The Alex

Hotel description

In hotels, as well as in the air, sometimes if you want to be treated properly you’ve got to spring for business class. In the case of the Alex Hotel, that means a stunning, stylish hotel, the last word in modern minimalism from David Rockwell, with rooms, suites and apartments that are as lavishly appointed as they are visually serene.

The location, in east midtown, is the first clue that the Alex is geared more to the executive than the tourist. But if you can stand being more than a stone’s throw from the city’s hottest bars and restaurants, then there’s a lot to be said for the upgrade. These rooms are more than just one-nighters — they’re made for medium-term executive living, and come appointed accordingly: entertainment centers, fine linens, ultra-high-design German kitchen gear by Poggenpohl, and limestone bathtubs, these last a real rarity for a New York hotel room.

Those lucky ones who actually are here on business will find a clever little office that folds out of a closet among the custom-designed Rockwell furniture. Meanwhile all of us, workers and layabouts alike, benefit from an in-house Japanese-American restaurant by Marcus Samuelsson, of Aquavit fame.