Arrival/Check-in: Heavy, wet snow fell as I took a taxi from New York Penn Station to The Kimberly on East 50th Street at Lexington Avenue. A smiling bellman had my bag out of the trunk and an umbrella ready before I finished paying the driver. The lobby is small but inviting, with a compact sitting area and the reception desk. The friendly clerk processed my check-in while I noticed a framed letter from President Jimmy Carter commemorating an April 2001 stay at The Kimberly. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: My seventh-floor suite opened to a short entry hall with the bedroom to the left, a sitting room straight ahead and a large bathroom to the right. The hall closet and a wet bar—stocked with a minibar of soft drinks, a microwave, a coffeemaker and tea service—give the space an apartment-like feel. The sitting room reinforced that impression with a wall-mounted flat-screen television, a desk with internet access (fee applies: $12.95 per day), a pull-out sofa, a coffee table and a dining table for two.
The separate bedroom featured a king-sized bed dressed in Frette linens and a roomy closet outfitted with an ironing board, multiple shelves and ample hangers. A 42-inch flat-screen television sat above an antique-style bureau, and doors opened onto a small balcony—an ideal spot in spring, though I didn’t step out during the winter storm. The bathroom, while compact, offered a double vanity, two hairdryers, a rainforest shower and Neutrogena bath products. (28/30)
Services/Amenities: My visit was brief, so I couldn’t take full advantage of the hotel’s amenities. Guests can use the nearby New York Health & Racquet Club, a valuable perk, but the two-and-a-half block walk felt like too much in the snow. I also missed Upstairs, the rooftop bar with a retractable roof and heated floors slated to open in spring, which promises excellent city views and a great outdoor option in cooler months. (37/40)
The Experience: The Kimberly delivers a comfortable, well-located stay. Warm, attentive service and apartment-style rooms make it a solid choice for both short stays and longer visits. I look forward to returning in warmer weather to enjoy the balcony and the rooftop bar.
Total Score: 95/100
The Kimberly
145 E. 50th St.
New York, NY 10022
tel 212 702 1600