When attending a recent conference in New York City, I decided to stay at the New York Hilton Midtown. Why? The hotel’s location was ideal for the après conference activities I had planned.
Situated in the heart of Manhattan at 6th Ave and 53rd St., it was opposite the Museum of Modern Art. Also within walking distance were the Rockefeller Center, Radio City, and the Theater District. Plus, it was a couple of stops on the Metro (or a 20-minute walk) to Bryant Park and the Empire State Building. Both were big on my “To Do” list.
Although there are many hotel options in the Big Apple, there was another reason I chose the New York Hilton Midtown. At 46 stories high and with almost 2,000 rooms, it is one of the largest hotels in the city. You don’t have to book months in advance (although, to be on the safe side, it isn’t a bad idea).
Rooms with (or without) a View
Entering the sprawling lobby, the first thing to catch my eye was the bronze sculpture La-Haut Rien ne Bouge by Sophia Vari. Translated, it means Up There, Nothing Moves. Tangled, yet fluid, it seemed to push upwards towards the hotel’s top 46th floor.
My City room was on the 33rd floor, where I did see some movement – a few pigeons and people navigating the adjacent office towers. City rooms, I was told at check-in, were on the central floors of the building. Skyline rooms were those closer to the top of the building.
Urban rooms were on the lower floors. These three styles came with one or two beds and could accommodate up to four guests. Plus, there were Executive suites and Presidential Suites on the higher levels that offered access to the Executive Lounge.
All rooms come with a coffee/tea maker, mini fridge, and flat-screen TV. My room had a desk and chair, plus a sofa.
Amenities at the New York Hilton Midtown
When I secured the room, I learned about the $35 daily destination fee. This is applied to Hilton resort hotels and to properties in high-demand cities such as Chicago and New York. The fee covers access to the fitness center and Wi-Fi for up to three devices. In my case, it also included a $35 daily food and beverage credit and a $25 daily laundry service credit.
Fitness Center Biggest in Midtown
The New York Hilton Midtown fitness facility was impressive. Encased in glass skylights, it had numerous treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and weights.
In addition, there was a mirrored area at each end where you could stretch and do mat work. I was told it was the largest 24-hour fitness center in Midtown.
Watering Holes and Nosheries at the New York Hilton Midtown
After eyeing the sculpture when I first arrived, I noticed the Lobby Lounge. A great meeting spot for guests and their friends, it was a few steps above lobby level. Tables and chairs were scattered about a spacious floor plan peppered with potted plants. In addition, there was a bar where you could pull up a stool and have a drink.
Further along the ground floor level was Bridges Bar. Overlooking 54th Street, it was ringed in glowing blue light. An island in the center of the bar’s oval held all the liquor bottles, and I was told amber liquids were the specialty.
My choice to use the food and beverage voucher was the dining area of Herb N’ Kitchen for breakfast. A buffet breakfast is available from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Stations were set up with cereals, bread, pastries, and fruit. There were also cold cuts, cheeses, and yogurt.
Plus, hot dishes of eggs, breakfast meats, and sweets, including bread pudding. Filling choices that helped me get through a busy day of sightseeing.
Herb N’ Kitchen is separated into three areas. As well as the dining room, there’s a barista zone that opens at 5 am for coffee and breakfast to go.
The market store, which sells items such as gourmet chips, chocolates, snacks, and beverages (including wine and beer), opens at 6:30 am. It also has hot takeaway foods.
- Save money on the must-see sites with a Go City: New York pass
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
Convenience for Culture Vultures
I am a culture junkie, and bought a City Pass called “New York Pass Essentials.” It allowed me to choose three attractions and save a bit of money on admission. My first stop was the Museum of Modern Art across the street. Next was the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, just a few blocks away. The views were stunning.
Grand Central Station was fun for a stop at the famous Oyster Bar and to browse the food market. Baked goods, produce, cheeses, and all manner of local ingredients were spread in front of vendors in a kaleidoscope display.
Bryant Park and the New York Public Library were also on my route. I stopped for a coffee and a gander at the magnificent marble lions. Patience and Fortitude, guarding the library’s entrance.
To see the city spread out like a sparkling blanket, my last City Pass outing was to the top of the Empire State Building. It had been years since I had ascended the Art Deco skyscraper. What a stunner. Even though it was a cold night, I headed outside and felt myself awash in the twinkling lights. Inside, a busker played Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind,” as we waited for the elevator to descend. Perfect.
Other destinations near the hotel were Central Park and Broadway theatres. I hadn’t booked theatre tickets this trip, but I noticed it was an easy walk to see the bright lights of Times Square. As for the park, it’s too cold! Next time.
Rates at the New York Hilton Midtown
Room rates start at around $275 USD and climb to $700 for Family Suites, and $1,050 for Presidential Suites. Rates vary depending on the season. The hotel is dog-friendly with a 75 lb. maximum weight and a non-refundable $150 fee. Valet parking is available with in and out privileges.
Check rates for New York Hilton Midtown online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Hilton Hotels arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
