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 New York Downtown Hotels
An exhilarating, energetic, eclectic melting pot, New York is a truly cosmopolitan city, where every language is spoken, every race represented and every cuisine practised. It has suffered more than most but always emerged triumphant, recovering from a past when crime and drugs were rife to become one of the least crime-ridden cities in the US. The 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers struck at its very fabric, dismantling its iconic skyline in a matter of minutes. Yet by dint of the inhabitants' resilience, it has risen phoenix-like from the ashes.
As you'd expect in such a vibrant place, there is a huge choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. Start by devoting some thought to where you want to be based. The following recommendations are all in the area of Manhattan known as Downtown or Lower Manhattan, stretching south from about 23rd Street down to the toe of the island, including the Financial District, bristling with money, concrete and glass; bohemian Greenwich Village; arty SoHo; and trendy Gramercy, NoHo and lower Chelsea on the borders of Midtown. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Darren Taffinder |
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| Luxury: Updated luxury boutique with a bohemian twist |
| Location: Gramercy |
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| The Gramercy Park hotel was completely renovated in 2006 by legendary hotelier and real-estate developer Ian Schrager. Sexy and cool, it still retains the boho feel of the original. In fact, it might be the only hotel where the bar contains artwork by Andy Warhol and Damian Hirst. As an added bonus, guests have access to the private Gramercy Park, from where the area gets its name. |
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| Luxury: Young, hip and delightfully atmospheric |
| Location: NoHo, near the East Village |
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| Young and hip, the Bowery Hotel is not located in one of New York’s most picturesque blocks, but don’t let that put you off. Once inside you forget the surroundings and surrender yourself to its cosy old New York charms. The loft-style rooms all have large industrial windows, and feature luxurious bathrooms, iPod powered stereo, flat screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. |
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| Luxury: Hip and stylish SoHo original |
| Location: SoHo District |
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| Hip and original, this is the sort of hotel celebrities stay at when they're visiting New York City. The hotel was designed by Thomas O'Brien, and the whole place, from the lobby to the rooms, reflects his style of ‘warm modernism’. Be warned though, if you’re not a smoker make sure you book one of the non-smoking rooms. During the summer, check out A60, the rooftop bar, for amazing views of Manhattan. |
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| Luxury: Exclusive luxury in lower Manhattan |
| Location: 9th Avenue; Meatpacking District |
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| This is the New York outpost for London’s exclusive member’s only Soho House club. You don’t have to be a member to stay here, but you’ll want to join after you get back. The service is friendly and polite, the rooms are sumptuous, and fans of Sex and the City will immediately recognise the heated roof-top pool. Make sure you take advantage of the Cowshed Spa on the third floor. |
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| Mid Price: Stylish boutique hotel with impeccable service |
| Location: Financial District, near Wall Street |
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| In easy walking distance of Wall Street, the South Street Seaport, Broadway, Brooklyn Bridge, and Staten Island ferry, this 53-room boutique hotel prides itself on its stylish interiors and top-notch service. Rooms include free Wi-Fi access, flat screen TVs and full kitchens. For those with a sweet tooth, check out their weekend chocolate package that includes a chocolate-themed walking tour of Manhattan. |
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| Mid Price: SoHo home away from home |
| Location: Soho |
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| This understated hotel is housed in a unique Romanesque building that dates back to 1890, and is right in the epicentre of one of New York’s coolest neighbourhoods. The overall theme is ‘hotel as home’, and if you want to get a sense of what it’s like living in Manhattan then this is the place for you. Any stay must include a visit to The Kitchen restaurant located just off the lobby. |
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| Mid Price: More than a hotel, a New York cultural landmark |
| Location: Chelsea |
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| The Hotel Chelsea was the first building to be listed by the city as a historic building of note. Artwork from previous residents lines the lobby and hallways. Sir Arthur C. Clarke, William Burroughs, and Dylan Thomas have all stayed here. Grimly, it was also here that Sid Vicious (possibly) stabbed Nancy Spungen to death. It’s a little gritty, but you’ll certainly have some stories to tell. |
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| Inexpensive: Historic hotel in the Village |
| Location: Greenwich Village |
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| Walking into the lobby of the Washington Square Hotel is like time travelling to the left bank of 1930s Paris. Just off the corner of Manhattan’s other park and in middle of the Greenwich Village, this place oozes an intimate, low-key charm. The rooms are a bit on the small side, and make sure you get one that overlooks the park, but its location more than makes up for it. |
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| Inexpensive: European style in Chelsea |
| Location: Chelsea |
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| Tucked away in a lovely brownstone on one of the most beautiful blocks of Manhattan, it would be easy to miss Chelsea Lodge. This, though, would be a shame as its one of New York’s hidden gems. Owned and run by a husband and wife duo, this European-style hotel is both elegant and homely. All the rooms have all been recently restored and refurbished. |
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