Washington Square Hotel

Ideally located across a leafy street from Washington Square Park in the heart of Greenwich Village, the (appropriately named) Washington Square Hotel is a family-run throwback of a hotel, though with a notable vintage twist.

This three-star hotel offers 152 guestrooms that have all been renovated (modern carpets, painting and leather headboards), although an Art Deco theme still holds sway, and photos of Hollywood starlets look down from the walls.

Superior rooms face the interior—and are thus a bit quieter and darker—while Deluxe rooms offer city or park views, for about $20 extra. Either way, rooms are on the small side, but they come with all the amenities you’d expect, including a flat-screen TV, telephone, safe, coffee maker and iPod dock.

The private bathrooms are also quite small and offer toiletries, a bathrobe and hair dryer.

Breakfast, included in the room rate, is served in the lounge, which is also the site of live jazz on some Sundays. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

History

The hotel has a long history of sheltering starving artists. During its time as a cheap resident hotel, one might have run into Dylan Thomas, Bo Diddley, Joan Baez or Bob Dylan wandering its halls. In more recent history, Norah Jones worked for a time in the restaurant, and we’re told various musicians still return to stay (and play).

Today, the Washington Square Hotel is one of the few remaining family-run hotels in the city, lovingly run by the Paul family, who took over in the ‘70s and revamped the joint, while retaining the artsy feel. In fact, the tiled art in the hallways, lobby and even elevator are all the works of proprietor Rita Paul. We loved the lobby's classic black-and-white checkered floor, as well as the swank martini bar beyond it. The restaurant maintains a similar jazzy feel, and there is a modern gym off the lobby.

Location

The hotel's idyllic setting across from Washington Square Park is a perfect starting point for exploring tranquil Greenwich Village and its slightly grittier neighbor, the East Village. The campus of New York University radiates from around the park, which is surrounded by a mix of historic architecture and modern buildings.

The Soho shopping district is not far on foot, and seven nearby subway lines at West 4th Street make the rest of city accessible.

Subways: The nearest subway station West 4th Street-Washington Square is just 1 block from the hotel and offers access to the A/C/E, B/D/F, M and 6 lines.