The Kitano is a great place to stay if you want a relaxing environment. It is the quietest hotel I have ever stayed in and has quite a few things going for it.

The location is on Park Avenue a few blocks from Grand Central Station, right in the Murray Hill area, a very classy neighborhood.

The entire staff was friendly and courteous, especially the doormen. The service is really a step above the rest. Stepping out when its raining? They give you an umbrella. Wow.

Rooms
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The room I had was a bit small, but full of little extras that really left an impression. The beds have down pillows and duvets, the TV has high speed internet on a wireless keyboard.

All of the toiletries in the beautiful marble tiled bathroom were by Shiseido. Awesome.
Huge, thick soft towels and a heated towel rack.
Bath robes and terry cloth slippers are there as well.

The room also featured a stay warm thermal kettle with Japanese tea cups and green tea. Very cool.

Best of all, the room is space vacuum silent. Apparently, they were designed to be soundproof and you can really notice the difference. A recent trip to the Sheraton New York, I remember being awaken by noises of honking cars and emergency vehicles, all from the 32nd floor. No such disruptions at the Kitano.

Dining
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There is a Japanese restaurant in the lower level and a nice looking restaurant on the main level behind the lobby. I had breakfast there two days in a row, and was not really impressed with the food, but the service was impeccable.

On the other hand, room service was excellent, and featured typical continental items, but a very wide assortment of Japanese selections, including many different varieties of sushi. The food was excellent. But, room service ends at an early-ish 11pm.

Theres a really swanky piano bar on the second level, overlooking the lobby as well.

Basic room rates seem to vary from 200-300 depending on when you go. On two weeknights, I paid $270 a night.



Recommended: Yes