Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel

Since 1926, the family-owned Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel has brought a bit of the Irish to Midtown Manhattan. Located on Lexington Avenue between East 56th and 57th streets, the hotel offers easy access to some of the city's most coveted shopping-Bloomingdale's and Madison Avenue are both 2 blocks away, and Fifth Avenue is about a 7-minute walk. Take a break with a stroll in Central Park, an emerald expanse just a half-mile west of the Fitzpatrick Manhattan. Seeing a show? The Theater District is about a 20-minute walk or a short cab ride. Several countries' consulates are within just a few blocks, and the Fitzpatrick is often the Irish prime minister's home away from home.

You'll feel right at home here, too. Waterford crystal chandeliers illuminate the wood-paneled, marble-floored lobby. Relax on a plush red sofa beside the imported Irish marble fireplace. At The Fitz restaurant, you can dig into a full Irish breakfast-generous plates of grilled tomatoes, black-and-white-pudding, and Irish sausage are served all day long, alongside other Irish favorites and American dishes. The room-service menu lets you enjoy some of The Fitz's fare 24 hours a day.

Need to get down to business or update your status? Free wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. You can keep up with your fitness routine, too: The Fitzpatrick Manhattan offers complimentary access to the 24-Hour Fitness Ultra Sport Club, an expansive facility with a range of cardio and circuit machines, free weights and exercise classes, only 3 blocks away.

The 91 guestrooms provide a warm welcome after a busy day. Stretch out on the pillowtop mattress and watch premium channels on the flat-screen TV. Dock your iPod on the clock radio, and awaken to your personal playlist. Bathrooms are done up with marble, granite, and dark wood and include bathrobes and glass-enclosed showers. Request turndown service, and you'll wind down the night with complimentary chocolates and Irish bottled water. And rest assured: the hotel is smoke-free.