Finding a place to sleep in Midtown Manhattan usually involves a trade-off. You either get a tiny, modern box that feels like a pressurized airplane cabin or a faded "grand" hotel that smells like dust and missed opportunities. Then there is The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York. It’s sitting right on the corner of 50th and Lexington. Most people walk right past it. They're looking for the neon lights of Times Square or the glass facades of Hudson Yards. Honestly, that’s their loss.
The Benjamin isn't just another building. It’s a 1927 masterpiece designed by Emery Roth. If you know NYC architecture, that name carries weight. He’s the guy behind the Beresford and the San Remo. This place was originally the Beverly Hotel, and it was meant to be a residential hotel. That’s why the rooms feel like actual apartments. You get space. In Manhattan, space is the ultimate currency.
What Most People Get Wrong About The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York
People hear "historic hotel" and they immediately think "cramped bathrooms and loud pipes." That’s a mistake. The Benjamin underwent a massive renovation recently—part of its transition into the Royal Sonesta portfolio—and it managed to keep the soul of the building without the grit.
The most misunderstood thing about this place is the "Rest & Renew" program. Most hotels throw a mint on your pillow and call it a day. Here, they have a dedicated Sleep Concierge. It sounds like a gimmick, right? It’s not. They have a pillow menu that is actually ridiculous. We’re talking ten different types, from buckwheat to anti-snore to water-filled. If you can’t sleep here, the problem probably isn't the bed; it's the three espressos you had at the coffee shop down the street.
The Architecture is Actually a Big Deal
The building is a prime example of Neo-Romanesque style. Look up when you’re standing on Lex. The setbacks are classic 1920s zoning law art. It transitions from a solid base into this soaring, tiered tower. It was one of the first buildings to really nail that "skyscraper" aesthetic without looking like a boring block of stone.
Inside, the lobby isn't some cavernous, cold hall. It’s intimate. It feels like you’re entering a private club, which is exactly what Roth intended. The materials are heavy—marble, dark woods, brass—but the lighting is updated so you don't feel like you’re in a basement.
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The Suite Life: Why You Should Skip the Standard Rooms
If you’re booking The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York, do yourself a favor: get a suite. Because the building was designed for long-term residents, the suites have kitchenettes. You have a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a sink. Does that sound basic? Try staying in a standard Marriott for five days and see how much you miss having a place to rinse a glass or heat up leftover Joe’s Pizza at 2:00 AM.
Some of these suites have terraces. Let’s talk about that. A private terrace in Midtown is basically a unicorn. You can sit out there with a coffee and watch the city move below you. It’s quiet. Well, as quiet as New York gets. You’ll still hear the sirens and the occasional shouting match, but it’s distant. It feels like you own a piece of the skyline.
Dining and the Neighborhood Vibe
The hotel used to be home to The National by Geoffrey Zakarian. Currently, the dining scene around the hotel is what really shines. You’re in the heart of Midtown East. This isn't the tourist trap zone of 42nd Street. This is where the business deals happen.
- Casper and Gambini’s: Great for a quick bite.
- The Smith: Just a few blocks away if you want that high-energy, noisy brasserie feel.
- Grand Central Terminal: It’s a ten-minute walk. Go to the Oyster Bar. Don't think about it, just go.
The hotel’s location is its secret weapon. You’re close enough to the Rockefeller Center to see the tree, but far enough away that you aren't stuck in a human traffic jam the moment you step out the front door. It’s the sweet spot.
The Sleep Concierge Isn't Just for Show
I mentioned the sleep program earlier, but it deserves a deeper look. Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a legitimate sleep researcher, helped design the program. This isn't just marketing fluff. They offer:
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- Work-down calls: Instead of just a wake-up call, they can call you to remind you to start winding down.
- Blackout curtains: Real ones. Not the ones that leave a one-inch gap of blinding light at 6:00 AM.
- White noise machines: Though, honestly, the thick walls of these old buildings do a pretty good job on their own.
Most New York hotels are high-energy. They want you in the bar, spending money. The Benjamin feels like it actually wants you to rest. It’s an anomaly.
The Business Reality of Staying in Midtown
Look, if you’re here for work, the Benjamin is a no-brainer. The rooms have oversized desks. The Wi-Fi doesn't drop out when you're on a Zoom call. But more importantly, the staff actually knows your name. It’s a smaller operation compared to the 1,000-room giants nearby.
The gym is decent. It’s not an Equinox, but it’s got the essentials. They have a partnership with some local spas too, so you can get a massage without leaving the building if the city stress starts getting to you.
Is it Worth the Price?
New York is expensive. There’s no way around that. You can find cheaper spots in Long Island City or further downtown. But when you factor in the square footage of the rooms at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York, the math starts to make sense. You’re getting double the space of a "boutique" hotel in Soho for the same price.
It’s also pet-friendly. And they don't just "tolerate" dogs; they have a whole program for them. If you’re traveling with a 60-pound golden retriever, this is one of the few places in the city that won't give you a hard time.
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Navigating the Logistics
Getting there is straightforward. If you’re flying into JFK, take the LIRR to Grand Central Madison. It’s a short walk from there. If you’re coming from LaGuardia, a cab is your best bet, though the M60 bus to the subway is an option if you’re feeling adventurous and want to save $60.
Avoid driving. Just don't. Valet parking in Midtown is a nightmare and will cost you as much as a nice dinner every single night. Use the subway. The 6, E, and M trains are all right there. You can get anywhere in the city in 20 minutes.
Making the Most of Your Stay
When you check in, ask for a room on a higher floor. The lower floors can get a bit of street noise from Lexington Avenue—it's a major artery for buses. The higher you go, the more the "canyon" effect of the buildings muffles the sound.
Also, check out the second floor. There’s a nice sitting area there that’s usually empty. It’s a great spot to hide out with a laptop if you’re bored of your room but don't want to sit in a loud cafe.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Book Direct: Sonesta has a decent loyalty program (Travel Pass). You’ll often get better room assignments than if you book through a third-party site.
- Request the Pillow Menu Early: Don't wait until 11:00 PM when you’re tired. Scope it out when you drop your bags.
- Walk to Central Park: It’s about 15 minutes. Walk up Madison Avenue on the way there to see the window displays, then walk back down 5th Avenue.
- Check the Terrace Availability: If you’re traveling for a special occasion, specifically call and ask about the terrace suites. They aren't always listed on the main booking engines.
The Benjamin is for people who want to feel like they live in New York, not just visit it. It’s for the traveler who appreciates a solid door, a thick wall, and a piece of history that doesn't feel like a museum. It’s a quiet, sophisticated corner of a city that is rarely either of those things. Stop looking at the flashy new builds and give the old guard a chance. You’ll probably sleep better.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
To truly experience the best of this Midtown staple, start by leveraging the Sleep Concierge immediately upon arrival to customize your bedding environment. Prioritize a suite on the 15th floor or higher to maximize natural light and minimize the Lexington Avenue hum. Utilize the in-room kitchenette for breakfast to avoid the overpriced Midtown morning rush, and plan your transit via the nearby 51st Street subway station to bypass gridlock traffic. Finally, take a moment to walk across the street and look back at the building's facade at sunset; the way the light hits the Neo-Romanesque brickwork is one of the most underrated views in the neighborhood.