The Benjamin Hotel

The Benjamin Hotel stands at the corner of East 50th Street and Lexington Avenue in Midtown New York.  You can spot it from far thanks to their retro sign and the clock on Lexington Avenue. The building in itself is a beautifully restored 1927 and has been designed by well known architect Emery Roth. As you enter the two-story sparkling lobby spruced up with brocaded walls potted palms, huge columns, and 20-foot mirrors in silver and crystal, you get the feeling of having stepped back into the Jazz Era of 1920s New York. Thankfully, the amenities offered by the hotel are all very 21^st century and up to date.

There are 209 rooms in this hotel, and while you might consider it too small for a New York hotel, The Benjamin looks at it as an opportunity to offer the best and most personalized services they can to their patrons. Spread over 26 stories, all guestrooms and suites are high ceilinged and airy. The one-bedroom suites and deluxe studios are extra large. Some of the one-bedroom suites also come with attached terraces.

With a pillow menu that allows you to choose from 11 options, upholstered headboards, 400-thread-count Egyptian-cotton linens, plush-top mattresses, and down comforters, you can be sure that you are going to end up sleeping like a baby. Rooms also come with a fully equipped kitchenette, including microwave ovens, coffeemakers, sinks, and refrigerators. For official work you can use the desks that have upholstered ergonomic chairs, rollout tables, fax/printer/scanners, task lights, multi-line cordless phones, and high-speed Internet connection that is available at a surcharge.

The onsite restaurant, also christened “The Benjamin” offers you a great experience in fine-dining. The cuisine is innovative, the atmosphere is intimate and soothing, and the décor includes seafoam-green walls, black leather banquettes and chairs, warm woods, and fresh flowers. It can accommodate up to 30 people and it is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Delicacies like crab cakes, filet mignon, mushroom ragout, Asian-flavored pasta, and braised lamb shank leave you asking for more.

And, if you are hankering after a few drinks, walk into the sophisticated and elegant Emery Bar, a cozy lounge that’s perfect for small gathering with friends or semi formal meetings with colleagues. Choose from cocktails like Sidecars, Gimlets Dry Martinis, and Manhattans while chomping on snacks like seared sesame tuna with chilled noodle salad and wasabi dipping sauce or short rib empanadas with lime crème fraiche and chili sauce.

The Benjamin scores on all counts and stay at this hotel makes you want to come back to experience the good things in life.

Address: At Lexington Ave, Midtown East & Murray Hill

Phone: 212-320-8002

Prices: From $459 superior double; from $499 deluxe studio; from $559 suite. Call or check website for special offers

Parking: $45

Pets accepted

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