WestHouse Hotel New York

The word "house" in the hotel's name was very deliberate, as the quiet WestHouse Hotel was designed to serve as a home away from home for the worldly and well-traveled. This is evident in the naming of the common spaces, such as the dimly lit cigar lounge-style seating area called The Den, where there are many nooks and crannies for one to hide away -- and where afternoon snacks and libations are served. In addition, the hotel charges a daily "resident fee" to cover the cost of all the food and drink offerings, as well as Wi-Fi. Guest are referred to as residents, and doormen will often greet guests with a "welcome home" upon their return. One other way it's more like a home than a hotel? The lack of luxury hotel features, such as a spa or full-service restaurant. 

Trendy, upbeat music can be heard upon stepping out of the luxury hotel's revolving doors and into the immediate area of the lobby's two-part space. On the front desk side, there are black and white marble floors and pillars, several shimmering chandeliers and a wall of antique keys from the 1930s. 

In the Den, located up the stairs and to the back, guests have the option to curl up in couches of different sizes, shapes and textures, from blue quilted velvet sofas with a plethora of neutral tones pillows to brown leather love seats. Aside from the seating arrangement, The Den is covered in quirky souvenirs from cultured vacations. Vases, orbs, figurines, giant keys, statues and plates accentuate the side tables and old books on the shelf (and although they're organized so meticulously that you don't want to shift them out of place, all books are free to be read). During our visit, we spotted some guests curled up with their laptops and others dozing off in the couches with their feet up, so the home-away-from-home aesthetic is effective. Even the hallways' textured walls, the plethora of gallery-style portrait displays, and elevators that look as though they're lined with velvet convey the WestHouse's luxurious homey vibe.

It's extremely easy to walk to multiple popular New York sights while staying at WestHouse thanks to it's central spot in Midtown Manhattan. Stations for the N, R, Q, E and F trains are no more than two blocks away. Times Square is only a couple stops away or a 13-minute walk. The entrance to Central Park South is four blocks away. In addition to those popular spots, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Ed Sullivan Theater, Broadway, the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center are in the area.

• 50-minute drive to John F. Kennedy International Airport
• 50-minute drive to Newark Liberty International Airport
• 25-minute drive to LaGuardia Airport

WestHouse's 172 rooms—all of which are non-smoking—evoke the feel of trendy Manhattan studio apartments. Rooms have sophisticated Art Deco style from renowned design firm Jeffrey Beers, with slate, white and purple colors found in the satin curtains, speckled carpet, and cushy furniture. The look is lighter and airier than the lobby, with its dim lighting and prevalence of wood. Having at least four pieces of hanging art per living space gives off the feeling of staying in a private photo gallery. Certain rooms provide views (and even fewer provide sweeping views from private terraces) of the bustling Times Square, Central Park and Midtown Manhattan -- though most rooms face neighboring buildings and can be a bit dark. Additionally, Terrace Suites are equipped with Sleep Studio specialty mattresses that adjust to different zones of the body.

Drawers and mini-fridges are hidden in marble top cabinets beneath flat-screen TVs and trays holding ice buckets, glasses and bottle openers. All closets contain the expected ironing materials, hangers, safes and robes, but some rooms add extras like pillows, umbrellas, bed slippers, and shoe brushes. The bedding is high-end: All rooms have 400-thread-count Sferra linens. Technology impresses, from the 46-inch TVs to the bedside touchscreen controls for music and to contact guest house services. 

Bathrooms here are a high point here, with black, white and gray marble walls and floors, a textured accent wall, and an additional framed photograph. The walk-in showers with glass dividers, marble insides, and hinge doors may even include an extra full-length mirror in them. The bathroom's DayNa Decker bath and body products include a soap bar, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and a shower cap. The availability not only of nice hairdryers, but hair straighteners, is indicative of the hotel's attention to detail. 

The WestHouse offers an impressive number of boutique services, but they aren't free. While the hotel is animal-friendly, there is a fee per pet, per stay. The daily resident fee ($35 as of early 2015) covers Wi-Fi and the daily food and drink offerings -- though these are so extensive, many guests may find the cost worth it. There is something to eat or drink at the WestHouse at just about every time of day. The breakfast is a bit limited, and usually includes pastries, eggs, and barista coffee (there is a machine for espressos and cappuccinos). Afternoon treats are served from 2 to 4, and alcoholic drinks and appetizers (such as charcuterie) are served in the Den from 5 to 8 (though alcoholic beverages are available until 11). Self-serve non-alcoholic beverages are available all day. In addition to Internet and treats, the fee covers bottled water in rooms, newspapers, digital magazines, and the Attache concierge service.

The Terrace—WestHouse's 23rd-floor dining area, living room, and cocktail lounge—is one of the hotels' main hubs. Like The Den, the room is sectioned into multiple areas and decorated with oddities collected from travels such as fisheye mirrors, slanted bookcases, and giant keys. Guests have the option to isolate themselves in the corner with a book and a strong brew or sit family-style at a long table for breakfast. Style-wise, the interior of The Terrace appears to be influenced by the "Midas Touch" with its golden ceiling panels, curtains, candles, side tables, picture frames, and mirror lining. There's also an outdoor terrace with glass and wicker tables and chairs, umbrellas, and a stellar view overlooking the city.

The 24-hour Seventh Avenue Fitness facility provides access to six treadmills, two bikes, four ellipticals, two stairclimbers, one strength and resistance machine, two exercise balls, four medicine balls, two yoga mats, free weights and a punching bag. There are also two TVs and window views onto the street below. The only downside to the gym is that it's shared with a neighboring hotel.

The hotel does not have a full-service restaurant or spa, but in-room spa services can be arranged upon request.