A surprising treat!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 6/26/08
Extraordinarily friendly staff, from the desk attendants to housekeeping. Refreshingly unique atmosphere. Contemporary, clubby environment has been created with an eye for sophisticated design tempered by an underlying rustic lodge motif. Steel-and-glass table meets antler-chandelier. Loved the pairing of contrasts. Smart black wood furniture warmed by a plaid wool blanket on the bed. The first impression once you emerge from the revolving door is downtown lounge, followed by a sense of soothing bed-and-breakfast intimacy brought on not the least by the wrap-around library shelving in the lobby. Hotel features offer the element of delightful surprise in everything from the details of décor to the presentation of creature comforts. The extra shelving in-room is considerate of travelers and their paraphernalia, the adjustable-direction headboard lighting indulges individual preferences, an orchid adds a touch of class, locally baked brownies at turn-down make you feel loved, window-seats with cushions add great warmth to an otherwise minimalist window wall, the zig-zagging hallways painted a deep red speak of noir mysteries, the glass tiled bathroom features a fantastic showerhead and a square pedestal sink with personality. The bed and its European style bed clothing was sinfully comfortable to the point where check-out time came all too fast. Very clean. Windows open up and let you breathe. Having the window open allows you to enjoy a relaxing hush unusual for Manhattan, thanks to the intimate canyons of the financial district and their lack of street traffic. Truly a triumph of form-meets-function. Even the do-not-disturb sign could show up at MOMA some day. A resounding “well done” to the Gild! We will look for excuses to stay overnight in Manhattan. We only live an hour-and-a-half away!