La Guardia Airport (LGA): Approximate driving time is 20 minutes, and distance is 7 miles.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Approximate driving time is 35 minutes, and distance is 15 miles.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Approximate driving time is 40 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 right on 3rd Ave. Turn left on E 63rd 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 right on 3rd Ave. Turn left on E 63rd 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 right on W 40th St, then turn left on 3rd Ave. Turn left on E 63rd St.

Getting there: From LaGuardia and JFK, the best option for the solo traveler is a shuttle van ($16–25). Groups of two or more usually find a taxi is a better value ($26–35 from LaGuardia; more than $36 from JFK). Another option from JFK is the Air Train ($5–15), then a taxi from the station. From Newark, travelers can opt for a shuttle van ($16–25), or take the Olympia Express bus ($5–15), then take a taxi from the station. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Getting around: Walking is the best way to get around the immediate area and experience the pulse of the city. The subway is a good choice for longer trips (less than $5; fees subject to change without notice). Taxis are another good option. Rental cars are not recommended.

The Library Bar - The hotel bar offers Continental cuisine and serves an all-day lunch and dinner menu, along with cocktails, coffee, and tea. It seats 40 and has a rich decor, including a mahogany bar, leather couches, vintage books, and stained-glass windows.

Amenity highlights: The hotel restaurant, the Landmark, serves breakfast only, but a Continental lunch and dinner menu is available at the Library, the Melrose’s intimate bar. The business center includes a computer with printer and high-speed Internet access (surcharge), and the front desk provides faxing and copying services (surcharge). Guests 18 and older may use discounted passes to the 34,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Club and Spa, attached to the hotel.

Insider tip: The Frick Collection, located 10 blocks away, is a splendid museum built into founder Henry Clay Frick’s early-twentieth-century mansion. Its art collection includes works by Titian, El Greco, Vermeer, Goya, and Rembrandt. The museum stays open late on Friday nights and offers a cash wine bar in the Garden Court.

The hotel's business center contains a computer with printer and high-speed Internet access (surcharge), and the front desk provides faxing and copying services (surcharge). The hotel has 24-hour room service.