My wife and I have found it---the perfect romantic getaway in the heart of Manhattan. There's no sign outside the building, just Victorian lights outside a West 71st Street brownstone 3 blocks from Central Park. But enter and you're in one of the classiest and most unique of any lodging experience I've had in the city, in fact the country (and I'm an experienced traveler). Ruth Mensch and her daughter have arranged their brownstone into 4 disctinctive living suites, each with its own character, living area, bedroom and fully equipped and stocked kitchen (no extra charge).
We booked the Spa Suite on the second floor, primarily because of its Sauna and Jacuzzi for 2 and, although it was more narrow than the other large suites (Opera, with tuned piano, and the huge Library Suite---there is a smaller, Vermont Suite that I wasn't able to see)), it was more than spacious. A bottle of wine with all the accompaniments (cheeses, fruits, etc., etc.), private label "welcome" chocolate cake, a full refrigerator, bagels, croissants, cereals, juices, etc. greeted us upon our arrival and were replenished for the second day of our stay. While the Suites are not inexpensive (we were able to get a price break off the listed rate because of availability and a last minute booking), the value is outstanding. Although our stay was for 2 days and to celebrate our anniversary, I'd also consider returning on a business trip where I don't require a cocktail lounge downstairs and would like to take refuge overnight from the "real world" to get the batteries recharged.
Two caveats---The Inn really isn't for young children and, since it's in a brownstone, you'll need to climb steps.
hotel reviews