New York City is full of surprises for visitors coming to take a bite of the Big Apple. Picking a hotel from the hundreds of choices is a recipe for surprises, some good, and some bad. Yes, you probably looked on the internet at reviews and such, but until you walk up to it, and inside a hotel, you just don’t know what you are getting.
The first good surprise at the Evelyn is how easy it is to walk to, and find this hotel. Its central location is close to the “N&R” subway and the number 6 subway line. If you come up on the Megabus from Washington DC, or Baltimore, you are able to walk to the hotel straight east on 27th Street in less than ten minutes, big bonus. It is also a short taxi ride away from either Penn Station or Grand Central for those travelers coming into the city by rail.
What secrets hide behind the mask
The front is partially shrouded in scaffolding hiding renovations to the building as you get near. Once inside the lobby, its cracked flooring tells a story of a long hard life, but when you get to your room, recent renovations shine. Not that you could tell for sure from this grand old hotel’s exterior, but once inside your room this is a winner. The room features ultra-plush beds and furniture as well as light fixtures are inspired by various musical instruments. The bathroom is very clean and features antique marble trim and modern fixtures showing designer touches.
Almost all of the 140 rooms have been remodeled in 2015. Furnished with high-end Frette bedding, you will sleep well on these comfortable beds. The headboard has USB ports and six electric plugins for your personal devices. Other notable features are the iHome alarm clocks with dual dock and USB ports, walk-in rain shower, free high speed WiFi, and laptop compatible safes. Most rooms look out to another wing over a courtyard of the hotel and are very quiet by New York City standards, but don’t have a great view. Sacrificing views for quiet room in New York City is appreciated by many travelers. If you want a view, there are rooms that look out on 27th Street if you desire a bit more than the courtyard rooms.
A scandalous past
Originally opened in 1905 as the Brotzel hotel: this new incarnation is undergoing a $20 million restoration under the ownership of Triumph Hotels. With its new name and Art-Nouveau touches, The Evelyn, will be a good choice for travelers wanting to be in the Flatiron area. Although renovations are ongoing, it is pleasant for most guests as there wasn’t any construction noise during our stay. Before Triumph Group bought it, the name was the Gershwin Hotel and as the Evelyn it is still a New York music-themed hotel. Evelyn Nesbit, chorus girl and artist model, is the hotel’s namesake. She was made famous, or infamous for her husband murdering her lover, architect Stanford White, in 1906 resulting in the “Trial of the Century”.
In your bathroom is a reminder of those days with a tile border of music notes and lyrics from those musical days in New York.
Nearby attractions
This convenient location puts travelers in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan. Since 1999, this area formerly associated as part of the Flatiron District is referenced by its location NOrth of MADison Square Park. You are just five minutes to Eataly, less than ten minutes to the Empire State Building and fifteen minutes Grand Central Terminal, all by foot.
Where to eat
The Evelyn is close to several good restaurants like Hillstone, Cafe 28, or breakfast at Malibu one of the last classic diners in the city. Since the Evelyn doesn’t serve food yet, you will want to know your nearby restaurant choices. For a bit of fresh air and a walk, Madison Square Park is two short minutes away and has many special events on weekends throughout the warmer months.
New York Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
Walking is the best way to see the city
Times Square is fourteen streets north, and two avenues to the west. It can be walked in about fifteen minutes or take the N,R subway from the south side of Madison Square Park, uptown, and three stops later you arrive at one of New York’s most famous attractions. When you return from your adventures in the city, it’s nice to know there is coffee and teas available in the hotel’s lobby most of the day and night.
Limited time offer
When the renovations are finished, the price may go up significantly. They still have the elevators, lobby and restaurant to complete. Even though there was only one elevator working during our stay, we didn’t have to wait long, but it could be a problem until the second one is functional. Until then room rates as low as 119.20 USD for a Saturday night stay in a superior queen room can be found on the hotel website. The NoMad neighborhood is one of the most trendy and convenient in New York City and the Evelyn puts you right in the heart of it making this a nice surprise.
Tips for those planning to stay at Evelyn Hotel
Be sure and call the hotel to see what phase of construction they are in and determine if it will impact your stay. You probably won’t have any issues since almost all of the rooms are finished and very comfortable, but it’s nice to know ahead of time when it comes to extensive renovations. With rates this low for a new sparkling clean room, an ongoing restoration shouldn’t be much of a problem.
A little planning ahead for the dining options will also make your stay more relaxing since there is no onsite restaurant at this writing. Links are provided to peruse menus at nearby restaurants to help you choose, and be advised Cafe 28 and Malibu Diner deliver to the hotel!
History
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