voco The Franklin New York, an IHG Hotel

First Impressions

Walking up to voco The Franklin New York, an IHG Hotel on East 87th Street, you immediately notice how it feels more like a sophisticated townhouse than your typical Manhattan hotel. This four-star property sits quietly in the Upper East Side, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special — you’re staying in one of New York’s most elegant neighborhoods without the chaos of Midtown. The building itself has this understated European elegance that somehow feels both grand and intimate at the same time.

The Upper East Side Advantage

Here’s what I love about this location — you’re literally a two-minute walk from Central Park, and I mean the good part of the park where locals actually jog and walk their dogs. The subway situation is pretty solid too, with the 4, 5, and 6 trains at 86th Street getting you downtown in about 20 minutes. What really surprised me was how quiet it gets at night, especially compared to other parts of Manhattan. You know what couples particularly appreciate? The tree-lined streets and the fact that you can actually have a conversation while walking around the neighborhood (hence that 9.2 location rating from couples).

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in had this sophisticated, almost residential feel — think rich fabrics and warm lighting rather than stark modern minimalism. The beds are genuinely comfortable, and the bathrooms feel more spacious than you’d expect for Manhattan. Actually, the whole space feels bigger than most NYC hotels, probably because they’re not trying to cram as many rooms as possible into the building. The windows are well-insulated too, which matters when you’re this close to a busy avenue.

Dining and Amenities

The breakfast situation here is interesting — they offer kosher options, which isn’t something you see at every hotel in the city. The on-site restaurant has a cozy, neighborhood bistro vibe rather than trying to be some flashy hotel dining room. I actually ended up eating there twice because it felt like discovering a local spot rather than just grabbing hotel food. The service throughout the property strikes that perfect balance between attentive and not hovering over you constantly.

Why Guests Love It

Look, if you want to be in Times Square, this isn’t your place. But if you want to experience New York like someone who actually lives here — walking to the Met, grabbing coffee on Madison Avenue, people-watching in Central Park — then this hotel gets it right. The 8.4 rating makes sense because it’s not trying to be everything to everyone. It’s just really good at being a sophisticated, well-located hotel in one of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods. Plus, there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that feels more like a well-appointed home base than a tourist destination.