Chelsea Pines InnEditor's Pick

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If hotels can be reduced to pie charts summing up their main aesthetic points of reference, the two-star Chelsea Pines Inn’s pie would be divided as follows: 40 percent European cinema, 30 percent gay cultural icons and 30 percent New York townhouse chic.

The 26 rooms are done up in neutral shades, though copious wall posters keep things bright. It's not a cutting-edge hotel in terms of décor, but everything is clearly well-tended. The best deal at the Chelsea Pines is probably the tiny single room, which can function as a double for those guests unfussy about space. Rooms are equipped with flat screen TVs, iPod docks, telephones and air conditioning. En suite bathrooms are very clean.

Other perks include a small backyard smoking patio, a bright atrium of a breakfast nook (where an expanded Continental breakfast is served) and, as of our most recent visit, a brand-new business center, access to which is free of charge.

Though the Chelsea Pines has historically been a gay-oriented hotel with a mostly gay clientele, it’s currently just as likely to shelter European families.

Overseeing the aesthetic mish-mash at the Chelsea Pines is a house cat named Charlie, who, all things being equal, is probably taking a nap at this very moment.

» Alex Robertson Textor

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.