Roger New York

Profile

Just north of Madison Square Park, the historic Hotel Roger Williams kept pace with its increasingly chic neighborhood by going through a complete rebranding and remodeling in 2012, opening as the stylish Roger New York. In the lobby, trendy touches�like eye-catching reclaimed wood floors and original photographs of rock stars�are complemented by sophisticated parlor-style furnishings worthy of the hotel’s Madison Avenue address. There may be a small after-work crowd gathered in the tiny first-floor bar, but the nice thing about the Roger is that it feels tucked-away and discreet, despite its central location. Rooms are clean and functional, and the staff is efficient, making the Roger ideal for business travelers or those who make repeat visits to New York. Decorated in dark, neutral colors like navy and gray, every guest room has a flat-screen TV, iPod dock with overhead sound system, and a petit marble bath stocked with C.O. Bigelow toiletries. However, the focal point of each accommodation is the oversize black-and-white photograph of an iconic New York sight hanging over the neatly made bed. If you want to enjoy a real city view, request a street-facing room on a higher floor. Some have vistas of the Empire State Building, or small balconies with sitting areas. — Julie Doherty Meade

Intimate, boutique atmosphere; central location; inexpensive parking in nearby lot; morning breakfast �pantry� at the hotel restaurant includes classic New York goodies, like H&H bagels and Sarabeth’s jams.

Cons
Bathrooms with rain showers are small (rooms with tubs are more spacious); limited fitness center.