THE HOTEL: The Kimberly Suite Hotel is in the heart of midtown Manhattan between Lexington and 3rd Avenue close to Grand Central Terminal and Times Square. A subway entrance is just steps away.
THE CHECK-IN: A very small lobby and reception belies the size of the suite which is to be my base for a few days. Check-in was courteous and friendly and someone who is asking for a room change is sympathetically dealt with by a reception colleague.
THE ROOM: A spacious bedroom with king-size bed plus separate living room with sofa bed and private terrace. Both rooms had widescreen TVs and plenty of furniture, including a small desk. The large marble bathroom had a heated floor and there is also a small cupboard area with coffee-maker, sink and microwave for small-scale self-catering. There's wifi internet and an electric shoe cleaner – an unusual extra, but handy if you’re heading off for a business meeting.
THE FACILITIES: Minimal but the Kimberly’s room rate includes complimentary use of the New York Health and Racquet Club. There’s also a tiny business area on the ground floor with a computer plus a concierge. The hotel’s Alfred restaurant is due to open this spring but in the meantime, the trendy Nikko Midtown is right next door and two doors the other side is The Luncheonette.
THE BUSINESS: A printer, fax machine and copy machine are available with no charge in the small off-lobby business centre. In-room internet access is $12.95 for 24 hours. The hotel's Penthouse Suite extends the entire length of the hotel's top floor and is surrounded by a wrap-around verandah that offers panoramic views of Manhattan's Upper East Side, perfect for informal meetings with lounge seating. A dedicated space on the third floor is ideal for small board and corporate meetings. A comprehensive range of audio-visual equipment is available for hire.
THE VERDICT: If your traveller has business in Manhattan this location is as good as it gets. Rates give more spacious accommo-dation than would be the case in one of
New York City’s full-service hotels.
THE DETAILS: Kimberly Suite Hotel, (part of World Hotels) is at 145 E. 50th Street, New York, NY 10022. Until March 31, the Kimberly has suite rates from $189 per night. See: www.worldhotels.com/kimberly Alan Orbell
