The Kimpton Era hotel just opened a month ago. It has an ideal location for those exploring Manhattan and those wanting to take advantage of what midtown has to offer. It is steps away from Rockefeller Center – with the lobby looking out onto the Nintendo store.
The Kimpton Era hotel room has a big window, which is lovely. The hotel is dog-friendly, though I’m not sure how a dog would fit in these rooms. Granted we had the smallest room. Even the website notes that the rooms are “cozy.” I gladly would have traded the king bed for a queen, for a few extra inches of space. That said, we could completely walk around 3 sides of the bed (my pet peeve when there’s no room, as I’m usually the one crawling across to get to my spot). There were also outlets on both sides of the bed (not always the case) and a small ledge to hold a book or phone there.
The design saves space using barn doors (sliding on a rail) for the bathroom. There are hooks by the door for coats (or your toiletry bag). There was no hook for a hand towel by the sink. The closet holds a few items on hangers, and has a small shelf and small drawer you can use for items/clothes. It has a safe, a steamer (which I mistook initially for the hair dryer, until I unwound it – oops), and a tiny refrigerator that holds the equivalent of 8 soda cans. There were 4 cans in there already – no sign if they were complimentary or what the cost was.
There was no drawer space for clothing/storage. We used the ledge by the window which was plenty big for that, but unsightly. There was also a padded bench on the far side of the bed, which I guess can be used for lounging (it was a bit narrow) or for holding backpacks, clothes, etc. The bed has space below for suitcase storage. There is also a very small desk and chair next to the bed. The toiletries, Atalier Bloom, were lovely. Especially the citrus body wash.
One thing we love about Kimptons is the free happy hour. We made it (barely) in time on check-in, thanks to a track issue from NJ Transit. No problem – the staff made sure we got a glass of wine and even came by after 6:00, when happy hour had officially ended, to refill our glasses. They could not have been nicer – the entire stay. By the way, they have a lovely bar. The Era also has free coffee in the morning from 6-9 am. I planned to get a cup to bring up to the room, but wisely decided to just bring my computer to the lobby (which has a lot of seating) and enjoy it there. Not pictured, but they do have a nook with basic food and drink for purchase as well.
I would stay at the Kimpton Era hotel again for a quick trip. It might be tough for a longer trip or if you have a lot of things, given the cozy room size. Perhaps the larger rooms would work for families. There is no way you’re fitting a rollaway bed or crib in the small room and no kid could sleep on the floor. You’d trip on them when going to the bathroom.
As mentioned, it’s a convenient location. On the block, 48th street between 5th and 6th Avenues, you’ll find a Starbucks, Five Guys, several ramen and sushi restaurants, a Korean restaurant, bakery, salad bar, a fabulous bakery (Martha Stewart’s?), and lots of bars/restaurants. You can also roll out of bed to go to the Today show outdoor filming.
The Kimpton Era hotel has over 500 rooms and is dog friendly. Self-check in is on the first floor, where you’ll activate your own room key. Or head up to the third floor for an in-person check-in.
While we did not eat at the hotel, they have several restaurants – one in the basement or first floor, one on the second floor, and a rooftop bar that was not yet open. The gym looked to be a good size, and they have a pocket outdoor patio area between the elevators and gym. It was just cold enough when we were there that it would have been uncomfortable, but in good weather, I’d totally spend time there.