Lower Manhattan is amazing. So obviously, lower Manhattan hotels (aka the best hotels in Lower Manhattan) make the perfect spot for a vacation home base, even though they typically don’t have some of the latest robots in the hospitality industry.
Legit:
The glory of Lower Manhattan is just a hop, plank, and squat away (see what I did there) from the iconic attractions of Midtown.
But added bonus::
Lower Manhattan is also literally right across the water from Brooklyn and Queens; making it easy peasy to explore New York City’s other buroughs.
This way, you can actaulyl see the living habitat of REAL people in NYC, and not just the uber rich Manhattan (gross generalizaton but a basis in reality).
However:
Even if you kept it local and stayed in Lower Manhattan for your entire trip to NYC, no way would you ever run out of things to do.
Between the iconic and ever-exciting nieghborhods of SoHo, Greenwich Village, Tribeca, Chelsea, Lower East Side, Chinatown, and NoHo, I promise that if you stay in this area then you will finally understand why NYC really is known as the city that never sleeps.
So slap on a rogue unicorn onesie and let’s dig into 10 of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan!
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1. The Beekman Hotel ($209 per night)
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***Pictured above is the hotel’s atrium. A stunning masterpiece of historic architecture that overlooks the sparkling, Temple Court Bar (the on-site, American restaurant run by none other than Tom Colicchio). With marvelous gilded railings, exquisite carpetry, and magnificent arched doorways, this space truly makes you feel as though you are walking into the romance and wonder of the past.***
I think what I love most about the Beekman Hotel is it’s extensive, culturally rich history; a history dating back to 1761, when the building was the Chapel Street Theatre and held a debut performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
See, Hamlet, Hamilton. Not much has conged over the past 200 years or so.
And no, I have no Voodoo magic to help you score first-row Hamilton tickets for $5.
But if you’ve got that type of power, do hook a girl up.
Fast forward 200 hundred years or so, through several building identity crises, and the Beekman has become a New York City landmark and world-renowned hotel that is one of the best Manhattan hotels with a balcony.
But the best part?
Not only does this hotel have 287 rooms that expertly intertwine the building’s historic beauty with the comfort of ultra-modern amenities, but this hotel also houses an impressive collection of museum-caliber art that includes over 60 paintings, prnts, and photos..
WAY cheaper than paying to enter the MET. Plus:
The hotel’s location is uber-fab and within walking distance of Lower Manhattan icons like the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, the Financial District, and more.
But the most hella cool part?
This hotel offers guests a free, hotel car that you can use to travel to any destination within a mile of the hotel.
Heck Yeah!
And the rooms? They have a refreshing amount of vinatge character that is absent from many of the modern hotelsof today.
I mean:
Not only is there a chic, marble bathroom with an over-sized rain shower, but there is an insanely comfortable queen bed, vintage furnishings, and artwork that pays homage to the hotel’s enchanting past.
And even though I don’t drink, the vintage, skirt lined, circular bar cart was a great touch and super endearing to a history nerd like me.
As far as amenities go:
The hotel has a gym, not that I used it, some sort of night-club that I skipped to binge watch Netflix until my eyes fell out, and an amazing French Restaurant, Augustine, that serves up one badass cheese soufle.
My mouth is still sad that that culinary piece of awesome is gone (insert slightly pathetic lip quiver).
Just do yourself a favor and make a reservation since this restaurant is uber popular.
Also:
Skip the room service because it’s mediocre at best and expensive, even by NYC standards.
2. Sixty Soho ($185 per night)
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OMG, in the rooms, they have a Dean and Deluca stocked mini-bar.
Do I need to say anything else?
Okay, I probably should since mini-bars alone do not make a great hotel.
So first and foremost:
Sixty SoHo is a sleek and snazzy hotel is located in SoHo, one of my all time fave neighborhoods in NYC.
So if you like shopping, good food, amazing street art, and epic museums (the New Museum and Tenement Museum are near by), or all four, then this hotel is the perfect home base for you.
And then there are the rooms.
Within 315 square feet of awesome, you get sleek, hardwood floors, a relaxing seating area, a writing desk, a queen bed with 400 thread count sheets (the perfect place to sleep the day away), free WIFI, plush robes, Maison Margiela bath products, an LCD flat screen tv, and other stuff that I’m probably missing.
Plus:
There’s even a hotel restaurant known as Sessanta, which specializes in Sicilian cuisine and room service that is available 24 hours a day!
Hip, hip, hooray!
There’s also the Gordon Bar, which I didn’t visit.
I did peak inside though since I’m nosey and honestly, it’s super snazzy with a working fireplace, crazy cool tiles, and a neat Chesterfield love seat.
PS:
There’s also a seasonal, rooftop bar with amazing city views for any sun worshippers or alcohol enthusiasts out there.
And for my pet lovin’ friends:
Pets are totally welcome and even get their own, complimentary PETS package.
3. Freehand New York ($160 per night)
Located in NYC’s Financial District:
Freehand New York was once the George Washington Hotel; an eccelectic establishment that was filled with writers, musicians and various other creative individuals.
Today:
The Freehand New York pays homage to it’s unique past with an artistic, hipster chic decor that combines the social atmosphere of a hostel with the high-end service of a luxury hotel.
That’s why:
At this hotel, you’ll find an assortment of room types that include everything from traditional private rooms to chic, bunk bed style dormitories that are perfect for budget travelers.
And I promise, ALL room types feature a private en-suite bathroom.
THANK GOD. No Athlete’s Foot for me. Phew.
All private rooms also come with HD Smart TVs (that are smarter than me), comfortable bedding, Bluetooth sound systems, ACs, safes, and minibars with free bottled water.
Three cheers for being H20 OKAY!
And FYI, these rooms aren’t heinous either.
Designed by Roman & Williams, all 395 rooms are decorated with artwork designed by Bard College students and with furnishings that reflect the best attributes of the surrounding neighborhood.
But it gets better, if that’s possible!
Not only does Freehand New York have a 24 hour gym with Peloton bikes, but this facility also has a game room with shuffleboard, arcade games, a pool table, and table tennis.
Disney World, eat your heart out!
There’s also a kitchen, laundry room, and free WiFi, but let’s be honest, none of that is nearly as exciting as the arcade room.
And if you enjoy hardcore eating your feelings:
This hotel also has three restaurants where you can go to get your foodie groove on; Simon & the Whale (a lively, family-style seafood restaurant), Studio (an all-day café on the second floor), and Smile To Go (a take away location of the popular Mediterranean-style, NoHo café).
And for any ultra-cool kids in the audience:
You can also check out the George Washington Bar, which is located in, and designed after, the library room of the original hotel.
What? Want some epic city views with your drink of choice?
Then head to the Broken Shaker, a rooftop cocktail bar that serves innovative drinks with fresh pressed juices, exotic ingredients, and garden fresh herbs.
Oh la la.
4. Roxy Hotel ($152 per night)
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A true music lover’s paradise, the Roxy Hotel is perfect for anyone who has music in their soul and a song in their heart.
Cheesy, but true.
Because the real star of this hotel is Django, a subterranean jazz club that fills the upstairs Atirum with the smooth sounds of trumpets and saxsophones crooning in the distance.
And for cinema enthusiasts:
There’s even a movie theater that showcases classic, indie, and foreign films that will please anyone and everyone who is even slightly addicted to TCM.
Like me!!
Throw in some expert coffee purveyors and a Paul Sevigny nightclub and this place becomes a poppin’, party loving, extrovert’s paradise of sorts.
And on the weekends, they have a brunch buffet so elastic waist pants are a GO!!
Just head down to Roxy Bar and you’ll find pancakes, waffles, omlettes, and pretty much anything else you can imagine, plus bottomless cocktails for a $20 fee.
Oh, and I almost forgot.
This hotel has a nifty, Tribeca location (the Greenwich Hotel is also a fabulous hotel in Tribeca too), with a 24-hour fitness room, laundry service, free WiFi, and complimentary bikes rentals, when it’s actually warm enough outside to ride a bike.
All this and I haven’t even mentioned the rooms yet! Geez, I really need to step my blogger game up.
All 201 rooms come with a Samsung smart tv/dvd player, Bluetooth-enabled Tivoli radio, fridge with gourmet minibar, liquor cabinet for cocktail-making, tea/coffee maker, free bottled water, and C.O. Bigelow bath products.
But more than that:
Guest rooms here have a charming, mid-century modern, design aesthetic that has a sprinkling of Art Deco and Regency, both of which reflect the neighborhood’s industrial past.
So if you’re looking for a hotel with a little bit of pizazz, then the Roxy is where it’s at.
***This hotel is hilarious and so pet-friendly that he Roxy is so pet-friendly that if you ask in advance, you can borrow a pet goldfish, which will be waiting in your room when you arrive. You can also bring your own pet and the hotel will provide bedding, food, bowls and treats from Bocce’s Bakery.***
***Upon arrival, guests receive a complimentary glass of champagne. Breakfast is also available at $18 for Continental and $20 for American, with an a la carte menu also available. ***
5. MADE Hotel ($150 per night)
Located in the heart of Manhattan:
MADE Hotel is the perfect home base for any intrepid, New York City explorers who want to roll out of bed and enjoy all the magic that NYC has to offer!
Plus:
All 108 guest rooms have a modern, minimalist, space saving aesthetic that incorporates oak platform beds with hidden storage, walnut desks that fold into the wall, and iron racks that create a chic alternative to typical shelving units.
But I swear:
These rooms are also insanely comfortable and practical, with essential amenities like free Wifi, a minibar, a REVO music system, a smart TV, and a patio garden (in case you’re in need of a bit of shrubery).
Additionally:
Ensuite bathrooms feature enchanting, Japanese tiling, handcarved stone sinks, bath products by Davines, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer fantastic views of the aurrounding neighborhood.
Trust me, the views of the Empire State Building from these guest rooms are nothing short of miraculous.
But if you really want a swoon worthy view:
Head to the rooftop bar, where tiki-style drinks are served on a terrace that looks out over the legendary, Empire State Building.
However:
If you feel the need to escape the chaotic party scene, then grab some seasonal new American cuisine at the hotel’s subterranean restaurant Ferris.
Yeah, the food here is insanely delicious, with great vegetarian options like charred aggplant jam, beets with pumpkin mustard, and roasted Okinawa sweet potatos.
And while breakfast isnt included with your saty:
You can head over to the Lobby Bar and enjoy a nice morning meal.
Or for something a bit less formal:
Stroll on over to Paper, a streetside coffee shop that serves up amazing lattes and wicked good pastries.
6. Hotel Hugo ($126 per night)
Where else in NYC can you head to a a glass-enclosed, rooftop bar and be treated to epic views of the Chrysler Building, Empire State, Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center, at the same time?
Exactly!
Twenty stories up, atop the chic, Hotel Hugo, sits Bar Hugo, a stellar, rooftop bar that is filled with handcrafted cocktails, truffle fries, and sliders…oh my!
Truthfully though:
I wouldn’t expect anything less from this charming, boutique hotel, which sits in between Soho and the Hudson River.
I mean:
This incredible, rooftop bar fits the entire vibe of the hotel, which has a contemporary luxury meets Bohemian chic feel; an aesthetic with an air of excitement that makes you want to get out there and explore all that NYC has to offer.
Plus:
You can skip the high prices and crowds of Little Italy and enjoy some autheic, on-site, Northern Italian cuisine at Il Principe, a downstairs restaurant that offers gastronomic deliciousness like pancakes di ricotta, pan-seared salmon, and ossobuco.
Excuse the drool. I swear I can be pseudo-classy.
As far as the guest rooms are concerned, all 122 rooms include a comfy bed of the king, queen, or double variety, with wood furnishings. a spacious workspace, a 32″ flat-screen, a mini-fridge, and a Keurig coffee maker.
Three cheers for coffee gold in your room.
A perfect hotel in lower Manhattan for anyone who wants a little approachable, reasonably priced luxury in their life.
7. Hôtel Americano ($125 per night)
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Umm, Hotel Americano has a rooftop pool and is located in the ultra-fab, Chelsea Gallery district.
So by booking a room here, you really CAN’T go wrong! Especially since there are postcard caliber views literally everywhere you turn.
The only slight downer? There are all these high maintenance fashionistas everywhere that attempt to Instagram it up by the pool.
Blech.
But can you honestly blame them? Because yes, this place is THAT beautiful.
I mean, this modern, minimalist style hotel just glitters with metallic details that make this a beautiful place to behold, both inside and out.
And once you head inside:
You’ll be delighted by each of the hotel’s 56 rooms, which are modeled after a Ryokan, AKA traditional Japanese inns that have been around since the 8th century.
Think I’m speaking in tongues?
Just envision rooms with peacefully simple, “less is more” style decor that includes a platform bed and simple, modern furniture with clean lines.
And while the decor does feel slightly traditional, the in-room amenities are nothing but modern.
This chick right here loves the free Wifi everywhere, preloaded iPads with music, local recommendations, LCD TV, minibar stocked with local foodie deliciousness, a beanbag chair (Talk about a 90s throwback. If only they had an inflatable couch too), and Le Labo bath products.
Just typing all that makes me smile.
There are even in-room massages with awesome products from The Ritualist, in case this hotel hadn’t wowed you enough already.
Before you leave though:
Don’t forget to hit up the hotel restaurant, run by chef Andres Grundy, which churns out French cuisine with a splash of Latin American influence.
Yup, stick a fork in me because I’ve just died and gone to heaven.
I’ll take a burger with poblano chiles and avocado…stat!
8. The Jane ($90 per night)
Originally built in 1908 as the American Seaman’s Friend Society Sailors’ Home and Institute:
This New York City landmark was fully renovated in 2008 and transformed into the Jane Hotel, a modern, boutique hotel that lies in New York City’s ever popular West Village (literally right next door to the meatpacking district).
Designed by William A. Boring:
This building housed Titanic survivors in 1912 (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio not included) and held a memorial service here to commemorate all those who were lost aboard the ship.
Today:
The hotel retains the charm of its historic past with exquisite, wood-paneled rooms that resemble the interior of a vintage, train sleeper car.
In total:
This hotel has 130 standard rooms to choose from, with 40 bunk bed cabins with shared bathrooms, and 30 captain’s cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
Additionally:
Many rooms contain beds (or bunk beds) with built-in storage and brass fittings for hanging clothes.
To remind you that you are still in the 21st century:
Rooms come fully equipped with iPod docks, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, safes, robes with slippers, and telephones, creating the perfect fusion of historic charm and modern convenience.
There’s also a lovely, grand ballroom, that gives visitors a vintage feel since it is decorated with mismatched chairs, oriental rugs, and a fireplace that is topped with, what else, a GIANT stuffed ram (totally eccentric but in a good way).
Plus:
There’s even an on-site cafe, the Old Rose, that serves a fine selection of Italian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a delightful space to relax as you’re bathed in the warmth of NYC’s sun.
9. The Ace Hotel ($117 per night)
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Located in lower Manhattan, along West 29th Street:
The Ace Hotel of New York sits in a historic, turn-of-the-century building that embodies the spirit and culture of NYC’s distant past.
Just steps from NYC icons like Bryant Park and the New York Public Library:
The Ace Hotel offers guests 4-star accommodations, with rooms that include amazingly comfortable beds, vintage furniture, hardwood floors, claw foot tubs with separate showers, Rudy’s bath products, unqiue artwork from local artists, flat-screen TVs, free WIFI, an in-room safe, etc.
Now, as far as the stellar service goes:
You’ll be treated to 24-hour room service, express check-in or check-out, a hair salon, coffee bar, fitness center, and guest services desk that can book some epic tours and tickets for you.
Also:
Try and stop by the hotel’s restaurant, The Breslin, which specializes in high-quality cuisine with deep flavor, seasonal ingredients, and expert cooking techniques.
Run by April Bloomfield:
This high-end, contemporary, British gastropub features a wide variety of menus that cover everything from breakfast (which you can enjoy daily in the hotel’s dining room) through brunch and dinner.
I personally love the breakfast baked goods but I’m a true carboholic, so take what I say with a grain, or twelve, of salt.
10. Arlo SoHo ($100 per night)
Surrounded by a trifecta of awesome neighborhoods that include Soho, Tribeca, and Greenwich:
The Arlo Soho Hotel is an ingeniously designed boutique hotel that packs a whole lot of personality in a cozy amount of space.
With urban-chic, cabin rooms that have walnut alcove beds and innovative storage solutions, this hotel is perfect for any minimalists in training.
Container Store, east your heart out.
At this hotel, the general philosophy is to pack only what you need, and nothing else, except that light up selfie stick that makes you look so damn good in your Instagram photos.
So better leave that extra kitchen sink at home.
Which is cool since all 325 rooms, of which there are like 10,000 different varieties, include blackout shades, floor-to-ceiling windows, rain shower heads, Blind Barber bath products, a hairdryer, WIFI, and a mini fridge.
***The best room in the place is probably the City Queen-Terrace, which has an awesome patio, with two sun loungers, an outdoor shower and insane views of downtown Manhattan.***
Feelin’ frisky? Then journey up on the roof!
Here, you’ll find Good Story, an inside-outside bar with craft beers/cocktails and delicious panoramic views of the nearby, Hudson River.
Or:
You can always head down below and settle into a nice comfy seat at the lobby’s Arlo Liquor Bar and library.
And if you’re forever hungry like me:
Swing by Harold’s Meat, a Southern American restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Just pick a meat (or protein-packed alternative), pair it with three delicious sides and you’re good to go.
Nom.
You can also choose between the salad bar, avocado toast, prime rib, fried chicken, etc. (prepare to sport the food baby of a lifetime).
But my fave and one true love?
Forever and always coffee! It had my heart at first drip (LoL)!
So if you feel like I do, then stop by the hotel’s coffee shop, Bodega, and grab some Joe’s coffee or an artisan snack of sorts from mouth.com; a snack that’ll cost you more since the word artisan is used to describe it.
So grab a bangin’ cup of coffee and prepare for one epic hotel stay.