The lobby is a glorious time capsule, but not in a dusty museum way. Think dark wood, a grand staircase, and a little brass elevator that dings with authority. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect Frank Sinatra to walk out of the bar. (Spoiler: He won’t. But a jazz musician might be playing in the lounge.)
There’s also the Rutherford Grill & Bar inside the hotel. It’s a cozy, dark-wood hideaway where you can order a stiff drink and a plate of calamari after a long day of walking. The bartenders know how to make a proper Manhattan. Trust me on this.
Things to Do (When You’re Not Swimming)
You are at the epicenter of The City. Walk one block to the Powell-Hyde cable car turn-around—a tourist hotspot you’ll love despite yourself. Walk two blocks to the theater district. Walk three blocks to a thousand different restaurants serving dumplings, burritos, and fancy tiny sandwiches on toast.
Need a break from the city noise? The hotel’s courtyard—where the pool lives—is a quiet sanctuary. You can sit there with a book and a cup of coffee, listening to the distant cable car bells, and feel like you’ve discovered a secret garden. It’s the perfect way to reset before your next seismic adventure.