In the hustle and bustle of Midtown East, there is a quaint boutique hotel perfect for resting your weary head:

Welcome to Hotel Roger.

In June, the rebranding of Hotel Roger was unveiled to show off their $12 million makeover.  John Flannigan, President of JRK Hotel Group, originally launched the original Hotel Roger Williams in 2004 before overseeing the opening of the wildly successful Ace Hotel.  Located on Madison and 31st Street, the renovated Hotel Roger fits snugly into what has been the recent revamping of the Nomad neighborhood.

The decorative stripes are probably the first thing to tickle your fancy when you arrive.  The decor inside also matches, with dots and their signature bow tie logo, giving the atmosphere a dapper, smart feel.  The stylists behind the hotel’s new look includes hospitality guru Steven Kamali of Capri, Thompson Hotels, Rushmeyers, Surf Lodge, and Nobu; designer Anna Busta of W South Beach; mixologist Johnny Swet of Jimmy and Hotel Griffou; and chef Julia Farias of Goat Town.  The lobby is littered with an eclectic mix of never-before-seen classic rock photography, including images of Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Sting, Beck, Lady Gaga, Blondie, and many more.

The wooden floors and stairs give it a touch of a rustic feeling, like you are spending the evening in your grandfather’s well-kept ski condo in Aspen.  That is, until you go up to your room.

Each spic and span room is adorned with an artistic photo of NYC above the bed, reminding you of why you should get out of your incredibly comfortable bed.  Not to mention, if you choose to splurge a little more for a room with a terrace, you can relax out doors on the lounge chairs with a view of the Empire State Building.

The restaurant overlooking the lobby is a charming space, great for a post-work cocktail or casual dining.  The menu serves gourmet comfort foods made with all the best ingredients, including Pat LaFrieda meats and Murray’s Cheese.  For the appetizers, we went with the recommended Soda Dipped Fried Chicken with sriracha honey and yogurt dipping sauces and Oyster Po Boys of battered Chesapeake oysters with a dill and fennel slaw.  The fried goodness did not disappoint.

For the main dish, we tried the Beef short rib burger lured by the delicious promise of onion jam. And of course, as expected, the mac and cheese is pretty much to die for.

Obviously needing something to wash this all down, the cocktail menu by mixologist Johnny Swet is not to be ignored.  Their signature fizzy champagne cocktail, The Roger with strawberry puree and chocolate bitters, is a perfect summer drink.  The bar is also in plain sight in the faux kitchen, giving the impression that you are enjoying a drink as a guest in the comfort of someone’s lovely home.

Come make yourself at home at the Hotel Roger

Yours,
Von

Roger New York
131 Madison Avenue
at 31st Street
New York, NY 10016
212.448.7000