Profile

Hidden behind an austere entrance on lower Madison Avenue, Ian Schrager’s original New York offering remains a friendly port for travelers with a discerning eye for style. The brainchild of renowned French interior architect Andree Putman, the minimalist spirit of the hotel’s décor has been preserved from its 1985 opening. Guest rooms are simply apportioned with a mildly futuristic feel and furniture that seems designed more to look good than to feel good. The beds—low-slung, futon-like pieces with upholstered headboards—are comfortable enough. Each room has a specially designed built-in wall unit made of birds-eye maple that integrates a window seat, a desk, a cabinet and large drawers to stow away luggage—a truly innovative space-saving touch. Bathrooms are tiled in a black-and-white checkered pattern, Putman’s homage to old New York’s checkered cabs and a design cue that crops up throughout the hotel. Asia de Cuba, Morgans Hotel’s chic dining establishment, offers Latin-infused Asian dishes (or, if you prefer, Asian-infused Latin dishes) in a sophisticated setting. — Andrew Wang

The hotel's wide range of services and amenities, its chic design and upscale restaurant and bar (Morgans) will attract you, but its attentive, friendly staff will make you feel at home and tempt you to stay longer.

Cons
Only the hotel’s smart space-saving measures keep the rooms from being your average cramped New York hotel room.

Claim to Fame
An original Robert Mapplethorpe photograph hangs in each room of the hotel.