by Alison O'Donoghue

Created on: April 09, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

As a frequent business traveler to NYC, I'd like to share my recent experience of staying in two excellent new hotels which have opened in the last 6 months. Visiting a new hotel can sometimes mean some services are unavailable, or that staff training has not been completed, but I certainly didn't find that to be the case at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Midtown, Manhattan.

While the rooms are small, they are well-equipped, with comfortable beds, flat screen TVs and a pristine bathroom. Complimentary wireless internet access is available in the rooms and lobby and there is a small business center. Room service was excellent and prompt and, while I didn't visit it myself, the Greenhouse 36 restaurant appeared pleasant and busy.

Sadly I didn't have the opportunity to visit the surrounding areas, but the Wyndham Garden Hotel's location means that the Empire State Building, Macy's, Times Square and other tourist hot-spots are within easy reach. And finally and most importantly, all members of staff I interacted with were courteous and helpful.

The hotel is located at 341 West 36th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues). The telephone number is (212)-542-8990 and the website address is www.wyndham.com/hotels/NYCMT/main.wnt

Another recently opened hotel which will attract both business and leisure travelers in the Hilton Garden Inn in Tribeca. Obviously having "Garden" in your name is considered key to success for new hotels! The hotel address is 6 York Street it faces onto 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and it is about half a block below Canal Street. The telephone number is 212-966-4091 and the website address is http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index .jhtml?ctyhocn=NYCTRGI&ctyhocn=NYCTRGI

This business trip allowed for a little entertaining and the Hilton Garden Inn is well placed for the restaurants and bars of China Town, Little Italy and Soho, as well as Tribeca itself. A good breakfast was provided in the Trigo restaurant and the room was quiet and comfortable.

It's easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of hotels available in NYC. But you won't go far wrong if you pick either one of these new hotels in Manhattan.

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