Connected mansions built in the 1880s by railroad baron Henry Villard create the base of this palatial hotel. The lobby, with its sweeping staircases, golden chandeliers, and arched colonnades fit for royalty, is host to the New American restaurant Gilt. Standard rooms in the main section of the hotel are traditional in style and quite large, but a bit worn around the edges. Better options are rooms in the tower that vary between modern or classic, depending on the floor, and have more luxe decor and bathrooms, separate check-in, and more attentive service. Many hotel rooms, as well as the 7,000-square-foot health club, have terrific views of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
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