La Guardia Airport (LGA): Approximate driving time is 25 minutes, and distance is 9 miles.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Approximate driving time is 35 minutes, and distance is 17 miles.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Approximate driving time is 35 minutes, and distance is 19 miles.

Driving directions from LaGuardia: Take Grand Central Pkwy west to I-278 (Brooklyn-Queens Expy) west. Exit to SR 25A and bear right onto Queens Plaza N. Continue on Queensboro Bridge and exit to 2nd Ave south. Continue off the exit on 60th St, then turn left on 5th Ave. Turn right on W 59th St, continue to Columbus Circle, and take the roundabout. Exit to Broadway, then continue on Amsterdam Ave. Turn left on W 79th St.

Driving directions from JFK: Take I-678 (Van Wyck Expy) north to SR 25 west. Bear left onto Queens Plaza N, take the Queensboro Bridge and exit to 2nd Ave south. Continue off the exit on 60th St, then turn left on 5th Ave. Turn right on W 59th St, continue to Columbus Circle, and take the roundabout. Exit to Broadway, then continue on Amsterdam Ave. Turn left on W 79th St.

Driving directions from Newark: Follow signs to take US 1/US 9 north to I-95 (New Jersey Tpke) north (toll road). Take I-495 to the Lincoln Tunnel and exit to West Side Hwy/40th St. Turn left on W 42nd, then turn right on SR 9A (West Side Hwy). Exit to W 79th St.

Getting there: The best option for the solo traveler is a shuttle van ($16–25), from any of the airports. Groups of two or more usually find that a taxi is a better value ($25–35 from LaGuardia; more than $36 from JFK and Newark). There are more inexpensive options, including express buses and JFK's Air Train ($5–15); however, these do not take guests directly to the hotel. (All fees subject to change without notice).

Getting around: Walking is an excllent way to reach nearby attractions, and to experience the city. The subway is a good choice for other destinations, especially during peak traffic (less than $5; fees subject to change without notice). Taxis are another good option for getting around town. Rental cars are not recommended.

Amenity highlights: The hotel’s business center offers computers with complimentary high-speed Internet access, and the front desk provides printing and faxing services (fee). There is also a fitness room with free weights and exercise equipment, and a discount pass is available for Equinox gym, 2 blocks away. The hotel connects to a French restaurant that serves three meals daily and weekend brunch and features a bar area and sidewalk seating.

Insider tip: The Boat Basin Café, four blocks from the hotel, is situated right on the 79th Street Boat Basin. (Stone steps lead down to it, just off the Henry Hudson Parkway.) In warmer months, it’s a fine spot to have a meal or drink on the patio with a view of the Hudson River.