Review of The Muse, a Kimpton Hotel in New York

Visitors flock to New York City for Broadway theater and the delights of Fifth Avenue shopping. If your next trip also includes sampling some of the Big Apple’s landmarks and museums, plus dining in legendary eateries, then The Muse could be a great choice, especially if you want to include the family dog. The Muse is a Kimpton hotel, a chain of boutique hostelries that specialize in designer environments, personal service, luxurious details and a pet-friendly policy. Centrally located on West 46th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, The Muse is a delightful oasis for the sophisticated traveler.

Insider Tips

The Muse offers tasteful accommodations that are designed for comfort with thoughtful, elegant touches. The marble bathrooms are well-appointed and the towels are generous. Flat screen TVs with cable, two-line phones with voice mail and complimentary newspapers are all nice details. The lobby just received a major face-lift, and the adjoining restaurant recently reopened with a new name, a new chef and a menu of upscale “comfort” foods, like bison meatloaf and sensational shrimp and grits. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and room service is available. In the late afternoon a wine tasting is offered gratis to guests. The selection of wines is excellent and the pour is generous. The Muse offers spa services in the privacy of your room, and there is also an on-site workout facility. The book rate for The Muse lodging is on the moderate to high side, so check the hotel’s official website for special promotions.

Pros and Cons

Even though The Muse is just moments from the excitement of the Theater District and Fifth Avenue, the hotel is a relaxed, quiet environment with excellent security. The lobby and public spaces are high-concept contemporary. The guest rooms are handsome and well maintained by an attentive, professional staff. Because of the hotel’s dog-friendly policy, if you are allergic to animals, inform the hotel when you make a reservation to avoid any problems. The menu in the adjacent restaurant is limited and room service is available only during specific hours, but the surrounding area is loaded with dining options. High speed Internet service is available for a fee, the daily charge for parking your car is steep, and the in-room spa services are pricey. Budget tip for theater buffs: The Muse is just moments away from the same-day, half-price ticket service TKTS, at 47th and Broadway.

Bottom Line

The Muse is a stylish addition to the New York hotel scene. Adjacent to two major transportation hubs, Times Square and Grand Central Station, the hotel’s location makes travel around the city easy and quick. The staff at The Muse are well trained and always happy to assist you with directions, suggestions and transportation arrangements to and from airports. In addition to a pet-friendly policy, the care and attention paid to pint-sized guests of the human variety is unusually thoughtful and impressive. Tucked right in the middle of the bustle of midtown Manhattan, The Muse is a chic boutique hotel that offers New York visitors convenience, comfort and more than a touch of luxury.