New_York_City_2012_-_Fodor_39_s

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Financial District | TriBeCa | SoHo | East Village | Lower East Side | Chelsea | Greenwich Village | Meatpacking District | Flatiron District | Gramercy Park | Murray Hill | Union Square | Midtown West | Midtown East | Upper East Side | Upper West Side

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Gild Hall.

$$ | Captains of Industry, here’s a boutique hotel for you. Operated by the owners of the successful, chic 60 Thompson Hotel in SoHo, Gild Hall aggressively courts clientele with a Y chromosome: beds have padded leather headboards and tartan throw blankets. Pros: central Financial District location; eye-popping lobby; stylish room design. Cons: small rooms for the price; untraditional location. TripAdvisor: “recommended for business travel,” “very nice hotel restaurant,” “great sense of customer service.” | 15 Gold St., at Platt St., Financial District | 10003 | 212/232–7700 or 800/268–0700 | www.thompsonhotels.com | 126 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, D, DC, MC, V | CP | Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, C to Fulton St./BroadwayNassau.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park.

$$$ | If you’re staying this far downtown, the Ritz is your top choice. The hotel provides the classic Ritz-Carlton experience—you’ll be greeted by at least one staffer each time you walk into the lobby—and the big rooms boast sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. West-facing rooms, with views of the Statue of Liberty, come with telescopes. After a $10 million renovation, rooms incorporate HD flat-screen TVs; a gold, teal, gray, and yellow color scheme; and cantilevered desks. The Club Lounge also got a refresh, with sleek and contemporary design. There’s steak-house fare at 2 West and a spa with French Carita products. Pros: excellent service; best base for downtown exploring; petand kid-friendly; Liberty views. Cons: removed from Midtown tourist sights; limited nighttime activities; few neighborhood options for dining and entertainment. TripAdvisor: “five star bargain,” “beautiful views,” “luxurious.” | 2 West St., at Battery Park, Financial District | 10004 | 212/344–0800 or 800/241–

3333 | www.ritzcarlton.com/batterypark | 298 rooms, 39 suites | In-room: a/c, refrigerator (some), DVD (some), Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bars, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 1, R, J to Rector St.

The W New York Downtown.

$$ | Located in the heart of the Financial District, this hotel juxtaposes the gritty, unfinished feel of the surrounding area with sleek surfaces and a Lamella LED installation that boasts thousands of color-choreographed hanging lights. The glassy black-box entrance abandons the typical notion of “hotel welcome,” with the front desk an elevator ride away on the fifth floor. GRAFT Lab, the German architect and design group, used wave structuring and purposeful lighting techniques to create a contemporary, if not futuristic, feel. They took a minimalist approach in the guest rooms, where all of the Italian-crafted furniture has been custom built into the walls—the only movable piece of furniture is the chair. BLT Bar & Grill on the first and second floors of the hotel also handles in-room dining. The Living Room bar and tapas area hosts live DJ events every Wednesday and Friday night, where you can find a unique mix of Wall Street bankers, European tourists, and downtown hipsters shaking it on the black granite dance floor. Pros: near popular tourist attractions; restaurant offers some surprisingly affordable fare; modern workout room. Cons: scaffolding-dense neighborhood; WTC construction directly across the street; partially obstructed views; not family-friendly. TripAdvisor: “clean and comfortable,” “SUPER comfortable beds,” “there is construction noice.” | 123 Washington St.at Albany St., Financial District | 10006 | 646/826–8600 | www.starwoodhotels.com | 85 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi hotspot on 5th fl., gym | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 1, N, R to Rector St.

TRIBECA

Cosmopolitan.

$ | Surprisingly, there’s no Sex and the City affiliation at the Cosmo, but for those saving for Jimmy Choos (or just on a budget) it’s a steal. The rooms, with light-wood accents and ceiling fans, are attractive, but be warned: they are sized more for a Carrie than a Mr. Big. The hotel is situated on a busy TriBeCa intersection and is an ideal launching pad for exploring downtown neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo. The building dates to 1850—Abraham Lincoln slept here. Repeat clientele come for the “miniloft” rooms, with a bed on an upper level and bath downstairs. Pros: friendly staff; great location for power shoppers. Cons: noisy location; spartan rooms; in mid-2011 the hotel started construction on a new wing. TripAdvisor: “window unit A/C was loud,” “easy walk to Ground Zero,” “porters were polite and helpful.” | 95 West Broadway, at Chambers St., TriBeCa | 10007 | 212/566–1900 or 888/895–9400 | www.cosmohotel.com | 125 rooms | In-room: a/c, Wi-Fi. Inhotel: Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: 1, 2, 3, A, C to Chambers St.

Duane Street Hotel.

$–$$ | Amid TriBeCa’s historic warehouses and trendy art galleries sits the Duane Street Hotel, a fashionable addition to the neighborhood. Comfortable rooms are painted in shades of soft lilac or green apple, and light pours through the loftlike windows. Hardwood floors, flatscreen TVs, and compact fold-up desks give rooms a modern, playful feel. Sophisticated bathrooms have slate floors and “We Live Like This”–brand amenities. You can use complimentary passes to work out at a nearby TriBeCa Health & Fitness. Mehtaphor, a full-service restaurant from renowned pastry chef Jehangir Mehta, has replaced the former restaurant tenant, ’beca. Pros: great location; inroom spa treatments available through Euphoria Spa TriBeCa. Cons: noisy; small restaurant. TripAdvisor: “upscale hotel with outstanding staff,” “small rooms,” “ideally located.” | 130 Duane St., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/964– 6400 | www.duanestreethotel.com | 45 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, WiFi hotspot | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: 1, 2, 3 to Chambers St.; A, C to Chambers St.

Greenwich Hotel.

$$$ | You talkin’ to me? Yes, Robert De Niro is an owner of the Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa, De Niro’s backyard and a neighborhood he’s helped put on the map as a culinary and cultural benchmark. Despite the big name behind it, the Greenwich flies under the radar, with an unmarked entrance leading to a lobby without a discernible theme. Upstairs, rooms combine Moroccan, French, and Japanese styles, with lots of tile, rugs covering floors made from reclaimed oak, and French doors. No two rooms are decorated alike. Locanda Verde, Andrew Carmellini’s Italian hot spot downstairs, serves rustic Italian fare. The spa is done in a traditional Japanese style, as is the hotel pool. Pros: varied yet clever room decoration; great restaurant. Cons: odd lobby; price out of sync with quality; can be costly in high season. TripAdvisor: “superb dinner at Locanda Verde,” “quiet, intimate..and hip,” “amazing spa.” | 377 Greenwich St., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/941–8900 | www.thegreenwichhotel.com | 88 rooms, 16 suites | In-

room: a/c, safe, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, pool, gym, spa, Internet terminal, parking (paid) | AE, MC, V | Subway: 1 to Franklin St.

Tribeca Grand.

$$ | Still popular with the glitterati lo these many years later, the scene at the Tribeca Grand centers on the eight-story atrium’s Church Lounge bar and café; now that things have cooled sufficiently, it’s a nice place to hang even if you’re not an A-lister, though it can get noisy for guests upstairs. Comfortable and stylish rooms with a retro nod have low platform beds and podlike bathrooms with aluminum consoles reminiscent of those in airplanes, complete with Malin + Goetz amenities. The special “iStudios” are premium rooms kitted with the latest gadgets from Apple. Pets are welcomed with open arms; you can even request goldfish brought to your room. Pros: great dining and bar scene; iPods in each room; fun social atrium; pet-friendly. Cons: rooms get noise from restaurant below; bathroom has slightly cold design. TripAdvisor: “very stylish,” “great location,” “lavish Sunday brunch.” | 2 Ave. of the Americas (6th Ave.), between Walker and White Sts., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/519–6600 or 800/965–3000 | www.tribecagrand.com | 197 rooms, 6 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: A, C, E to Canal St.

SOHO

Fodor’s Choice | Crosby Street Hotel.

$$$ | Here in SoHo’s heart sits the Crosby Street Hotel, which is the first branch of the U.K.’s Firmdale Hotels to open in the United States. Hotel design in New York is often a man’s world of leather and dark colors; here the pieces, all handpicked by co-owner Kit Kemp, are so colorful, light, and whimsical that it’s jarring. Start with the wood-floored lobby, where solicitous staffers in gray suits with ties and vests check guests in, keeping a record of their likes and dislikes for future visits. To one side is the Moroccan-theme Crosby Bar, which has low tables with oversize hanging light fixtures in red and gold. The impressive “cocktail program” here was designed by bartender Rich Lilley. To the other side are the guest-only drawing rooms, chockablock with cushy couches and art that includes two huge oil paintings of Jack Russell terriers. A garden by the bar is open to the public, but you also have access to a separate back garden. Rooms are expansive, well lighted, and splashed with more color than those of just about any other hotel in New York. Each comes with a different set of patterns, though they all have pillows for sitting in the floor-to-ceiling windowsills looking toward SoHo; a sitting area with a fabric couch done in orange, green, or purple; fabric wallpaper; and antique vases and tables sprinkled throughout. The gym could stand to be a little bigger, though, and at this price breakfast should be included in the rate. Pros: unique design; big, bright rooms; great bar. Cons: breakfast not included; small gym. TripAdvisor: “buzzy atmosphere without being intrusive,” “deluxe bathrooms,” “great décor, service and food.” | 79 Crosby St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/226–6400 | www.firmdale.com | 86 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe (some), DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, in-room safe, some pets allowed | AE, D, MC, V | Subway: 6 to Spring St., R to Prince St.

Holiday Inn SoHo.

$$ | “SoHo” and “Holiday Inn” sure don’t sound right together, but here they are; once endangered by developers, SoHo’s odd man out is more entrenched than ever thanks to rates dwarfed by other hotels in the vicinity. Oversize arched windows, high ceilings, and a classic exterior are just some of the historical features retained in this former bank building. Rooms may adhere to Holiday Inn’s generalized standards, but they are well maintained, with touches like in-room coffeemakers and CD players. Bustling Canal Street is on the corner for bargain shopping. Pros: well-priced SoHo solution; well-trained staff. Cons: nothing stylish; closer to Chinatown than to SoHo. TripAdvisor: “great Internet connection,” “very convenient location,” “small rooms.” | 138 Lafayette St., near Canal St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/966–8898 or 800/465–4329 | www.hidowntown-nyc.com | 215 rooms, 12 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6, M, N, Q, R to Canal St.

The Mercer Hotel.

$$$ | Owner André Balazs, known for his Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, has a knack for dating Hollywood starlets and channeling a neighborhood sensibility. Here it’s SoHo loft all the way, though it’s also a favorite crash pad for Tinseltown names. It’s superbly situated in the heart of SoHo’s myriad name-brand stores, although you wouldn’t know it once you’re inside the lobby, a minimalist oasis created by acclaimed French designer Christian Liagre. Most guest rooms are generously sized, with long entryways, high ceilings, and walk-in closets, but the lowestpriced rooms are a tight 250 square feet. Dark African

woods and custom-designed furniture upholstered in muted solids lend serenity with sophistication. Some bathrooms feature decadent two-person marble tubs surrounded by mirrors. Downstairs is the always-happening lobby with 24hour food and bar service for guests; Mercer Kitchen, and the submercer bar, with a separate entrance, is one of the city’s hottest doors. Beware the inconsistent service, which runs from friendly to indifferent. Pros: great location; sophisticated design touches; celebrity sightings in lobby. Cons: service inconsistent; tiny rooms. TripAdvisor: “scent of candles fill the lobby,” “really spacious rooms,” “unmatched commitment to service.” | 147 Mercer St., at Prince St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–6060 or 888/918– 6060 | www.mercerhotel.com | 67 rooms, 8 suites | Inroom: a/c, safe, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: R to Prince St.

60 Thompson.

$$ | This successful hotel has served as the blueprint for the mini-chain’s four other hotels in Manhattan, and its setup has aged well; it’s no longer the center of the universe, scene-wise, and that’s been a blessing, improving the service and toning down the attitude of hotel staffers. Kittichai, the chic Thai restaurant on the ground floor, has a new chef, patio dining, a gold-suffused bar, and goodlooking servers. The rooftop lounge, A60, remains a guestsand members-only warm-weather haven for hipsters. Thom bar, the second-floor lobby, is a dark space filled with contemporary art, great for whiling away an evening. Rooms feature a dramatic, spare design; the generous use of dark woods and full-wall leather headboards give the rooms welcoming warmth. Pros: nightlife central; access to private rooftop club; good gym; some rooms have balconies. Cons: not family oriented; no pets allowed. TripAdvisor: “staff was very friendly and helpful,” “the bar was a great place for a pre-dinner drink,” “design of the room is beautiful.” | 60 Thompson St., between Broome and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/431–0400 or 877/431–0400 | www.thompsonhotels.com | 82 rooms, 8 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

SoHo Grand.

$$$ | The SoHo Grand defines what SoHo is today—once pioneering, now expensive, and with a vaguely creative vibe. When the Grand opened in 1996, it had been a century since a new hotel had debuted in the neighborhood. Today, as new hotels crowd the field, its low-key sophistication stands out more clearly—as do its faults. The Grand Bar & Lounge is sometimes called SoHo’s living room for its comfortable, social atmosphere. Public spaces as well as guest rooms use an industrial-chic design to mimic the architecture of the neighborhood, though this can come across as spartan to some. Comfortable contemporary rooms are mainly focused on the view out the ample windows; bathrooms are stark but have deep soaking tubs. A great seasonal pleasure is the Yard—a large outdoor space where you can have a drink or meal and then spread out on the grassy lawn—the only one of its kind in the city. The staff here is professional, polished, and more experienced than you’ll find at other fashionable hotels. Pros: fashionable, laid-back sophistication; great service; surprisingly discreet setting; diverse eating and drinking options. Cons: closer to Canal Street than prime SoHo; rooms on small side. TripAdvisor: “great ambience and design,” “excellent room service,” “great hotel in great location.” | 310 West Broadway, at Grand St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/965–3000 or 800/965–3000 | www.sohogrand.com | 353 rooms, 10 private-access suites, 2 penthouse loft suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, gym, laundry service, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6, J, M, N, Q, R to Canal St.

EAST VILLAGE

The Cooper Square Hotel.

$$ | A jarring, 21-story glass-and-steel finger rising up in the low-rise East Village, the Cooper Square Hotel was never going to pass under the radar; the addition of the even more futuristic Cooper Union building next door has alleviated the hotel’s out-of-character look somewhat, but it’s still a focal point. The lobby goes for casual chic: there are no check-in desks, just reservation agents positioned to meet guests as soon as they walk in the door. (There is a hidden private room for checking in VIPs.) The lobby is lined with cushy leather chairs and hundreds of books from the Housing Works and available for purchase, with proceeds going to that charity. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the eponymous square, rooms are bright, though the sage or slate-blue carpeting looks cheap. The thoughtful amenities include three different kinds of robes—even one for your dog—as well as a minibar stocked with tiny bottles of Hendricks gin and Maker’s Mark bourbon, Sferra linens on the beds, flat-screen televisions, iPod docks, and Red Flower bath products. Chef Scott Conant runs Faustina restaurant on the ground floor, which features modern Italian food and a great bar with a memorable burger and views of the iconic Village Voice

Chelsea Lodge.

¢ | Popular with Europeans and budget-conscious visitors, the Chelsea Lodge is a great location for guests who don’t insist on a lot of amenities. Toilets are shared and down the hall for most rooms, but they do each have their own sink, shower, and TV. In this brownstone that’s furnished with wainscoting, wallpaper, and hardwood floors the vibe is decidedly twee. The staff is quite amenable to requests, and best of all, the best of Chelsea, including galleries and Chelsea Market, is right outside your door. Pros: on a gorgeous Chelsea block; great bang for the buck; close to subway. Cons: not romantic; shared bathrooms not right for everyone. TripAdvisor: “the rooms were a little small,” “really quiet gorgeous brownstone street,” “safe area, close to subway.” | 318 W. 20th St., between 8th and 9th Aves., Chelsea | 10011 | 212/243–4499 | www.chelsealodge.com | 22 rooms, 2 with bath; 4 suites | In-room: a/c, no phone, kitchen (some), Wi-Fi. In-hotel: Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, D, MC, V | Subway: C, E to 23rd St.; 1 to 18th St.

The GEM Hotel Chelsea.

$ | At this stylish, well-priced boutique hotel the modern rooms are small but designed to make the most of the limited space—they come with black-and-white photos on the wall, flat-screen TVs, white linens, iPod docking stations, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries in the bathrooms, full-length mirrors, and free Wi-Fi. And since you’re in a very handy location near some of the best of New York’s culture, bars, and restaurants, you probably won’t be spending much time in your room anyway. Pros: great Chelsea location; close to several subway lines. Cons: gym and business center, both on the lower level, feel like a work in progress; rooms may be too small for some. TripAdvisor: “extremely friendly and helpful staff,” “small rooms,” “charming hotel in great location.” | 300 W. 22nd St., Chelsea | 10011 | 212/675–1911 | www.thegemhotel.com | 81 rooms | In-room: a/c, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: gym, laundry service, Internet terminal | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: C, E to 23rd St.; 1 to 23rd St.

Hilton New York Fashion District.

$ | Open since April 2010, the Hilton is part of a neighborhood hotel boomlet that shows no signs of slowing down. Located on the upper edge of Chelsea in a zone that’s stretching the limits of what New Yorkers refer to as “downtown,” the hotel is designed with the neighborhood’s garment district past as its beacon. The lobby is appointed in rich textiles, and behind the reception bay a giant assembly of multicolored spools is mounted on a white board. Beware, you’re being watched: every day the frontdesk staff determines the “best-dressed guest,” who is then awarded a prize for sartorial savvy. Rooms are modest in size but snappy, with decor that subtly evokes the hotel’s theme. There are pinstriped rugs resembling a men’s suit, and little orange ottomans that are dead ringers for an Hermès Kelly bag. An arrangement with the nearby Fashion Institute of Technology brings student art onto the walls as well; check out photography-contest winners in some of the hallways. Upstairs, the RareView rooftop bar affords stunning views of the city, including the Empire State Building looking north and an expansive collection of iconic wooden rooftop water towers. Rare, a Manhattan burger-and-steak franchise, has a cavernous location downstairs. Pros: reasonable prices for a great location; year-round rooftop bar. Cons: tiny closets; no on-site gym. TripAdvisor: “staff was particularly friendly and helpful,” “location was fantastic,” “subways are close.” | W. 26th St. between 6th and 7th Aves., Chelsea | 10001 | 212/858– 5888 | www.f26nyc.com | 280 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, B, D, F V, N, Q, R, W to 34th St./Penn Station.

Fodor’s Choice | Inn on 23rd.

$ | Friendly innkeepers Annette and Barry Fisherman welcome guests to this five-floor, 19th-century building, which also comes with its own cat/mascot. The uniquely decorated rooms include a “canopy” room with a fourposter bed and a 1940s room with a tube radio and overstuffed lounge chairs. Students from the New School’s Culinary Studies program, which holds classes here, prepare the guest breakfasts. Pros: charming innkeepers; comfy and relaxed library; affordable, given location. Cons: few business services; some older amenities; beware if you have cat allergies. TripAdvisor: “so many thoughtful touches,” “staff was very helpful,” “excellent breakfasts.” |

131 W. 23rd St., between 6th and 7th Aves., Chelsea | 10011 | 212/835-5533 | www.innon23rd.com | 13 rooms, 1 suite | In-room: a/c, DVD (some), Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, D, DC, MC, V | CP | Subway: F, M to 23rd St.

Maritime Hotel.

$ | In just about any other city, the Maritime would be a major entertainment and cultural center; inside is the Hiro Ballroom nightclub, with room for 800; Matsuri, the cavernous Japanese restaurant below the hotel; and La Bottega, a delightful, expansive plaza-level restaurant and bar. You wouldn’t need to leave the hotel for a full dose of nightlife. But this is New York, and the Meatpacking District is two blocks away, so you’re also near the city’s sceniest,

priciest clubs and boutiques. The Maritime’s white-ceramic tower, the former HQ for the National Maritime Union, was the first luxury hotel to be built in the Chelsea gallery district. The warm, small rooms resemble modern ship’s cabins, with burnished teak paneling, sea-blue drapes and bed accents, and 5-foot-tall “portholes” that face the Hudson River skyline. Bonus: the hotel is said to be haunted. Pros: nightlife options galore; great restaurants; fun rooms with big porthole windows. Cons: all nightlife all the time; street noise. TripAdvisor: “rooms are small,” “really inventive design,” “staff is incredible.” | 363 W. 16th St., at 9th Ave., Chelsea | 10011 | 212/242–4300 | www.themaritimehotel.com | 120 rooms, 4 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bars, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, some pets allowed | AE, MC, V | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.

GREENWICH VILLAGE

Washington Square Hotel.

$ | This low-key European-style hotel in Greenwich Village is popular with visiting New York University parents—the location near the renovated Washington Square Park and its magnificent arch (and just down the street from Mario Batali’s Babbo restaurant) is just a bonus. One block from the very central West 4th Street subway station, it’s easy to get to the rest of downtown’s sights. Some rooms are cheerfully decorated—deluxe rooms have a snazzy Hollywood Art Deco style and much more natural light than the plainer standard rooms, which have pastel florals and a more limited selection of amenities. Deluxe rooms come with pillow-top mattresses and free high-speed Internet access. The intimate Deco Room has mosaic floors, elegant mirrors, and a wrought-iron-and-glass brass gate from Paris. Daytime guests can sip tea; at night they can pull up a stool at the beautiful bar hidden in the back. North Square restaurant has a jazz brunch and surprisingly sophisticated fare. Pros: park-front location; deluxe rooms are charming; great hotel bar. Cons: NYU students everywhere; rooms are small. TripAdvisor: “well-situated hotel,” “price is great,” “delicious breakfast.” | 103 Waverly Pl., at MacDougal St., Greenwich Village | 10011 | 212/777–9515 or 800/222–0418 | www.wshotel.com | 160 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet (some). In-hotel: restaurant, bar, gym, Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, MC, V | CP | Subway: A, B, C, D, E, F, M to W. 4th St./Washington Sq.

MEATPACKING DISTRICT

Hotel Gansevoort.

$$ | Don’t you hate it when a younger sibling shows you up? Unfortunately, that’s the case at the Gansevoort, which is looking a bit frumpy since the Standard opened a few blocks to the west. Still, there’s plenty to like at this chic Meatpacking District pioneer, starting with the sleek rooms that overlook the city or the Hudson River, a rooftop deck with a 45-foot heated pool that remains a draw for locals and tourists alike, and even video-game systems delivered to your room for free. The furnishing themselves are starting to show signs of wear, though the Exhale spa works much better now that it doesn’t have to double as a lounge. What was once the high-end restaurant Ono is now the scaleddown Tanuki Tavern, but it’s still serving Asian fusion fare. Pros: rooftop pool; wonderful art collection; nice amenities. Cons: too-trendy location at times; worn rooms; slipshod service. TripAdvisor: “efficient staff,” “trendy neighborhood,” “rooftop bar/club.” | 18 9th Ave., at 13th St., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/206–6700 or 877/426– 7386 | www.hotelgansevoort.com | 166 rooms, 21 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, pool, gym, spa, laundry service, Internet terminal, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, MC, V | CP | Subway: A, C, E, L to 14th St. and 8th Ave.

The Jane.

¢–$ | To some, it’s impossibly chic; to others, the rooms are reminiscent of Sing Sing; and to its far West Village neighbors it’s just a nuisance. Welcome to the Jane hotel. Off the small lobby, reminiscent of a Correspondent’s Club in a former British colony, you’ll find the bar and ballroom, a sleek spot that’s got the community upset thanks to the crowds it draws on Friday and Saturday nights. The style here is similar to that of the Bowery Hotel, a sister property. Up in the rooms, as Steve Martin might say, let’s get small. The intended effect is that of a railway car: the single beds against the wall have storage space above, and wood paneling is accented by reds and yellows and an oriental rug. There’s also a fan and a/c, but the shared unisex bathroom is down the hall. For more than one person, these rooms would be impossibly cramped. A better option is the Captain’s Cabins with their own bathrooms and a view of the Hudson along with similar decor at about three times the size (and price). Pros: cheap; hot bar scene; amazing decor in lounge; great branch of weekend brunch favorite Café Gitane; convenient neighborhood for downtown sightseeing. Cons: impossibly tiny standard rooms; shared bathrooms; hot bar scene. TripAdvisor: “recommended for solo travelers,” “very clean cabins,” “fun, quirky place to stay.” | 113 Jane St., at West St., West Village | 10014 | 212/924–6700 | www.thejanenyc.com | 150 rooms, 40 suites | In-room: a/c, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: bar,