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The City That Finally Sleeps: Part II

© Jeanne-Michele Vigna

There truly is no lack of accommodations in New York, which is surprising for such an expensive city. And, while there are a decent amount of hostels spread out among the five boroughs, there are also a fine number of establishments less interested in separating you from your money, and more interested in offering you a real quaint New York experience.

For art aficionados, there is the very unique Gershwin Hotel, located in the Flatiron district. From the outside to the lobby, The Gershwin Hotel is chock full of original art, including one of Andy Warhol's classic Campbell's Soup Cans. The hotel also includes an in-house cabaret; the living room features live music, stand-up comedy and theater performances several nights a week. Also sharing the first floor is an art gallery with international art exhibit and a grotto-like bar. Here a single or double room can cost anywhere from $99 for an economy-style single to $295 for a one-bedroom suite (depending on season). Amenities include voicemail, TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom.

Chelsea Lodge is a newly renovated European-style hotel offering cost-conscious travelers clean, comfortable accommodations. Located in New York City's historic Chelsea area, Chelsea Lodge is a convenient location for travel to most New York City neighborhoods. Single occupancy ranges from Thurs $75, Fri-Sat $90; double occupancy ranges from Sun-Thurs $90, Fri-Sat $105. The 22 rooms include double beds, private shower, sink, TV, air conditioning and maid service.

Rooms to Let is a bed & breakfast situated in an 1852 Greek Revival residence. The parlor floor is used by all of the guests, and a continental breakfast is served here each morning. A curved staircase leads to the second floor where three rooms are available for guests. Alex's Room features a large double room with queen bed for $150 per night; Sylvia's Room is a large double room with twin beds at $150 per night; and Amy's Little Rooms are two small single rooms each at $95 per night. The guests share modern and spacious bathrooms.

Tucked away in the highly residential, but historic part of the West Village, one can find the Incentra Village House. This quaint (and gay-friendly) inn is made up of two 19th century red-brick townhouses, featuring typical narrow hallways, charming old staircases, a double Victorian parlor with fireplaces, antique furnishings and a 1939 Steinway baby grand piano (which guests are welcome to play). Each room features a private bathroom, air conditioner, telephone, TV and coffeemaker. Some rooms even include a kitchenette and a working fireplace. In addition, each room is named after its original house status or a particular theme such as the Stable Room, which is in the same location as the real stables were in the 1800s. The Maine Room features a four-poster bed and a matching bureau from a Maine farmhouse. Other rooms include the Garden Room, Bishop Suite, Washington Room and Stonewall Room. Prices range from $99 single room occupancy to $179 for double room occupancy.

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