Gershwin HotelEditor's Pick

EuroCheapo Review email this page print this page

Just a five-minute walk from the Empire State Building, the two-star Gershwin Hotel is a well-executed hotel thriving on the crazy energy of 1970s New York. The concept here is budget boutique, and it is applied at just about every level, from spacious small suites to hostel-style dorm beds. Though the former are a relatively decent value, the real bargains are the standard double rooms and dorm beds.

Of 150 rooms in total, our favorites look more like apartments than hotel rooms, with hardwood floors and quirky art pieces on walls. The individual bird lamps in one suite were a real stand-out, as was the outline of a woman's face drawn across two walls in a standard double. Rooms tend toward the bright, with often loud colors and bright prints and other pieces of art throughout. Furniture is remarkably plain in comparison, and consists largely of IKEA-ish pieces. Dorm rooms are relatively amenity-free; private rooms are equipped with telephones and cable television.

The aesthetic is devoted to the New York of dynamic local art and nightlife scenes. Vintage magazine covers and various art works blanket hallways. The Gershwin has its very own "Vibe Consultant," an artist named Neke Carson who is associated with Andy Warhol's Factory. The vibe Carson curates at the Gershwin is seriously artistic but accessible. There is a gallery in the lobby.

The Birch Café on the premises is a great place to hang out. It's got a strong organic impulse, with repurposed furniture and Rainforest Alliance Coffee on the menu. Located just north of the Flatiron district and just south of Koreatown, the hotel is close to many attractions and transportation options.

Wireless Internet access is free in the lobby and available for a small charge in rooms. There's also a mezzanine-level library.

» 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.