Royalton

( 4 stars , New York , United States )

The groundbreaking chic and elegant Royalton Hotel, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, introduced the world to the concepts of Hotel as Theatre and the Art of Lobby Socializing thereby revolutionizing the hotel industry. The groundbreaking Royalton, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, introduced the world to the concepts of Hotel as Theatre and the Art of Lobby Socializing thereby revolutionizing the hotel industry. Royalton's uniquely beautiful Lobby, with its stage-set elegance that runs an entire city block, instantly became the place to see and be seen in New York. Philippe Starck's elegantly minimal design evoked the feeling and romance of steamship travel albeit in a totally modern way where a cross-section of interesting world travelers gather to depart on a journey together. Royalton is still the choice of interesting people the world over.The 205 oversize rooms and suites, many with working fireplaces, feature custom Starck-designed furniture, ultra-comfortable built-in banquettes running the entire width of the room, silk curtains, crisp white linens, and sumptuous slate bathrooms many with enormous five-foot round tubs.With their elegant, streamlined furnishings, sophisticated and subdued palette and modern take on the glamour of transoceanic travel, the rooms' are reminiscent of a posh stateroom on a luxury liner.Royalton features a well-appointed Executive Boardroom with state-of-the-art audio-visual and telecommunications equipment, plasma monitors for audio-visual playback, smart boards, electronic flip charts, portable computers, mobile phones and fax machines available upon request.Also available for special functions are the hotel's acclaimed Lobby, Library Table, Round Bar, Penthouses, and 44 restaurant.Anchoring the long lobby at its farthest end and removed somewhat from its bustling activity '44' is a chicly understated enclave with spacious curved velvet banquettes, providing the perfect setting morning, noon and night to enjoy outstanding cuisine. The critically acclaimed '44' restaurant serves innovative American cuisine.With its curved tufted leather walls, built-in leather banquettes and checkerboard floor, the Round Bar has become a New York landmark. Inspired by Hemingway's favorite bar at the Ritz in Paris, and secretly tucked in a quiet corner of the Lobby, just 20 of those clever enough to discover this hidden gem can experience the art of lobby socializing at its very best.The 20-foot long marble Library Table, located in the Lobby is the hangout of choice for the literary set. Stocked with a well-edited selection of books covering topics on fashion, film, art, and design, this communal table is the perfect spot for a leisurely drink and a good read.Royalton's gym is a well-appointed 24-hour facility featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment and private physical trainers available upon request.Royalton is centrally located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, steps from Fifth Avenue shopping, the Broadway Theater District and Times Square, and nightlife, and convenient to the downtown shopping and the Wall Street business district.**Notice to guests: Please be advised the Royalton Hotel is scheduled to begin refurbishments on May 27, 2007. Completion is set for September 27, 2007. The hotel will remain open throughout the renovations.As always, the hotel aims to minimize any disruption to guests during these changes. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding during this time.****Please note that each guest is required to have a credit card at check-in. An authorization for the amount of $150.00 per day will be assessed for incidentals.**