Hotel review: The Library Hotel in Midtown Manhattan consistently ranks in Trip Advisor's top 5 reviewed hotels in New York City ⁠- we spent the night to see if it delivered on the hype

The Hotel's main entrance is located on 41st Street, known as "Library Way," and features 100 bronze plaques emblazoned with famous literary quotes.

From the outside, the hotel blended right in with the streets and didn't stand out like a typical flashy hotel might. Rather, it seemed very private and low-key, which I adored.

Upon entering the softly-lit lobby, I felt a sense of comfort and hospitality, as if I had stumbled into someone's living room. The Library Hotel has an old-school, classic atmosphere with an intellectual vibe that shines through neutral-colored details and unique decor.

I was struck by entire walls filled with hard-covered books, velvet couches, dark wood, and artwork that together delivered on the academic vibe. But the feel was far from stuffy; the hotel's Madison & Vine restaurant bustled with a young, vibrant crowd.

I arrived a few hours after check-in and there were only a few other guests in the lobby. The overall process took 15 minutes and was seamless. The staff was friendly and asked if we needed any assistance with booking dinner reservations or nearby activities.

Even better, we learned the check-out time was a very generous 1 p.m. so guests can sleep in and relax if needed. My fellow guests seemed to consist of older couples (most likely tourists) and business travelers.

I stayed in a Deluxe King room and was impressed by how comfortable the bed and pillows were. The room felt a bit small for two people but was sufficient for a short stay. I imagine it might feel cramped for longer than perhaps three nights.

Even though the room was located on a main street, I did not hear outside noise while sleeping, and the natural light streaming through the windows in the morning was refreshing.

All of the room's books and artwork reflected the third floor's theme of "money."

Unfortunately, some of the furniture felt run-down. I found the television to be dated and small, though, many might not be bothered by this feature. But, don't expect to stream Netflix.

Guests can choose from four room types: Petite Full, Deluxe Queen, Deluxe King, or Junior King Suite with a pullout sofa bed. All rooms receive turndown service too.

The hotel also features two special themed suites: the Love Room with a king bed and private terrace, and the Mythology Room on the highest floor.

The bathroom was small, with a very low bathtub, and the shower drain didn't fully work.

Fortunately, the excellent hotel service helped make up for it. When I unpacked and realized I forgot to pack a few essential toiletries, I called the front desk and by pleasant surprise, they listed many necessities they could provide. I asked them to send up a toothbrush kit and deodorant, and the housekeeper knocked on my door with both in less than a minute.

I particularly loved the buttery soft terry cloth bathrobes. I even called the front desk to ask how much they cost to purchase — $65. I didn't end up buying it, but very well might return to splurge for one.

The hotel offers complimentary inclusions, though, they're part of a mandatory daily $25 "resort fee."

Unlike most resort fees, however, this one actually felt worth it and offered a lot. A breakfast buffet, 24/7 refreshments in the Reading Room lounge, evening wine and cheese reception, rooftop garden access, a selection of bestselling eBooks, and passes to a nearby New York Sports Club were all included. You can't opt-out, but I thought the price was worth it given the inclusions.

In the morning, breakfast boasted hard-boiled eggs, hot oatmeal, fresh fruit, toast, bagels, bread, pastries, yogurts, and a variety of juices, coffees, and teas.

The Reading Room, Writers Den, and Poetry Garden are additional common spaces where guests are invited to unwind from their urban adventures and explore over 6,000 books.

I did not get to try the restaurant Madison & Vine, or the rooftop bar Bookmarks, though I'd surely return for the literary-themed cocktails and excellent Midtown views.

The hotel is located in prime Midtown Manhattan, close to Bryant Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and most Subway lines.

According to Trip Advisor, there are over 400 restaurants within .3 miles of the hotel. Local hot spots include Gabriel Kreuther, The Capital Grill, and the popular Magnolia Bakery.

The Library Hotel has a five out of five-star rating on Trip Advisor from over 4,800 reviews, with a high rank of four out of 506 hotels in New York City, and a score of 9.2 on Booking.com.

Former guests raved about the wine and cheese receptions, clean rooms, and stellar staff that went above and beyond. Negative feedback was mostly about the rooms being small and the $25 resort fee not being optional.

Who stays here: Tourists and business travelers. The demographic skews older, but the stylish rooftop bar draws a younger crowd, especially on weekends.

We like: The tasteful library theme that was unconventional and different from other hotels in the city.

We love (don't miss this feature!): The 24/7 snacks and refreshments that guests can take advantage of in the Reading Room lounge.

We think you should know: There's a three-hour wine and cheese reception that's not to be missed. You can pair red and white wines with a variety of delicious cheeses, fruits, and crackers. It's worth taking advantage of given the mandatory $25 daily "resort" fee.

We'd do this differently next time: Spend time at the rooftop bar to try one of their literary-themed cocktails.

Despite a $25 daily fee, there's loads of value at The Library Hotel. Inclusions such as breakfast, all-day snacks, wine and cheese reception, coffee, and gym access more than make up for it, especially when you consider that breakfast at a restaurant in New York will likely run higher than $25.

Because rooms are small, the hotel might not be ideal for longer than just a couple of nights or larger families trying to stay in one room. It's best for a weekend getaway, or as an option with more personality than the average New York Midtown hotel.