dining experience a real pleasure.
The facilities: Very much geared towards the business traveller and the long-stay guest. The hotel had no on-site gym or pool, although the concierge is able to recommend local facilities and help out with other requests should the guest require assistance.
The check out: A quick and easy check-out. Couldn't have been smoother.
The verdict: A very nice hotel offering an extremely comfortable stay for both business and leisure travellers. The location was great for getting around and once in the suite one immediately felt able to relax and take advantage of the numerous facilities and products offered.
The details: The Alex Hotel (205 East 45th Street, New York City, New York, USA) has 203 guest rooms, suites and apartments.
The Lead in rate for January is from $459.00 (approx. £227) for Deluxe Guest Rooms and from $499.00 (approx. £248) for February. For more information call: 001 212 867 5100. See: www.thealexhotel.com David Clare
