Fodor's Expert Review The Benjamin
125 E. 50th St., at Lexington Ave., New York, New York, 10022, USA
If a good night’s rest is essential, the Benjamin is a top pick. They love rest at the Benjamin. In addition to a pillow menu (with buckwheat, water, and Swedish memory varieties) this hotel offers white-noise machines and a lavender turn down service. Are you ready to sleep, or what? Hope so! Dating back to 1927, the Beaux-Arts building has rooms with the added convenience of a kitchenette, but views are a bit underwhelming. The attractive on-site restaurant, The National, has a prime people watching scene day and night (for when you're not resting).
YOU SHOULD KNOW There is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi in the rooms.
room
Stylish rooms have a residential feel with soft, neutral colors and modern carpets. All rooms have a kitchenette with a mini-refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker plus a work desk with ergonomic chair and large windows that let in ample sunlight.
Fans of Art Deco style might want to check out the Benjamin Suite, a luxurious 1,620-square-foot suite with dramatic velvet and satin seating plus a gorgeous terrace.
bathroom
White marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos, Elemis bath products, fluffy robes, and large mirrors.
lobby
The elegant lobby has high ceilings, marble floors, a wood front desk, and oversize mirrors. There are clusters of chairs and couches for lounging, but most guests prefer to relax or get some work done in the attractive on-site restaurant, The National.
dining
Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is behind The National, a restaurant serving modern bistro fare like herb roasted chicken and red wine braised short ribs in an airy setting (and along with the lobby is the hotel’s only free Internet option). Three meals a day are served, plus brunch on the weekends.
drinking
The National also has a popular bar with a solid cocktail list plus a good variety of wines by the glass and craft beers.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Located at East 50th Street and Lexington Avenue, this hotel has a convenient location for travelers looking to explore midtown landmarks. Subway service is a bit limited, with the 6 train at 51st Street. Taxis and Uber are widely available in the neighborhood, but traffic congestion can be a problem.
Restaurants
A bowl of noodles is worth the wait at Totto Ramen (6-minute walk), a midtown favorite ramen restaurant. Dating back to 1884, P.J. Clarke’s (7-minute walk) is a classic saloon serving up excellent oysters and burgers alongside beers and martinis. Italian food is served in a white tablecloth environment at Casa Lever (6-minute walk); try the ricotta and artichoke tortelli.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Rooms are not only stylish and comfortable, but also convenient—we love the kitchenettes (with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers) plus a pillow menu and a lavender turn down service (because we love sleeping). We're also big fans of The National, their restaurant, for its coffee, cocktails, and overall good vibes.
QUICK FACTS
What’s Nearby
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