Marilyn Anderson & Dennis L. Lanning’s
Romance on the Road

When we found out that the President and Prime Minister (of a foreign country to remain unnamed) were having breakfast at the table next to us, it explained all the serious young men with wires coming out of their ears that we’d seen the past few days. They were discreet, as was the hotel, given the importance of these guests. We didn’t know anything out-of-the-ordinary was going on while we were there.

That’s what characterizes The Kimberly Hotel—an understated sophistication. Everything is there; it’s just discreet. No shouting about its attributes; they choose to whisper.

The lobby area is warm and graceful. It actually feels as if you are in a private residence. That feeling continues when you get to your room. Our one-bedroom suite on the 12^th floor was elegant and welcoming. It gives you the feeling of home. Or the home you wish you had!

The two large rooms were furnished with antique reproductions of beautiful wood inlay furniture, designer lamps, couches, rich carpeting and even electrically-operated drapes in the living room.

The bedroom featured a sumptuous king-size bed, covered with the softest linens, down pillows, and down comforter. There are walk-in closets, a safe, iron, ironing board, full length mirrors, and three telephones. Every personal detail is considered, including an electric shoe polisher. Each morning The New York Times is at your door.

Our suite featured a balcony and a large, well designed wet-bar with a toaster, cutlery, wine glasses, refrigerator, and microwave. We used the microwave our first night to heat up some scones we’d brought back from our afternoon tea. The Kimberly made it both convenient and sexy to enjoy a midnight snack, with a chilled bottle of Prosecco.

If you’re tired of the typical hotel room in NYC, where there’s little space to move around, and even less room for your luggage and clothes, then head over to The Kimberly. This is an all-suite hotel, and every room, including the bathroom, is spacious. There are closets and shelves galore, with lots of drawer space in the beautiful furniture.

The Kimberly Hotel has a rooftop lounge and outdoor terrace area, named simply, Upstairs. Recently opened, with almost 4,000 square feet and 360 degree views, retractable glass ceilings and walls, and even heated floors, it is designed to be as invitingly warm in the winter months as it was when we visited in late summer. In such creative surroundings, Executive Chef Gwenaël Le Pape built a versatile and varied menu that has already attracted kudos. For night owls, Upstairs is open for drinks and food till two a.m.

In the morning the rooftop area is set up for the sumptuous breakfast the hotel provides every day. It is well-stocked and well-staffed. In addition to hot items such as sweet Italian sausage, pancakes, waffles, hot potatoes, and French toast, we especially liked the omelet station, where a toque-topped chef prepares your eggs, just the way you like them.

Those favoring a more European-style breakfast will find delicious homemade granola, pastries, artisan breads, yogurt, and fresh, hot coffee. The weather was so nice, we loved eating in the red-themed outdoor area, where we could watch and listen to New York City come alive in the morning.

Keeping with their well-thought-out customer model, The Kimberly offers guests two different options for staying in shape. In addition to a complimentary membership at the New York Health & Racquet Club nearby, guests have the convenience of working out at the new fitness center on the 2^nd floor. Open 24 hours a day, it is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. All machines include personal TV and iPod connections.

Having enjoyed the hotel and its amenities for two days, we discovered too late for this trip that our stay even featured a yacht trip. The Kimberly Yacht is available to hotel guests from May to September for complimentary Sunset Cruises on the East River and a Sunday Brunch Cruise around lower Manhattan. The Brunch at $25 is a great bargain, to get some of the best views of the island anywhere. There are occasional longer trips up the Hudson to Bear Mountain Park.

The Kimberly is quiet and refined, perfect for an extended stay or just a night. You may not get to sit next to the president of a foreign country at breakfast, but if you look carefully, you could be in the elevator with a beauty queen. We were. If you want sophistication coupled with privacy, this is the spot for you.

Kimberly Hotel
145 East 50th Street
New York, NY 10022
212.365.6894
www.kimberlyhotel.com