We booked this hotel based on Tripadvisor reviews and some friends who had stayed at the sister Hotel Giraffe. We were not disappointed, in fact we were very pleased we had chosen the Elysee. It is a small boutique hotel with 15 floors based on a classic French theme.
Many reviews here praise the complimentary breakfast - and so they should. Unless you insist on a full English every morning there was something here for everyone - cereals, pastries, breads, bagels, muffins, toast, hard boiled eggs, yogurt and a lovely large bowl of fresh fruit salad - all served by delightful, friendly staff. The clubroom, where the breakfast is served, is on the 2nd floor and has a mixture of tables and chairs and sofas. There is a small library area off to one side which provides extra seating at busy times and also has internet and printing facilities (we used it to print our boarding passes for the flight home).
Having started the day with an ample breakfast, we found the hotel well situated for subway stations and Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central, Rockefeller, MOMA were all within walking distance.
We also found restaurants for the evening within walking distance from the hotel too - after a full day sightseeing we had run out of steam to venture too far. The Fig and Olive on East 52nd Street was our favourite but Cellini's opposite the hotel was good too.
The staff at the hotel were excellent in a very quiet understated way which we liked. We were brought wine and chocolates to help celebrate our wedding anniversary which was a lovely touch. On arrival we were told we had been upgraded which was lovely too. The room (120) was large and spacious and the bed very comfortable. The room was directly outside the lift on the 12th floor which concerned me at first as I thought we would hear the lift - but we never did!
Returning from a busy day sightseeing it was lovely to be able to have tea, coffee and cake and then a couple of hours later wine and cheese!
We would have no hesitation in booking the Elysee again. We have already recommended it to friends and I am sure we will be back.
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