Profile

From the vase of roses in each guest room, to the fresh fruit and glass of sherry at check-in, 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 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.