New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [237]
Hotel on Rivington.
$$ | A pioneer when it opened in 2004, THOR is no longer the only glass-walled hotel on the Lower East Side, and the years are starting to show, as some fixtures in the room are starting to get tatty. Still, the views of downtown remain breathtaking. The bathrooms aren’t for the modest or faint of heart—you’ll either want to shower with your glasses on, or you’ll blush at being completely naked before the entire city (privacy curtains can be requested). Downstairs, the hotel bar is pure excess—it and the jumping restaurant are velvet-roped mayhem on weekends. (Staying here also gives you access to a small VIP bar next door.) The bar–art library–billiard room on the mezzanine is a hangout you can call your own. Pros: superhip location and vibe; huge windows with wonderful New York views; happening bar and restaurant. Cons: feels like a club on weekends; spotty service; small rooms and suites. TripAdvisor: “very helpful and friendly staff,” “basic breakfast,” “modern and clean rooms.” | 107 Rivington St., between Ludlow and Essex Sts., Lower East Side | 10002 | 212/475–2600 or 800/915–1537 | www.hotelonrivington.com | 110 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, laundry service, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: F, J, M, Z to Delancey/Essex Sts.
Fodor’s Choice | Thompson LES.
$$ | The best expression of the Thompson Hotels philosophy, the Thompson LES is a stylish addition to the neighborhood, the smoked-glass tower contrasting with the Hotel on Rivington’s wide-open views. The two-story lobby, dominated by a hanging black-and-white curtain made of glass, bustles with Europeans, musicians, and others with carefully crafted hair (that includes the too-cool-for-school staff). Shang, a pan-Asian restaurant from Toronto’s Susur Lee, shares space on the second floor with the lounge, which has roll-up windows for alfresco drinking in the warmer months. Rooms are stark, black-and-white affairs, with low platform beds whose headboards are light boxes displaying works by the photographer Lee Friedlander. The desk space can be cramped, and although the windows are big, come nighttime it’s oppressively dark. Bathrooms are stocked with products from New York’s own Kiehl’s as well as rainfall showerheads; the minibar includes snacks from Dean & Deluca, another New York–based company. Suites, on the building’s corners, come with balconies with sweeping views of both downtown and Midtown—some of the best in the city. The neighborhood is a nexus for nightlife on the weekends, and it’s just a short walk to Chinatown. Pros: great amenities; in the heart of downtown; great views from suites. Cons: snobby staff; rooms stylish but dark. TripAdvisor: “vibrant atmosphere,” “extremely comfortable bed,” “absolutely amazing room.” | 190 Allen St., between Houston and Stanton Sts., Lower East Side | 10002 | 212/460–5300 | www.thompsonhotels.com | 131 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, pool, laundry service, Wi-Fi hotspot | AE, MC, V | Subway: F, J, M, Z to Delancey/Essex Sts.
CHELSEA
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