In times long ago, BC (Before Children), we would search for a hotel that had a good location and lots of amenities. Now the number-one feature we search for is space, space and space! We know we will have four bodies in a room and we want all the space a hotel can offer us!
I went on the internet to research nice hotels, at a good rate that offered a lot of space. I found one hotel called the Avalon that offered suites for just $199.00 a night. The hotel was two blocks from The Empire State Building. In the old days this would not have been my first choice because of location, however the price and space overshadowed other hotels on this trip. The hotel looked good on the internet, so we booked it.
I was nervous about booking a hotel I knew so little about. However we lucked out - the Avalon was GREAT!
We arrived very late in the night (about 1:00am). The front desk staff was friendly and welcoming and a bellman was even on duty at that late hour. The lobby was small but elegant with lots of wood, marble and mirrors. The public areas were very neat and clean.
When we got to our room we were very pleased. It had a huge bathroom, a large bedroom with two queen beds and a small second room with a pull out couch. The small room was cozy and had a great view of the Empire State Building. It was exactly what we had hoped to find.
The rooms are spacious and well decorated. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They have a great small bistro and bar. The bar staff was outgoing and eager to please. We spent a few nights in the bar.
The price is right at only $199.00 per night, which does include breakfast. The breakfast is served in the Avalon Bar and Grill and has lots of choices and nice fresh fruit and baked goods. However the seats do go quickly and you may find it easier to take your breakfast up to your room.
The hotel only has 100 rooms and most of the rooms are suites. The hotel never seemed crowded and the staff seemed relaxed. It felt like just the right sized hotel for our family. They do have two small elevators and at times they run full and you do have to wait, especially during busy morning and early evening hours.
The hotel is a block away from a subway stop and is one block from 5th Ave, which made getting cabs a breeze. It's also within walking distance of Macy's for those of us who like to shop.
When driving up the hotel does not look very impressive. Once inside you will be pleased. We didn't have one complaint the entire time we stayed here. I would stay here again. Here is their web site Avalon Hotel.