New York, United States
citizenM works for travellers seeking the basics but with panache and a few perks. Expect uber-comfy king beds in tiny rooms, luxurious rain-showers and ‘moodpad’ controls. Amenities aside, the attraction (besides reasonable rates) is the lobby-meets-living-space, teeming with energy like the city beyond its doors.
Location
At 50th and Broadway in the thick of the Theatre District, just steps to Times Square and 10 minutes to Central Park. This address is far from quiet, but ideal for anyone who dreams of visiting the ‘city that never sleeps’ since this area of town runs around the clock. Public transit is good here. The local 1 train is across the street from the hotel, and the 42nd Street transit hub is eight blocks away. Catch the C and E trains at 50th and Eighth Avenue, only three minutes from the hotel.
Style and Character
citizenM escapes those tired old hotel clichés and introduces a new style of property in which you don’t pay for anything you don’t need (shoe shine, bell boys, etc.) The hotel’s grand ‘Living Room’ provides a plethora of places to lounge, meet, work and socialise. This two-storey reception comes bedecked in a whimsy of colours including red, black and yellow, sleek leather sectionals, and fun, funky lighting. Like Midtown Manhattan beyond its doors, the lobby overstimulates and spurs creative energy. It’s bustling all day long and well into the night.
Service and Facilities
You won’t find reception per se, but a desk with computers for self-check-in that takes two minutes. The citizenM staff stay on hand to assist when needed. Everyone here is super-friendly. While there’s no full-service restaurant, there is a fantastic breakfast buffet, a 24-hour grab-and-go, lobby bar, rear courtyard with seating, and a chic rooftop bar providing cocktails and panoramic views. The 20th-floor fitness centre also features dynamite vistas, with space outside to exercise or chill out while taking in the skyline. Parking isn’t available on-site, but the hotel provides a discount to nearby lots.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Â Laundry
- Wi-Fi
- Fitness centre
Rooms
While rooms are compact and no-frills, they have all the basics you’ll need including oversized king-sized beds with fluffy pillows, small writing desks, blackout shades, mini-fridges and bath toiletries. The rain showerhead is a luxurious perk, as is the ‘moodpad’ for controlling lighting and temperature. All rooms are the same, so no upgrades, suites or interconnecting rooms are available. There’s also no space for cribs or cots.
Food and Drink
CanteenM is ideal for grab-and-go meals and features light bites like edamame, sushi rolls, and healthy salads. Drinks stay stocked on shelves and in the cooler – purchase a bottle of wine and drink it in your room – or take a seat at the bar and order one of their pretty craft cocktails. An extensive breakfast buffet is well worth the extra $19 (£14) per day with several hot dishes to choose from including eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon and pancakes, as well as croissants, cheese, bagels, yogurt and coffee. It was one of the best hotel breakfast buffets I’ve eaten.
For a retreat from the city, go high in the sky to cloudbar on the 21st floor. Bartenders pour froufrou libations and keep free bar snacks on hand for a nosh while you imbibe. The city views are spectacular from inside the bar (where kelly green couches topped with decorative pillows tempt guests to lounge for hours on end) and outside on the terrace when the weather cooperates.
Value for Money
Double rooms from $159 (£119) in low season; and from $289 (£217) in high. Breakfast not included, buffet costs $19 (£14) per person in advance and $22 (£17) on the day. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Yes, there are accessible rooms.
Family-Friendly?
Not really. Cots, cribs and adjoining rooms are not available, and each room accommodates up to two guests. Families would have to be split up into different rooms.
