I have met friends for drinks at The Muse Hotel in Manhattan’s Midtown many times over the years, but have never stayed at the property until this past month. I didn’t have one of their glorious suites though as you can see from the photos, they’re very spacious, and have deep soaking tubs. My room did have a fairly large open deck with glorious views of the city however it was rainy and cold for two days so I wasn’t able to take advantage of it.
They boast 181 guestrooms and 19 suites, some with their own private balcony so if you’re planning to stay there in the summer or fall months, it is worth asking for one – give it miss in the winter and spring. Each hotel room features distinct works of art themed around imagination and Greek mythology. Think creams, light blues and blacks – sophisticated and chic all the way.
If you become a Kimpton InTouch Guest Loyalty member (which is free btw), there’s free high speed wired and wireless access throughout the hotel – it’s worth the two minutes it takes to join. They’re also known to be pet friendly which dog owners will love.
Above and below, a fairly standard room.
A larger “executive option below.”
The spa suite is 400-square-foot hotel suite if you want to lap up a little more luxury. From the living room, French doors lead you into an expansive bedroom graced with a plush king-sized bed. The spacious bathroom features a sunken Jacuzzi tub that can easily accommodate two people, along with a separate shower.
Below is the NIOS bar for appetizers, cocktails and wine in the MUSE Hotel – it’s a very convenient place for meeting up if you’re planning to play in Manhattan’s mid-town on the west side.
Not every New York hotel has a gym so it’s worth noting that they have a fitness center which is available complimentary to guests 24/7 (guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). It features state-of-the art cardio equipment: treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, Spinner and exercise bikes, all with individual LCD television screens, free weights and bench, balance balls, yoga mats and accessories, hula hoops (yes really), a room for stretching exercises, and personal trainers upon request.
The GOOD:
As noted, they offer free wifi throughout the hotel including all the rooms. Their “Mind. Body. Spa” program features in-room spa services as well as yoga, Pilates and core strengthening in-room exercise programs.
They also have very cool leopard robes in all the rooms (loved the creativity here — unfortunately the material is a bit rough, but they’re cool to look at nevertheless). The offer complimentary bike rentals, the onsite 24 hour fitness center and a hosted wine reception every evening for a couple of hours. The bar is also very modern chic and is a great place to meet up with friends. Lastly, there’s an umbrella and a yoga mat in all the rooms and I LOVE the design.
The BAD:
The bathrooms could have been a little cleaner. Why maids don’t clean light switches is beyond me. Most hotels have dirty light switches (even in 5 star properties) but this one was a little worse than normal as was the light switch on the bedside lamp. While the service at reception and in general was very good and they’re social media team totally “gets it” (THANKS THANKS), my breakfast took quite awhile and when it finally arrived it was cold even though it was nicely presented.
Overall, it’s a great location and they offer a number of creative amenities that make you feel at home and give you a sense of luxury without having to think about it. And, their suites are gorgeous even though I haven’t had a chance to stay in one yet. The hotel bar is fabulous both in ambiance, “bites” and drink offerings and the service here is great as well.
Details:
THE MUSE HOTEL
130 West 46th Street New York City, NY 10036
(212) 485 2400
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
