From the moment we stepped out of our yellow cab on to the sidewalk in front of the hotel, The Iroquois New York delivered a quintessentially New York experience. It has a grand stone façade, with flagpoles and an imposing marquee above the entrance. The hotel also has some illustrious neighbors including The New York Yacht Club, the Harvard Club and the Algonquin Hotel adding to the Manhattan buzz.
The hotel lobby has that classic New York vibe, all marble, dark polished wood and brass. In the lobby, as well as the reception desk, there is a separate Concierge desk and the New York Library which provides internet access and a selection of guidebooks. There is also small but well equipped gym on the third floor with bathroom facilities and a sauna to soothe sore muscles after a day spent walking around Midtown seeing the sights. All the staff with whom I had contact, from the porter who greeted me and handled my luggage to the receptionist who checked me out, was courteous and efficient.
The rooms are tastefully decorated in tones of ochre. The bed was very comfortable and featured a plush headboard. The bathrooms are fitted out in a timeless combination of marble, glass and brass. The room provided all the facilities you might expect from a luxury hotel including free wireless internet access, flat panel HDTV, Frette linens and bathrobes, Molton Brown amenities and a complimentary overnight shoeshine. My only concern was that some of the décor, furniture and fittings were showing their age (which is perhaps typical of traditional Manhattan hotels) and that some areas of housekeeping needed closer attention.
The afternoon room service menu was limited but the food tasty and delivered promptly. In the evening the bar has an enjoyable ambiance, good service and making it an ideal place to relax over a drink. Undoubtedly the highlight of our stay was the fabulous meal we had at Triomphe. The dining room is elegant, the service friendly and the food and wine exceptional. Breakfast was also excellent. Like the main dining room Le Petit Triomphe is attractively decorated with modern art and has a welcoming hearth. There is both a buffet and a good à la carte selection on offer. I had the French Toast which was delicious, if not a low calorie option. The unhurried atmosphere means you can linger here over a cup of coffee and the morning newspapers.
One of The Iroquois New York's chief attractions is its proximity to both the Midtown business district and many of the essential New York sights making the hotel ideal for work or a vacation.
Overall we had a very enjoyable stay at The Iroquois New York and I would have no hesitation in recommending the hotel.