On our last trip to NYC we decided to stay in a new area for us, near Grand Central. We generally choose our hotel based on a least one thing we want to go (I wanted oysters at Grand Central Oyster Bar) and what’s on sale (got a good rate on Black Friday). It ended up being the perfect location; it was easy to get to the pizza the Husband wanted to try and a quick walk to Hamilton, which we got tickets to for Christmas!
Our first impression of The Roosevelt was that it was a beautiful, grand, but old, hotel. It was tastefully decorated and you definitely got the Jazz Age feel as soon as you walked in. The lobby had plush, dark carpets, ornate wood, and a beautiful bar.
The beautiful lobby from the mezzanine, where you can sit in oversized chairs and watch the tourists below.
Having a glass of wine on the mezzanine.
The age of the hotel was most apparent in the elevators. Although there was a large elevator bank, I’m quite sure only four were working. Every time we went down from our 5th floor room we ended up taking the stairs, after getting frustrated waiting for the elevators. To be fair, they did have a sign up apologizing for the delay and that they were working on the elevators.
The room was very nondescript. A desk, bed, bathroom. We barely spend any time in the room anyway, but it was just so bland, especially considering how ornate the lobby is.
The TV was off-centered and just hanging on the wall, but it worked, so I guess I can’t complain. The bathroom was tiny but the water pressure was incredible! I swear if I would have bent over in the shower I would have gotten a colonic!
All the strange things and inconveniences aside, The Roosevelt worked out perfectly. It’s a short walk to Grand Central and the subway, Times Square, 30 Rock, and the theatre district. It ended up being one of our favorite locations to stay in NYC.