Hotel Chelsea

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Please note: As of August 1, 2011, the Hotel Chelsea is closed to guests. We will update our review as new information becomes available.

The legendary Hotel Chelsea calls itself "a rest stop for rare individuals," and we can't argue with this distinction. With a location convenient to an eclectic bunch of restaurants and jazz clubs, the Chelsea boasts a guest list that is equally wide-ranging, including the likes of Mark Twain, O. Henry, Thomas Wolfe, Dylan Thomas, Claes Oldenburg, Jimi Hendrix and William Burroughs.

No two of the Chelsea’s 375 rooms are exactly the same, and that's part of its charm. They are spacious and generally clean (though sometimes a tad musty smelling), and much of their mismatched furniture shows its age. Amenities are basic but include air conditioning, cable TV and, often, work spaces with desks. In short, this is a hotel you visit for its storied past and funky present, not so much for luxury.

If drag queens, drama queens, writers and wannabe writers aren’t your thing, then head elsewhere. But if this kind of crowd is your idea of fun, then this historic hotel could be a fun place for you to soak up a classic New York experience.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

» Marina Cashdan

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