Located in Midtown at 116 West 56th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, Le Parker Meridien is an upgraded modern space with superbly friendly staff. Many hotels in Midtown can be hit or miss depending on the last remodel. In fact, it’s not unusual to hear travelers book rooms at hotels in New York that have classic names, but the rooms are outdated, or just have a tired feeling despite the legends surrounding the property’s name. Le Parker Meridien is not in this category.

The property actually has the modern feel of a W or a Westin, which is no surprise since it is also a Starwood property, which means the ultimate advantage: Points! Yes, that paperless currency which business travelers hold so dearly to their hearts. The lobby is a busy bustling space that feels like a television commercial for an iced whipped low-fat frappuccino drink. It was actually quite exciting.

The rooms at Parker Meridien are described as “ergonomically inspired” with furniture that seems to be of Scandinavian descent. If IKEA had a luxury store, this is where the designer for the hotel shopped. With the ergonomic chair at the working desk, the modern couch and the platform bed, the atmosphere is clean and crisp. In the Junior Suite there is even a half-circle modular bookcase that swings 180 degrees so that the flatscreen television mounted inside can be viewed from the bedroom and living spaces in the suite. Genius.

Other unique features of this hotel include sweeping views of Central Park (upon request and availability), and enormous showers. In fact, the showers are advertised as “big enough for two - including two Sumo wrestlers”. Well, that's quite a statement, but it goes without saying that when one steps into a shower and has to actually walk three steps forward before reaching the handle to turn it on, that’s pretty big.

The gym is called Gravity, and is actually highly rated in national publications. This is beyond a hotel gym, it is actually a members only gym to non-guests, i.e., New Yorkers. This gym is for the fitness guru posing as a business traveler. It includes a pool, weights, classes, racquetball and basketball, and spa services.

Yet, for those who really just don’t hold fitness at the top of the priority list, there is another spot of interest in the hotel: The Burger Joint. It's a tucked away hidden secret around the corner from the front desk behind long drapes in the lobby. It is known as one of the best burger spots in Manhattan, actually, and it is more reasonable than even a Ruby’s on the West Coast. No fancy commercialized retro diner effects here, just short ordered burgers and fries. It is a bit like, well, it's a bit like heaven…if heaven has a lobby...with a burger joint. If so, Hallelujah.

Beyond the burgers, the onsite restaurant known as “Norma’s” was voted the best breakfast in New York of late. This is actually a very smart approach to food offered by a hotel; stick with the good stuff. There are a million five-star restaurants in Manhattan, and visitors will likely leave the property for dinner. But great breakfasts and burgers? That’s something most properties do not offer. Not to mention the location to other New York favorites such as Central Park and MoMA.

Moreover, the prices at the Le Parker Meridien were competitive for summer time, i.e., $314.00 per night for a standard room which was on par with other hotels of the same quality and location. Complimentary upgrades are available at no additional charge based on occupancy.

Ample meeting facilities are offered, as well as business offices/services.

This is it. A rediscovery of an old standard in Manhattan. Don’t miss it.