A Map of Part of Manhattan around and about Hotel Taft

Promotional brochure for the Hotel Taft in New York.

MANHATTAN IS AN ISLAND SURROUNDING THE HOTEL TAFT, claims the bottom of this promotional pamphlet issued in the mid-1930s. The centerfold pictorial map attempts to back up the spurious geographic claim by emphasizing the surrounding attractions like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Madison Square Garden.

Convenient transportation routes are highlighted in red while a table in the upper left corner provides travel times via subway. Decorative elements, such as a compass rose and strapwork cartouche, provide a delightful appeal to “Times Square’s Largest Hotel.”

The Hotel Taft originally opened in 1926 as the Hotel Manger, but was renamed after being sold to Bing & Bing in 1931. Text on the verso applauds the amenities, convenient location, and excellent service. A reservation tag, still affixed, lists room rates at between $2.00 (single room, bath adjacent) to $10.00 (three person suite) per night.