The Ravel Hotel is just minutes from the Big Apple, but it won't take a big bite out of your budget. Located in Long Island City, this stylish yet affordable boutique hotel is just 1.5 miles east of Midtown Manhattan via the Queensboro (59th Street) Bridge. The bridge entrance is less than a mile from the hotel. Prefer not to drive? The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to a nearby subway station; you can get to Midtown in 10 minutes, and take a shuttle to Bloomingdale's, restaurants, airports and train stations (surcharge applies, reservations required).
Midtown sights are seemingly endless. You can take the NBC Studio Tour at Rockefeller Center, or marvel at the spectacular views from the Top of the Rock observation deck. A 10-minute walk away are the crowds and glittering lights of Times Square. Ride the wave of excitement into the new Hard Rock Café, where rock memorabilia and Americana reign. Fuel up with a burger and thick shake, then head to a Broadway show; dozens of theaters are within a half-mile.
All that leaves you ready for some serious unwinding. At Penthouse808, the hotel's rooftop restaurant and lounge, enjoy postcard-perfect bridge and skyline views over a romantic candlelight dinner, or dance to music spun by the house DJ. Pan-Asian cuisine dominates the menu. Lemongrass Steamed Mussels make a swank starter--or you can skip straight to sushi. Try a specialty drink such as the Rooftop Tea with citron, vodka, and honeysuckle.
After all the fun and excitement, your guestroom is a welcome retreat. The spacious rooms are contemporary and artful, with high ceilings; some open to private balconies. Snuggle under your down duvet and watch a late-night show on the 32-inch LCD TV. Or boot up your laptop with wireless Internet access (surcharge). Refresh in the glass-enclosed shower with a rainfall showerhead.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are provided in the Ravel Hotel's lobby. A fitness center is open 24 hours a day. Other perks include in-room massages, breakfast, and pet accommodation (surcharges apply for all).
