Fodor's Expert Review The Empire Hotel

Overlooking Lincoln Center, one block from Central Park, and convenient to midtown shopping and sights, the showstopper of this hotel is a seasonal outdoor pool and a rooftop lounge with live music and entertainment. Rooms are well maintained and comfortable, although the patterned floors and wallpaper in earthy colors in guest rooms could do with updating to be more in line with the bold and graphic lobby. Although there's no on-site restaurant, lively PJ Clarke's is on the ground floor, and the hotel's location across the street from Lincoln Center means there are ample restaurants, cafés, and quick bites within a few steps.