Hotel Majestic

The Majestic is the oldest hotel in the city to have remained in continuous operation: it welcomed its first guests in 1904, only two years after it was complete as a railroad magnate's private residence. Living up to the hotel's name, every room in this white five-storey Edwardian has canopied four-poster beds with quilts, French Imperial and English antiques, and Gilchrist & Soames goodies. Ask to stay on an upper-floor room to avoid street noise. Free hors d'oeuvres and wine are served in the evening. Café Majestic, the hotel bar and restaurant, features an extensive butterfly collection, in keeping with the haute-Victorian decor. On weekday mornings there's a free car service to Union Square or the Financial District.