Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Wales

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

A favorite for in-the-know travelers, this pleasant if unassuming hotel in a sedate neighborhood has small standard guest rooms, but they do have fine oak woodwork, interesting photographs and art, and Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Most of the suites face Madison Avenue and some have Central Park views from the higher floors. This property has great space for guests in the common areas, including the Carnegie Lounge on the second floor and a rooftop bar open seasonally. Sarabeth's restaurant, a local favorite for brunch, is in the hotel (and available for room service), as is Paola's, a neighborhood Italian restaurant known for one of the best pesto pastas in town.