I travel to NY several times a year for business and my first choice hotel is always the Setai. Over the years i have stayed in most if not all of the top end hotels in mid town and I think the Setai beats all the others hands down. I travel quite a bit as part of my job and I can say this is the only hotel I actually look forward to visiting Highlights for me that make the Setai special:

The hotel is not pretending to be a nightclub.

The rooms are well decorated and of good size for NYC, it actually feels like home away from home.

All the staff are exceptional. they are always polite and co-operative.

The bar is sophisticated and well laid out. Service is great.

The food through the hotel (Al Fiori, Bar on 5th and room service) are all v good.

I have stayed here a dozen or so times and can not find anything to complain about. It really is by far and away the best mid town hotel. Yes, The Setai does charge more than other hotels in the vicinity but you do get what you pay for, as the Asian proverb goes "if you pay peanuts you get monkeys". I can promise you there are no monkeys at The Setai.

In the start of January i had a 5 days business trip to New York and stayed in The Setai. Well it was a great experience!! The room was outstanding luxury and i can't stop thanking my company that sent me here. Great views of Empire State Building, really helpful and accommodating staff!! The breakfast was so tasty and rich. Couldn't ask for more.

A TV in the bathroom mirror while you are brushing your teeth? An espresso bar beside your 40 inch flat screen TV? Did not want to leave!

The Setai is in a great location - it's midtown on 5th Avenue between 37st and 36st.

The minute you walk in the doors you have entered a completely different world.

First class service and guest rooms.

Splurge if you can while visiting NY, The Setai is well worth it.

What can I say? The best hotel experience ever! The staff is so friendly and go out of their way to assist. My room was just amazing-thanks to Matt and Manuela at the front desk! Nicely decorated with great views of the Empire State Building and comfy bed. My Personal Assistants, Eugenia and Narissa, were so accomodating and thoughtful. Also really enjoyed the lobby bar. Great drinks and food and loved the vibe there. I was entertaining clients one evening in the bar and they were very impressed! Jeff and the female bartenders were friendly and accomodating despite being very busy. I'm usually ready to go home after a few nights stay in a hotel. This time, I didn't want to leave! I will return!!