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A refreshing change from the shiny high-rises popping up downtown, the Blue Moon sits in an 1879 tenement that’s been painstakingly restored to reflect its origins. Interestingly, when Randy Settenbrino purchased the building in 2000, he found a treasure trove of period items still sitting in the boarded-up former apartments: old cosmetics ads, typewriter-ribbon boxes, even some Depression–era math homework. Everything was then repurposed into the décor during a five-year renovation: Collages adorn the walls of the lobby and lower-level event spaces, old mosaics and Victorian–pressed tin enliven the elevator, and wrought-iron from the fire escapes was used on the balconies, some of which boast views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building. Divided into six categories, from Pied-à-Terre to Quintessential, the 22 larger-than-average guest rooms are named for bygone stars—Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson are penthouse suites, the Marx Brothers features a 275-square-foot balcony, and the family-friendly Molly Picon has a separate living room. Despite the use of vintage materials, the décor is streamlined: Every one has a flat-screen TV, DVD player, mini-kitchenette, and furnishings of muted earth tones. As a final perk, there’s a free Continental breakfast in the lobby with locally made rugelach and bagels. — Sandra Ramani

Next door to the Tenement Museum, the hotel is perfectly situated for exploring downtown neighborhoods. The relaxed, artistic staff members are experts on local activities and history. Plus, its history and décor make it one of the city’s most unique hotels.

Cons
High-season rates are on par with those of a luxury midtown hotel.