Omni Berkshire Place

+ A calm oasis in the middle of everything. Walking distance to theater district, Rockefeller Center, most of NY’s most notable restaurants (La Grenouille, 21 Club, The Pool, Bernardin, Daniel, etc.), Grand Central Terminal and 5th, Madison Ave shopping districts. + The good sense not to tamper with things just because they are old. I love the high ceiling elevators that have push buttons on both sides so you can operate them without taking gloves off and don’t have to reach around people to access them. No need to insert room key either, just lots of staff in and near elevator lobby that make it a point to get to know the guests. Security here is good, but practical and not intrusive. They haven’t ripped out all the bathtubs either, providing welcome relief for legs tired of walking the pavement all day. + Staff here is friendly and nurturing. With many long term guests and a limited number of rooms, they get to know you quickly. At the Concierge Desk, Julian is a hidden gem. He moonlights as a band leader and is super knowledgeable about the local music scene as well as restaurants, theatre, etc. + Small but efficient exercise room with lots of light and cityscape views, so you don’t feel you’re in a cave or a box. It’s near a small terrace that provides a nice place to sit and enjoy the late afternoon sun and sunset in good weather. + Bob’s restaurant and bar provide 1st rate steaks and chops in the classic NY tradition. Just a notch below The Palm, Smith & Willensky, Bobby Van’s and other much higher priced and more crowded places nearby. The bar is busy, but not as frenetic as most other nearby restaurants and beer joints. + There is no mini-bar. Refreshing to have gimmicks to sell snacks, water, etc. and they will bring in a mini-fridge if you ask

- Coffee maker is only supplied if asked for. Be sure to ask or you will only receive the minimum number of coffee or tea packets. - Although the staff is warm and truly hospitable, they are infected with the NY tip generation disease that responds better to requests for service than to anticipating needs so you don’t have to ask. - There is a maintenance issue here, perhaps stemming from a less than stellar maintenance manager. Over several extended visits, we found numerous small maintenance items overlooked (improperly hung curtains, noisy air-conditioners, squeaky faucets) and a willingness to downplay issues like left over cigarette smoke (couldn’t be—it’s a non-smoking room!), etc. Nothing major, just an overall lack of attention to detail.