Beyond the landmarks and brand names, New York City’s vast hotel collection abounds with non-traditional options for groups. Celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, The Kimberly Hotel is the definitive hidden gem, with a personality and character all its own, that I got to experience on a recent visit.
Originally constructed as a luxury apartment building, the 30-story family-owned tower, with a prime Midtown East location, opened instead as a European-style boutique hotel. As such, the accommodations—40 rooms and 154 one- and two-bedroom suites—are larger than standard NYC hotels, attracting extended-stay business travelers. Most suites have private outdoor balconies, an unheard-of amenity in NYC.
Named for one of the owners’ daughters, The Kimberly’s Old European appeal starts in the classically styled lobby, where fetching elements include antique furnishings and a beguiling 2,000-plus-gallon circular saltwater aquarium.
The staff, many with the hotel for 20-plus years, includes award-winning “Clefs d’Or” concierges, whose welcoming ways figure prominently in the hotel’s longtime repeat customer base. Celebrity guests include late U.S. President Jimmy Carter, whose framed handwritten “thank you” letter hangs in the lobby.
My 25th-floor one-bedroom suite came with a large living room, kitchenette and private outdoor balcony. The sweeping Midtown views were a fitting preview of my dinner at Upstairs at The Kimberly, the hotel’s event-capable rooftop lounge and bar.
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Featuring a retractable glass roof, this year-round perch is for small-plate fare and cocktails, plus breakfast, surrounded by panoramic skyscraper views. Rentals include 250-person buyouts; the 40-capacity outdoor patio with fireplace and heating lamps; and tech-enabled 40-person Media Room.
Bistango, The Kimberly’s casual lobby-level Italian restaurant, is renowned for savory handmade pasta dishes and wood-fired flatbreads and pizzas, with a dedicated kitchen for gluten-free dishes. Groups can book the 60-capacity dining room along with 30-person receptions in the lobby lounge and 22-person dinners in the covered sidewalk area.
The Kimberly’s formal lobby-level restaurant, Empire Steak House, is a century-old NYC heirloom. Debuting in the 1920s as the East Side Opera House, the room was later transformed into Versailles Night Club, where legendary French singer Edith Piaf made her American debut in 1948.
In the 1990s, the cabaret-style ballroom was relaunched as Tatou Supper Club, famed for events such as Mariah Carey’s professional debut and Liza Minnelli’s 45th birthday party. The venue is also an unforgettable personal touchstone. In 1993, after seeing Mick Jagger’s solo show at downtown’s Webster Hall, I made the after-party at Tatou, mixing in with the Stones’ frontman and other rock royalty.
Following a series of dining concepts, the completely reconstructed main ballroom became Empire Steak House in 2017, serving steak, seafood and 100-plus single malt scotches. Featuring an ornate winding staircase, cathedral dome ceiling, high-backed banquettes and two full-service bars, the European-style gem seats 180 people for private events and 350 standing. Other rentals include the 35-capacity Wine Room, 165-capacity Mezzanine level and 500-capacity buyouts.
Attracting corporate meetings, social gatherings, weddings, press conferences, launch events and more, The Kimberly also offers a third-floor conference room.
Now in her 17th year with the property, Jordana Maurer, director of sales and events, brings a deep appreciation for the hotel’s distinctive character and its enduring reputation as a true “hidden gem” in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
“While The Kimberly is well-established on the group and leisure map, it continues to offer a sense of surprise and discovery—even for locals,” she shared. “The Kimberly provides the comforts of home through uniquely styled rooms and a genuine focus on hospitality. As a family-owned and operated boutique hotel, we have the creative freedom to offer planners and clients a flexible and personalized experience when booking our spaces.”
