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New York City hotels range from the tacky to the frankly wacky; from world-class luxury to bijoux treasures. In our experience, the visitor treated as a battery-farmed chicken makes for an unhappy bird; so our criteria are character, comfort and value for money, whatever the price category. And remember, the NYCard offers some great hotel bargains.
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Pushing the Boat Out ($400 and Over)
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1871
House Any real city - simply by virtue of its size - holds a few things back from the cursory glance and the pointed stare alike. This little secret is, as its name suggests, a house built in 1871. What you can't tell, even from the street, is that this smart East Side address has 8 rooms/suites/apartments to let at suprisingly gentle prices. Some have kitchens, some have terraces overlooking the pretty back gardens and all are very comfortably decorated. Surrounded by some of the city's most expensive hotels, you won't give out this address to too many people for fear of not finding a room there next time. $100-$300
This hotel's history makes it an integral part of the New York psyche. Smack in the middle of Midtown, with comfortable rooms and gently sociable public areas. 165 rooms. $200-$300
You can't get more central than this. And because this place was built for the savvy businessman (lots to get done, no Fort Knox expense account), you get all the facilities (coffee-makers, ironing boards, self service laundry, baby cribs, gym, cable TVs, internet access) at a sensible price. 244rooms. $100-$300
Desktop P.C.s, wireless laptops, T-1 internet, internet TV, portable and dual line phones with personal telephone number, conference calling, voicemail, cellular connect capability - all the gadgets you need to keep in touch. Located in the Financial District, in a charming neighborhood a short stroll from historic South Street Seaport and its tall-masted ships. Also nearby are the World Trade Center site, the parks on the Hudson River, swank Tribeca, a bunch of the city's many museums (check out the Police Museum and the Museum of Jewish Heritage - both are often missed by tourists in a cultural hurry) and, of course, such Downtown icons as City Hall, the Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, Federal Hall and more. There are also dozens of free music and entertainment events throughout the summer. 138 rooms. $100-$400 Discount with your NYCard - just $129 most of the year and 10% 0ff even in peak October to mid-December period.
Once a residence for eligible bachelors, the Mansfield today has burnished limestone floors and a harp (used nightly), glimmering at the end of a glass-domed public room, sleigh beds with back-lit, wire mesh headboards, etched glass French doors: you no longer have to be a bachelor to be eligible. 129 rooms. $200-$400 and over
This black skyscraper is geared to business. There are high-tech meeting facilities, all rooms (since September 11th 2001, some 200 have been smartly refurbished so far) have all the plugs you need, and the fitness center has a pool. For stunning views of the harbor, ask for a high floor. Very close to the former World Trade Center - so you may stay as a show of support for Downtown, or perhaps for a bird's eye view of the amazing progress at Ground Zero, or you may simply want to start each day with the entire Financial District at your feet. Official re-opening May 5th, 2003. $100-$400 and over
The lobby staircase in this hip, theater district hotel is made for grand entrances. Though they accommodate small stage productions only, the 600 rooms have generous beds, and ultra-cool, faintly rococco, space-ship accoutrements. $100-$400 and over
Steel
tables, steel sinks, steel-coloured carpets; bedside books, a CD
player, cedar closets and a single red rose. The contrast makes
rooms here at once sleek and comfortable. 84 rooms, but with more
planned. $200-$400 and over
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