The William powered by Sonder

First Impressions

Walking up to The William powered by Sonder on East 39th Street, you immediately get that “hidden gem” feeling — it’s tucked into Murray Hill in a way that feels distinctly New York without screaming tourist trap. The building has this understated elegance that honestly surprised me; I was expecting something more corporate given the Sonder branding, but this four-star property has real character. The lobby strikes that perfect balance between modern and welcoming, which isn’t always easy to pull off in Manhattan.

The Murray Hill Advantage

Here’s what I love about this location — you’re literally in the sweet spot between Midtown’s chaos and the more residential neighborhoods. Bryant Park is just a few blocks west, Grand Central is an easy walk, and you know what? The whole area feels like actual New Yorkers live here, not just tourists passing through. I’ve stayed in Times Square hotels before (never again), and this neighborhood is refreshingly real. Plus, couples seem to really get it — there’s something romantic about wandering these tree-lined streets that you just don’t find in the more obvious hotel districts.

The Room Experience

The room design is where Sonder’s tech-forward approach actually works in your favor. Everything’s controlled through their app, which sounds gimmicky until you’re adjusting the temperature from bed at 2 AM. The space itself feels larger than typical NYC hotel rooms — and I mean that, not just saying it. The windows are generous, the lighting is thoughtfully placed, and there’s enough storage that you can actually unpack for a few days. The bathroom is compact but well-designed, with that rainfall shower head that makes you want to linger a bit longer than usual.

Neighborhood Dining and Nightlife

While there isn’t a traditional hotel restaurant on-site, honestly, that’s part of the charm here. Murray Hill has this incredible mix of local spots that you’d never find if you were stuck eating hotel food. There’s a fantastic Korean BBQ place two blocks south, and this little wine bar on Lexington that locals actually frequent. The area comes alive in the evenings without being overwhelming — it’s got that residential energy where you can grab a nightcap without fighting crowds of bridge-and-tunnel folks.

Why Guests Love It

Recent guests keep mentioning the location in their reviews, and after spending time here, I totally get why. It’s that rare combination of being central enough to walk to major attractions but quiet enough that you can actually sleep with the windows open. The Sonder model means you get hotel-quality service with more independence — no awkward small talk with front desk staff if that’s not your thing, but help is available when you need it. For couples especially, there’s something appealing about having your own little New York base camp where you can regroup between exploring the city.