A month after my wife and I ventured to New York for a wedding, we returned to the area for another couple’s nuptials. This time, our daughter tagged along!
We were scheduled to spend the entire long weekend (Thursday through Monday) in Morristown, New Jersey. But some members of our traveling party dropped out for health reasons. And then about a week before the trip, my four-year-old daughter said, “Daddy? Can we go to New York City sometime? Pleeeeassse?”
My wife and I looked at each other — and knew our plans must (quickly) change!
So our itinerary changed. We decided to leave Morristown on Sunday morning and head into Manhattan.
We searched for a decent hotel — and one that could be had for a good deal, at that.
Mrs. Carley and I still held a couple of anniversary night certificates from our IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Cards (read my write-up of the card). As luck would have it, the Kimpton Muse hotel had Chase free night availability!
So we booked our stay — and really enjoyed our experience. Check it out!
Where is the Kimpton Muse Hotel?
The Kimpton Muse Hotel’s location was a big plus for us. You’ll find it on 46th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.
In fact, it’s a heck of a lot closer to Times Square than the InterContinental Times Square, where we stayed a few weeks earlier.
It’s pretty central to a bunch of touristy stuff. And, frankly, that’s why we were there. We were close to Rockefeller Center and took the train from Central Park. The Times Square-42nd St Metro station is close, as is the 47-50th Street Rockefeller Center station.
Plus, a Joe’s Pizza is only a five-ish minute walk away! (#ProTip: the Olive Garden three minutes away is open late just in case your daughter wakes up with hunger pangs and must have over-priced, buttered pasta.)
Despite the hotel’s proximity to bustling Times Square, we didn’t notice any major noise issues. It was quieter than the W Times Square (read my review) — but that’s, like, in Times Square.
Checking-In to the Kimpton Muse
The Muse’s lobby is small-ish and kind of funky (in a good way).
There’s this tree-oriented sculpture behind some glass.
Room and tax were comped, of course. But we were charged a $20 fee for
- Upgraded Wifi
- Free local and long distance calls
- Access to their fitness center
- Access to our business lounge
- Kimpton Press Reader access for the latest news
- Access to the Kimpton Library
I don’t remember any of that being explained. I learned this after the fact. That’s the only strike against this stay.
That said, the front desk staff was very friendly and helpful. Truly one of the better staffs (issue above aside) we’ve encountered.
Kimpton Muse Room
We received a complimentary upgrade (thanks to the Platinum status that comes with the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card) to a King Premier Room on the 8th floor.
The bed was comfortable. And the pillows were great — just like every other IHG-related experience.
The bed is flanked by mirrored LED strips which appear to go on forever. (It’s much cooler in person, trust me.)
Here’s something rather peculiar: the bedside power electric outlets face the occupant(s). You run the risk of bumping into your charger while you sleep.
Although, it’s a good opportunity to leave your phone elsewhere and not let it tempt/distract you! (Interestingly, I noticed this same design at a different hotel last week. More on that to come.)
Maybe you’ll want to leave your devices on the desk — where are there a couple of power outlets and a USB charging port are built into the desktop.
The closets feature this “Kiss Me” graffiti artwork on the back walls. (I assume the accented “M” is a reference to “Muse.”)
Our views weren’t anything special.
Here’s a peek inside the bathroom.
The shower was fantastic: great water pressure and the water warmed up quickly.
Aveda toiletries are provided inside the shower.
But wait! There’s more! These Bee Kind toiletries were also there.
Kimpton Muse Amenities
If you want an amenity-heavy hotel, the Kimpton Muse is not your place. There’s no restaurant or room service. There isn’t a pool. Nor is there a spa or business center. The hotel bar wasn’t open. (Though there is a complimentary wine happy hour from, like, 4-6.)
Food and beverage-wise, remember you’re in New York City. There are a bunch of restaurants and bars within a 5-10 minute walk. And don’t forget about DoorDash or GrubHub or Uber Eats, etc.
I rarely use a hotel’s business center, so that wasn’t a big deal to me. I think I’ve visited a hotel spa twice.
Again, those may be deal-breakers for you. But they weren’t problems for us.
Final Approach
The Kimpton Muse was a great, last-minute find when we needed a room in New York City — especially because we used our IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card free night certificate!
The digs were comfortable, the staff was great, and we loved the location. Plus, the price was right. Even considering the card’s $99 annual fee and $20 property charge, it’s still a decent deal.
And what did our daughter think of New York City? I’ll let this picture speak for itself.
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We stayed at the Muse over July 4 weekend 2021. 2 rooms as my SIL and her husband travelled with us. I was able to 4 nights and pay for 3 via points and also received 10% of the points back due to our old IHG Select cards.
Definitely we were disappointed that the restaurant and bar were closed but otherwise had a great stay.
Quiet but only 1/2 block off Times Square. As you said plenty of restaurants and bars around all within a few blocks. Joe’s Pizza and of course some dirty water dogs from a street vendor cart.
Great stay with very nice staff in the hotel and would definitely stay there again.