Arrival/Check-In: I mistakenly directed my cab to 49th Street and ended up walking the last four blocks with my luggage, but the mix-up didn’t sour the start of my stay. The lobby was quiet and staff assisted me immediately. Check-in was efficient—one of the quickest I’ve experienced—and I was soon on my way to the suite.
Guest Quarters: The Iroquois blends a historic building with recently renovated guestrooms that retain period character while offering modern comforts. My suite was spacious, opening into a living area with a sofa, armchair, coffee and end tables, a wall-mounted TV, minibar and a work desk. The bedroom was generous, with a comfortable king bed flanked by nightstands, an additional chair and ottoman, a second TV and a compact closet. The décor and in-room amenities felt fresh and up-to-date. My windows faced the street and neighboring buildings, but street noise was minimal.
The main drawback was the bathroom, which felt unusually small compared with the rest of the suite. The layout included a tub, shower, toilet and pedestal sink, but counter space was virtually nonexistent and there was little room to move when the door was open. For such a roomy suite overall, the bathroom seemed disproportionally cramped.
Services and Amenities: I skipped a nap to use the hotel fitness center, which is open 24 hours. The gym is tucked away and a little dated—some of the equipment could use upgrading—but it offered privacy and a Finnish sauna on site. During my visit I had the facility to myself and found it adequate for a solid workout.
The hotel’s dining options include Triomphe, led by Chef Jason Tilmann, serving French-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Lantern’s Keep, a cocktail bar styled like a turn-of-the-century Parisian salon with specialty drinks. Both venues have a lively atmosphere and reservations are advisable. My stay was brief and busy, so I didn’t get a chance to dine there, but the reputation and buzz make me want to return.
The Experience: The Iroquois New York provided everything I needed: complimentary WiFi, larger-than-average room space for Manhattan, and a convenient location close to Broadway and Times Square. It’s a practical choice for both business travelers and visitors looking to explore the theater district.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
The Iroquois New York
49 W. 44th St.
New York, NY 10036
tel 212 840 3080
iroquoisny.com