Nestled in the bustling streets of Manhattan, The Bedford Hotel emerges as a sanctuary for weary travelers seeking the solace of home comforts. With its prime location and array of amenities, this boutique hotel offers a restful retreat amidst the excitement of New York City.
My journey to New York City began at the crack of dawn, with a drive from Toronto to Buffalo, followed by a flight to John F. Kennedy Airport and a bus ride into Manhattan. With a simple agenda of finding food and catching up on sleep, I was eager to check into my accommodations.
The Bedford Hotel, situated at 118 East 40th Street, is conveniently located near Pennsylvania Station and a stone's throw from major NYC attractions. A short walk led me to the delightful Amy's Bread on 9th Avenue, where I indulged in sourdough rolls and prosciutto and black olive twists. More information about this bakery can be found at Amy's Bread.
Upon returning to the hotel, I was greeted by the comfort of a standard suite, complete with a queen-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and a separate living room area. The room also boasted a kitchenette, Corby pants press, in-room safes, irons, ironing boards, hairdryer, voice mail data ports, cable television, and even a pull-out couch. It was a room that left nothing to be desired, even in the summer heat of the city.
The Bedford Hotel, with its classic European style, is nestled between Park and Lexington Avenues, where the business district meets the gentler Murray Hill Area. Its midtown location is perfect for accessing corporate offices, Fifth Avenue shops, Broadway theaters, Grand Central Station, and landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, and the United Nations Building.
The hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers with 136 rooms, including 58 suites, spread across 17 floors. Most accommodations feature fully equipped kitchenettes, cable television, air conditioning, dataport telephones, Corby trouser presses, private baths with hair dryers, in-room safes, and ironing facilities. For added convenience, coin-operated washers and dryers are available, and monthly rates can be requested.
Guests can unwind at Domenico's Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, which offers Italian and continental cuisines, complemented by 24-hour room service.
With only one full day in New York, I planned to visit as many sites as possible. However, the comforts of The Bedford Hotel proved too tempting, and I chose to visit Battery Park and take the ferry to Ellis Island instead. The city's reputation as a prime travel destination is not just about its attractions but also the experiences along the way. At Battery Park, I was entertained by street performers while waiting for the ferry, which took about fifteen minutes to Liberty Island and another ten to Ellis Island.
The entrance to Ellis Island, once the gateway for millions of immigrants, is more elaborate today than in the past. The exhibits inside present the realities of the post-war influx. I spent time at the family history computer terminal searching for my grandfather's records, which I learned could also be accessed online at Ellis Island's official website.
The ferry ride back to Manhattan offered a moment of nostalgia and a unique view of the city's skyline. I then walked past the site of Ground Zero, reflecting on the past tragedy and the present life that continues to thrive there. The area was bustling with movement and people, a testament to the city's resilience.
Returning uptown, I grabbed a bite from Hale and Hearty Soups, a popular chain in the city, and enjoyed my meal back at The Bedford Hotel, savoring the comfort of my own personal living room.
The Bedford Hotel stands as a testament to New York City's ability to offer a peaceful haven amidst the chaos. It provides the perfect balance of comfort and convenience for travelers looking to experience the city's vibrancy without sacrificing the comforts of home.
