We took a girls trip to NYC to see the holiday lights and do some shopping. The Empire Hotel was a delightful surprise and added to a fabulous weekend getaway. With 4 women staying in one room we managed quite well considering the room size, and most importantly, the bathroom size. We had room to hang our coats in the closet and leave our luggage on the floor under the desk. We had a great view of the tree at the Lincoln Center and slept very well, quiet room and amazing beds! Yes the bathrooms are small and there's no place to hang your towel or lay out your cosmetics, but we made due. The free breakfast was perfect for us, juice, coffee, bagels, granola and yogurt, and plenty of places to sit to eat. The staff was very friendly and quick at getting cabs for us and car service to the airport.
I'd highly recommend this hotel while they're still offering introductory rates.

There are a thousand hotels to pick from in New York City. We had never been but decided on the Empire due to its proximity to everything and its classic look. What a wonderful hotel! From the curteous and informative staff at the front door, always could find you a cab quick, to the friendy bar staff and cleaning personal. Perfect. But the best part - the bed! I have never slept on a bed so comfortable, ever, and after full days of walking the streets of New York, you could not ask for anything better. Close to all shopping and attractions, very clean (small, like all NY hotels), great service and amenities. Would definitely book here again - would not even consider another hotel. Thanks for the perfect place to stay!

Ok not an original title, but what a nice surprise this hotel turned out to be. We booked through Quickbooks, and ended up with a really nice room with a view overlooking the tree at Lincoln Center. The staff was great, the place was clean and lovely, and the location on the upper west side (without being too far up) was perfect. Nice towels, nice sheets, plasma tv. My only quibble - they need to put a few hooks in the rooms. I know they are going for the minimalist, clean look, but there were a few easy places where they could have used a hook (or two, or TEN..). Anyway, there was no place to even hang a towel up, so it was impossible to reuse a towel. And we were there for three days, so we ended up getting fresh towels each day. Just wasteful. Hopefully they will figure that out.

After doing a bit a research on trip advisor I'm glad we picked this hotel. Its not easy finding a good hotel in NY and no matter what the rooms are going to be small - so expect this before you go and you won't be disappointed.

Loved our stay at the Empire and would definately recommend. Here are some highlights:

- Impressive lobby - botique hotel feel
- Funky ground floor barm good choice of neutral colours and candle lighting
- Nicely decorated rooms - new fittings and furnishings (in Oct07)
- Great shower, with strong water pressure and rainfall showerheads
- Room was cleaned well and toiletries replenished each day
- Good sized flat screen tvs in room
- Very comfy bed
- Will be great when the restaurant and top floor bar opens

Location
- 2min walk to Central Park
- approx 15min walk to Times Square or only about US$7 in a cab

Not so happy about...
- Rooms are small, but it is NYC. This is compensated by the fact they are nicely decorated - but it was a bit annoying that there was barely enough room for 1 suitcase let alone 2
- Designed bathrooms are nice now, but they lack some functionality - eg sink plug drains poorly.
- Continental breakfast a little on the stingy side, lets them down a little
- Blonde waitress in the bar seemed more interested in flirting with the barmen then serving customers!

Tips
- Don't miss checking out the nearby Time Warner buildings
- Love the buffallo wings at TGIs
- Had a fantastic meal at Gordon Ramsey's Maze restaurant
- Found a great place in Soho called Nolita House restaurant, 47 East Houston St- great food, cheese plates and wines
- Catch the free Staten Island ferry and you'll get to see the Statue of Liberty (don't get on one of the overpriced tourist boats, that go out to the Statue then come back - unless u want to get off - but personally don't think there is much more to see)
- take a ride in central park on one of the horse drawn carriages, i know its touristy but oh so good.