Located on the cusp of Midtown, just a few blocks north of Madison Square Park and a short walk from Penn Station and Times Square, this Hotel lies close to most areas of Central and Southern Manhattan. Indeed, the 28 Street East Subway Station (served by Line 6) is just a stone throw's away from the Carlton's doors. A rather understated entrance on Madison Avenue gives way an ostentatious marble lobby, bearing all the trappings and of a four-star New York hotel trying to punch above its weight.
The rooms themselves are certainly on the small side, adequate clothes hanging and storage space, in particular, are lacking. The firm and comfortable bed, adorned with crisp cotton sheets and soft feathery pillows ensures a comfortable night's sleep. Many of the rooms are set back from Madison Avenue, something which certainly reduces noise in the evenings and early mornings. Bathrooms are well furnished, with high quality and tasteful fixtures and fittings, although the bath itself is rather shallow. Added little touches, such as the provision of the Molten Brown range of soaps and moisturisers, indicate that this hotel has its sights set on the five star rating.
Slightly disappointingly but rather unsurprisingly, there were no tea or coffee making facilities in the room. Packaged tea and granulated coffee-hardly what you would expect from a top-of-the-range Marriott-were solely made available through a machine located in the dinky Business Centre on the ground floor. The in-room minibar and dining service, even by local standards, were absurdly overpriced.
This is certainly a good option within the 'Midtown four-star plus' bracket for a few nights, although the Carlton lacks the space and facilities for an extended visit.
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