Hotel Wales

Purpose-built as a hotel in the early 1900s, the ten-story Wales is a comfortable, convenient choice for a culture jaunt due to its proximity to Museum Mile. Tucked in the quietly affluent Carnegie Hill neighborhood just above Madison Avenue’s prime retail stretch, it’s also well placed for a posh shopping spree. Standard double rooms are small, but high ceilings, large windows and an unfussy contemporary-classic style prevent them from seeming cramped; about half of the accommodation consists of suites. All quarters have recently been redecorated with designer wallpaper, sleek new bathrooms and HD TVs. Higher-floor rooms on the east side have Central Park views, but all guests can enjoy them on the large roof terrace. Two on-site restaurants (Italian spot Paola’s and mini-chain Sarabeth’s) provide meals and snacks.