THE NEW HOTEL ROGER WILLIAMS: From Design to Dining, the Only Thing that’s the Same is the Name

Residential Design
Each of the 190 guest rooms is decorated with hip and homey touches that evoke nostalgia while expansive terraces suites furnish an open-air retreat. Annette Jaffe, home décor specialist, designed the interior of the hotel to be playful and vibrant, sophisticated and cozy with all the comforts of home.

In the guest rooms, an inviting Saritas cuboid-patterned quilt complements crisp white European linens. Cobalt blue sitting chairs are matched with rainbow-stripped pillow stacks. A silver wine rack stocked with wine glasses as well as red and white varietals sits atop a chrome and glass end table. Other room amenities to make guests feel at home include: freshly scented candles, books, coordinating bathroom trays stocked with Aveda and Burt’s Bees cosmetics, flat screen plasma TVs, a modern office area complete with ergonomic chair and wireless Internet – in-room and throughout the hotel.

The “living room” or hotel lobby, boasting 20-foot high windows with an atrium ceiling, is a feast for the eyes. Several sitting areas combine the old-world charm of brocade couches and velvet armchairs with leopard print ottomans and earthy wood tables. A new marble runner from the hotel’s entrance leads guests to reception where pleasant staff members model distinctive uniforms designed by fashion up-and-comer Lina Tsai.

“We wanted to offer guests an atmosphere like no other hotel in Manhattan,” states Errin Savino, executive vice president of Oceana Hotel Group, Hotel Roger Williams’ parent company. Savino continues, “The market is flooded with monochromatic, sterile hotels with stern staff that intimidate guests. Our staff is welcoming and accommodating and our use of color engages our clientele emotionally.”

Fun Fare and Barware
The new Hotel Roger Williams introduces tempting treats by way of the “Breakfast Pantry” and “Mezzanine Lounge.” Gourmet specialist Jonathan Morr, of APT, Bond Street and Republic, conceptualized the food & beverage program for Hotel Roger Williams. A distinctive component of this program is the “Breakfast Pantry,” which serves mouth-watering morsels. Such breakfast items include: pain au chocolat, fresh baked scones, European meats and cheeses, frittata, sliced cakes and a medley of fresh fruit. The breakfast also offers out of town travelers regional delicacies like croissants from Balthazar, smoked salmon from Petrossian and bagels from H&H. The set-up of the pantry is inviting, such that guests feel they are staying at a friend’s place as opposed to a hotel. Guests roam about opening cupboards to get coffee mugs and choosing from a number of international newspapers to read. The elaborate buffet spread is offered at an extreme value of $12.

In the evenings, soft candlelight sets a dramatic tone as a granite-floating staircase leads you to the “Mezzanine Lounge.” The chic yet playful mood is an escape from the midtown bustle with a colorful, warm homey feel. Patrons can sip specialty cocktails like Tequila Mockingbird and The Jolly Roger Martini, nosh on olives and almonds or sample Nouveau American light cuisine such as caviar dip with potato chips, saucisson sec or margherita pizzette.

Get Fit
Guests can workout on state-of-the-art treadmills and elliptical machines while watching mounted plasma screen TVs at the fitness center located on the mezzanine level. Health buffs may also choose to practice their yoga postures in the spacious stretching area next to a picture window that overlooks passers by.

Rooms With A View
Exciting elements of Hotel Roger Williams are the spacious terraces with breathtaking views. Over 10 percent of rooms feature these treasures, sought after by Manhattanites and travelers alike. Each terrace is landscaped with year-round foliage and color to last throughout all seasons. The floral cascade includes fragrant lavender that can be picked and added to a bath for relaxing indulgence.

Located in the Murray Hill section of midtown Manhattan at 131 Madison Avenue (31st Street), Hotel Roger Williams is quintessentially contemporary with residential appeal. Architecture by world-renowned Rafael Viñoly welcomes guests into the exquisite lobby, with a 20-foot high atrium ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. 190 guest rooms are cozy yet sophisticated and exude a playful quality that is sure to delight savvy jet setters. In addition to its exclusive Madison Avenue address, Hotel Roger Williams is located near many of the attractions that have made New York one of the most exciting cities on the planet. Nearby attractions include: Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Herald Square, Jacob Javits Convention Center and Manhattan’s finest shopping and restaurants.

Hotel Roger Williams is owned and managed by Oceana Hotel Group. Sister hotels include The Franklin Hotel in New York City; Hotel Oceana Santa Monica and Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara in California.

For reservations, visit: www.hotelrogerwilliams.com or call 888-448-7788.