|
 Sometimes
the task of booking a centrally-located, comfortable and affordable hotel room
in Manhattan seems nearly impossible. After all, as far as Manhattan hotel rooms
go, they're either ridiculously expensive (hence out of your monetary reach) or
they're affordable but in areas where a solo woman traveler might think twice
about staying.
The
island of Manhattan is not that big, being only nine miles long and two miles
wide. If it weren't for the 9 million people cramped into this relatively small
space it wouldn't take very long to get anywhere. But it does, so the best and
most expedient way to get around is via one of the 11,000+ taxicabs that race
through the crowded streets day and night. That's if you're lucky enough to even
get one. That
said, where you stay when in the city is central to not only your mobility but
also to your safety and comfort. Good luck finding a hotel that's all that and
more. Well, hang onto your knickers ladies, because we found one. Nestled
in the middle of the action on 6th Street, between 53rd and 54th, and only blocks
from Central Park, is the New York Hilton Hotel, a property we had the good fortune
to explore recently. While the rooms were quite lovely and adequately sized for
a Manhattan hotel, we were most impressed with the hotel lobby and the hustle-bustle
found there. Not only is the Hilton lobby enormous compared to most, it is also
absolutely breathtaking with high ceilings and beautiful décor, sporting
an air of elegance that implies it's more expensive than it really is. An
activity center in itself, the Hilton lobby offers plenty of comfortable seating
for those who need to wait while a travel partner checks in or out, or simply
for people watching. Off to one side is an open lobby lounge and bar where drinks
and snacks are served; just another perfect setting for watching the revolving
action. During
our visit, we happened upon an international model competition in which thousands
of young male and female six- foot-tall, 90-pound-waifs giggled and gawked their
way back and forth through the lobby, all in hopes of being the next Cindy.  No
doubt this fine hotel is host to many unique conventions and shows throughout
the year due to its enormous size, abundance of rooms and central location.
While the lobby was a fun place to people watch, we also wanted to get out for a night on the town. Upon walking out the front doors of the Hilton, we found taxis waiting, and friendly doormen ready and willing to make our wish their command. There's no need to hang curbside and compete with fifty others vying for one cab. The work is done for you.
However, you may find that a cab isn't even necessary. Many fine restaurants, shops and Central Park are within a short walk from the hotel, even in heels. The midtown location is such that women need not fear walking together or alone to any of the nearby establishments, even at night. But as a magazine that applies heavy emphasis on personal safety for women on the road, we strongly urge you to always be cautious.
If you have your own car, the Hilton provides valet service to an adjacent Hilton garage behind the building, leaving you curbside right next to a covered entrance to the hotel. This means when you're ready to leave, your car won't be retrieved from a rented parking garage five miles away while you wait thirty minutes for it to arrive. Our car was retrieved in only minutes. And because the driveway that connects the Hilton to their garage is covered, it means you won't be subjected to nasty weather while walking to or from the hotel entrance.
For businesswomen traveling to New York, this hotel offers all the safety and security amenities you seek when traveling alone. The service was swift, attentive and friendly at check in, and with valet and bellmen. The room was spacious, clean, quiet (even for NYC), and the bathroom was especially female friendly. Location and accessibility to taxis, parking and local restaurants was excellent. And, what intrigued us the most was how entertaining it was to be there, even when doing not much of anything.
 Rates start at $215 but the Hilton does offer discounts and special deals. The best thing to do is research your needs online on the Hilton New York site. Be sure to inquire about the Hilton's Executive Lounge in which breakfast and dinner is served complementary for those traveling for business.
Also keep in mind that there are many online travel organizations that also offer discounted rates to the Hilton such as Orbitz and hotels.com. | 
