Arrival/Check-in: The hotel’s Park Avenue address can be a little misleading. I initially pulled up to what I assumed was the main entrance, only to find no hotel staff nearby. After a brief dash inside searching for assistance, I discovered the actual main entrance is around the corner on E. 29th Street. Once that was clear, I circled the block, handed the car to the valet, gave my bags to the bellman and entered the compact lobby, which offers a cozy sitting area and a fireplace for a quick and efficient check-in. (28/30)
Guest Quarters: I stayed in room 1116, an expansive two-bath suite with a generous layout. To the left was a full living area, directly ahead were the bath and minibar, and a spacious bedroom sat to the right. The living room included a table for four beside a sideboard with an espresso machine, a pullout sofa for extra sleeping space, two chairs arranged around a square coffee table/ottoman, a large flat-screen television, an iPod docking station with a pre-programmed iPod, and a well-appointed desk with plenty of accessible electrical outlets. One minor inconvenience: there was no telephone in the living area, so I had to return to the bedroom to answer internal calls or request room service. The suite’s highlight was a small balcony overlooking Park Avenue. The bedroom featured a king-size bed dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets with goose-down pillows and a duvet, a comfortable sitting area, ample drawer space and a large closet. The décor throughout combined cream, dark brown and beige with bright accent tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. (29/30)
Services/Amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service spa and an on-site hair salon. Ristorante Asellina, the Italian tavern located in the hotel, maintained a lively atmosphere during my stay; its warm décor and a fireplaced “living room” area appeared very inviting. My favorite amenity was the rooftop pool, which is heated for year-round swimming. During daytime hours the pool deck and adjacent lounge are reserved for hotel guests, while the area opens to the public in the evenings. (40/40)
The Experience: Every so often I find a hotel where I wish I could extend my stay. Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC is one of those places — stylish, comfortable and well situated for both relaxation and exploring the city.
Total Score: 97/100
Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC
420 Park Ave., S.
New York, NY 10016
tel 212 317 9889
http://gansevoortpark.com