|
By Melanie Votaw
Photography courtesy of Affinia
Affinia Shelburne
303 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016-3165
(212) 320-8025
The four-star Affinia Shelburne sits on an unobtrusive stretch of Lexington Avenue in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. Located at 37th Street, the hotel is just across town from the Javits Center where numerous conventions are held and is just eight blocks south of Grand Central Station. It’s also within easy walking distance of the United Nations. Despite its central location, I was surprised by the quietness of the area, especially overnight.
I arrived too early to check in, so Jada, the desk clerk on duty, saw that my bag was checked for me. When I returned two hours later, I was surprised to discover  that she remembered my name without having to look me up.
I was very impressed with the hotel, which has a small, comfortable lobby with modern décor in dark colors. There is also a fantastic rooftop bar with a nearly 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline. The bar was hopping when I visited it, which might cause you to assume that non -guests are allowed to patronize it, but that apparently isn’t the case. There was an attendant at the door who asked to see my room’s card key before I was allowed on the roof.
I stayed in a suite, which included a kitchenette with a sink, fully stocked minibar frig, wine glasses, and even a microwave. I don’t recall ever seeing a microwave in a hotel room before.
Designed in burnt orange and olive tones, the suite also included a large desk, two wide screen televisions (one in the living area and one in the bedroom), and two closets, one of which included a safe and iron with ironing board. One thing I missed was a bathrobe and slippers.
 I loved that one of the living room chairs had a swing table for eating while watching television, and I especially appreciated the room’s large mirrors. I’m often amazed by the absence of sufficient mirrors in many hotel rooms.
The bed was very comfortable, and the bathroom was spacious. Damana brand toiletries were provided, including olive oil soap. There is a Dream Pillow Menu, and you can order in-room spa treatments, including a menu of massages or facials. A concierge is on duty in the lobby, and there are two computers next to the concierge desk for Internet access. There is also a gym on premises.
The Affinia Shelburne’s façade looks like a small boutique hotel, but like many buildings in New York, it’s vertical. So, it has a total of 323 rooms, all of which are newly renovated. Some rooms have their own private terrace.
On the first floor is the Rare Bar & Grill which boasts a great burger. Since I rarely eat red meat, I didn’t sample one, but the menu is definitely casual. I did notice that this bar seems to attract some of the after-work crowd in the neighborhood.
I like the fact that the Affinia isn’t located in Times Square or another heavily trafficked area. Murray Hill is a bit more of a real “neighborhood” where you can feel as though you’re a native New Yorker. Primarily, I was taken by the friendliness of the staff, the spaciousness of my suite, the large mirrors, and the microwave oven. I would highly recommend the hotel to anyone visiting New York, particularly if the visit is for a convention at the Javits Center.
Depending upon the room you choose and the time of year of your visit, the rates are just $250-$350 per night, which is very reasonable for a luxury property in New York City.
© July 2010 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
|
