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We were delighted to find a true pension-style guesthouse just off Fifth Avenue. Owner Alina opened the doors to the Chelsea Inn and gave us a tour of her beautiful and moderately priced guestrooms.
The narrow rooms with high ceilings and tall windows are intimate and smartly arranged. Lengthy dressers with broad mirrors accentuate the dimensions of the room. Sheer drapery allows soft light to illuminate the space, and the wall décor is thoughtfully selected by Alina herself. Each double room shares a bathroom via a vestibule with the neighboring room.
The gorgeous suite on the first floor sleeps four and, even at the high season rate, is a terrific value. The main room has a sitting bed with a pullout beneath and includes a small dining table, fridge, and microwave. The bedroom offers privacy and a full-size bed with an elegant wood headboard.
The best thing about a small pension like this is the service: though the noise from the street is not overwhelming, Alina arranges courtyard rooms for light-sleepers. There are also annual rate specials during weekends in July and for a period during the Christmas season. And, as a non-affiliated perk, Nana's Goods bakery shares the building. Bake us a muffin and call us charmed!
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