Arrival/Check-In: The Roger New York sits at 31st and Madison, roughly a 10-minute walk from Penn Station. The hotel had reportedly completed renovations in May, about a month before my stay. On arrival a friendly doorman greeted me and escorted me to the front desk. There was only one other guest checking in, so the process was quick—about five minutes. I arrived at 9:30 a.m., so my room was not ready; the staff stored my bags without issue.
Guest Quarters: At check-in I received a key for the penthouse floor, Room 6. Although penthouse rooms often feel more spacious, this one was comparable in size to many standard city hotel rooms. The highlight was a private balcony with two wicker chairs, a nice spot to relax. The room’s design was attractive and felt clean. The bathroom featured quality fixtures and toiletries, including Toto fittings and products from C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries. Bathroom lighting was modest, which made morning makeup application a bit challenging.
Services/Amenities: Roger’s Dining Room reopened at the beginning of June, and I was keen to try it. The restaurant is accessed from the lobby via a short staircase. Its layout is understated—about ten small round tables and a central island stocked with bottles as an extension of the lobby bar—so it can be easy to miss. The kitchen is tucked away, and the menu focuses largely on elevated bar fare. My colleague and I sampled a variety of items—mac and cheese and guacamole to start, followed by salmon and tuna mains. The food was tasty but felt slightly overpriced for the portion and presentation. The hotel provides a 24-hour fitness center with standard machines, suitable for short business stays. As a smaller property, The Roger is not geared toward large conferences: one guestroom converts to a meeting space for roughly 20–25 people, and the Veranda 411 Terrace handles outdoor events of up to about 75 guests.
The Experience: Overall, my stay at The Roger New York was enjoyable. The lobby design is striking, featuring bold black-and-white stripes, bright accents like teal and orange, and raw wood flooring. The hotel’s polka-dot bowtie logo appears throughout, from stationery to door hangers, contributing to a cohesive brand identity. The compact lobby bar is welcoming and relaxed. If you want a hotel with extensive resort-style amenities, this isn’t the right fit; but if you’re seeking a stylish, well-located, boutique option with character, The Roger is an excellent choice.
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 Roger New York
131 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10016
tel 212 448 7000
therogernewyork.com