Profile

Although the moniker sounds like an homage to George and Ira, you won't find anything relating to the famous song writers here. You'll quickly catch on when you see the building's facade, painted fire-engine red and dripping with massive, white awnings and papier-mâché shaped like teardrops. Inside, the lobby boasts original artwork from Andy Warhol and Roy Liechtenstein, and even a luncheonette-sized Campbell's Soup can signed by Warhol himself. A ride in the lime-green elevator takes passengers up 13 floors full of work from modern pop artists associated with Warhol's Factory. The artwork extends into the small and spartanly furnished rooms, which feature hardwood floors, exposed brick and primary colored Euro-minimalist/Ikea-esque furniture. This art-gallery turned European-flophouse is a favorite for travelers on a budget seeking location, location, location. The place is also popular with fashionistas: The fourth floor is designated for models only. — Nick Divito

If you're looking for more original artwork, step next door to The Museum of Sex.

Cons
The grit factor: Wet mops and buckets of muddy water rest idly in the hallways.