Fodor's Expert Review The Excelsior Hotel

Directly across the street from the American Museum of Natural History, this well-kept, old-school spot has rooms with warm lighting, comfortable beds, and work desks that have ergonomic chairs. The hotel restaurant, Calle Ocho, is a Latin-fusion spot that serves lunch and dinner alongside a cocktail list full of refreshing choices. The library lounge—with leather sofas, a cozy fireplace, and tables with built-in game boards—is an unexpected plus. On the negative side is a staff that sometimes seems too busy to focus on customer service.