24 Hours In NY...the best part.

The hotel allowed an early check in. From the moment we walked into the hotel an ethereal calm drifted into us. It felt like we were in an undersea world, subdued lighting, blues, whites, stark satisfying decor all around. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The room had a view, not of another building 10 feet away, but it was a clear view of a city block.

Walking through the winding corridor brought to mind an ocean liner with portholes on room doors. The ship theme continued in the room with porthole cut outs next to each bed holding a telephone and bedside light. The bathroom was tiled from floor to ceiling in rough mossy squares. Soft yet striking designer features from light fixtures to the sink and bath products were welcoming after a sweltering city day.

Though you are in the most fabulous city in the world....you could easily stay in the room and order room service, or treat yourself to an incredibly stocked mini bar. Soft down comforters to cuddle and comfort as you settle into the quiet of a beautifully designed space....all yours for the night.

We really enjoyed the Royalton. An acknowledged masterpiece of French designer Philippe Starck, it manages to be cutting-edge modern, stylish, whimsical, and very comfortable.

We had a "suite", which consisted of a large room with a working fireplace and a huge bathroom with a large circular tub/shower. The room decor is elegant, featuring grey slate and stark white upholstery and linens. The candles and fresh orchids in the bathroom were a nice touch.

The in-house restaurant is called "The 44". We had breakfast there one morning, and although the menu seemed quite pricey ($12 for poached eggs on spinach and toast, $4 for a cup of coffee) the food was well prepared and the service professional. The 44 has an unusual dinner strategy -- every month they bring in a different chef from a three star restaurant in Paris to create a "prix fixe" menu.

The Royalton lobby bar is clearly a nightime hot spot. Like the rooms, it has stark white upholstered furniture and brushed stainless steel accent tables. Colorful accents and whimsical accessories (like fishbowls with live fish) keep the decor from being cold and intimidating. Drinks and an appealing and imaginative appetizer menu are available. We would have tried it had it not been so crowded.

The Royalton is conveniently located just off of Fifth Avenue and a couple of blocks from Times Square. The staff is energetic, friendly, and accommodating. We would love to go back.

I have stayed here now 6 or 7 times and it never disappoints me. Coming from the other side of the world and checking into the Royalton gives you the instant New York experience. From the fantastic bar running the length of the lobby all the way to the very modern rooms. Be aware that some of the rooms are smallish (although perhaps not by New York standards). A drink in the bar is an absolute must just to watch the beautiful people.... The hotel location is fantastic, just a couple of blocks from Broadway. This is a great place to stay. When checking out , if going to the airport, insist on a Yellow Cab if you want a taxi - the doorman will try and put you into a black limo insisting it is 'almost' the same cost as a taxi- believe me it is much more expensive and the doorman takes a kickback from the driver - a small point and common also in the other hotels I have stayed in.

Royalton is a great hotel. Would not change a thing! First hotel I have stayed at that delivers everything in its description/pictures online.