Profile

From the vase of roses in each guest room to the room service provided by the longstanding Sarabeth’s Kitchen, the Hotel Wales’s greatest asset is its attention to detail. Every room, whether it is a standard, a suite or a deluxe suite, has white linens and down comforters, a DVD player and iHome alarm clock, wood furnishings and well-chosen artwork. Equally notable are the first floor offerings: a small workout room with two treadmills, an elliptical and a stationary bike, a business center complete with computer and printer, and a lounge that serves complimentary continental breakfast and 24-hour cappuccino and espresso. Perhaps most impressive is the rooftop terrace, which has café-style tables and a spectacular view of the Central Park reservoir. With such assorted amenities, the Wales suits a variety of needs and tastes, and after staying there once, the hotel is small enough that the staff will probably know your name–especially if you make a habit of reclining on the comfortable leather couches in the lobby. — Sara Sargent

Three premier suites feature sleigh beds, plasma televisions and fairy tale mirrors.

Cons
Tends to be very busy on weekends, which is more noticeable because it is a smaller hotel.

Claim to Fame
Around since 1902, it is the oldest operating hotel in New York City.