PRICE:
Frommer's Highly Recommended

Formerly the Doral Park Avenue, this Murray Hill property underwent a complete renovation when the San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels took it over. Part of the renovation included design by Jeffrey Bilhuber who, with his warm earth tones, has created a homey, residential feel. Albeit this is one home that is absolutely state-of-the-art, with 42-inch flat-screen televisions, MAINstage Music & Theater Sound System, and wireless Internet. And in keeping with Kimpton's New Age trademark, the hotel encourages environmental awareness (including guest recycling and water-saving programs) and guests get a yoga channel on their TVs.

The lobby is a beauty with a long wooden table that serves as the concierge station and a 14-foot limestone and sandstone fireplace. Guest rooms, though not overly large, are efficiently constructed with an economical use of space: Note the minibar tucked into a dresser and the mahogany armoire that serves as the closet. In the room where I stayed, there were five huge mirrors, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your self-esteem. Bathrooms in standard rooms are a bit tight but well outfitted, while a number of guest rooms offer two-person whirlpool spa tubs. On premises is the gorgeous Silverleaf Tavern.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's New York City 2008, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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