Profile

When the 165-room Hotel Wolcott was built a century ago, its mish-mash of Beaux-Arts and neo-Greek architecture left writers scrambling for descriptions: "French modern," "neo-classical ornamental," and just plain "gaudy" were among them. Once the turn-of-the-century stomping ground of writer Edith Wharton, the immense hotel is now a favorite budget option for visiting Midwesterners, European backpackers, and anyone else who steps into the grand, gilded lobby. Though the prices are relatively low and the amenities modern, the sophisticated Old New York feel remains intact. One almost expects to see John Astor himself glide into the expansive front room to eat his fill of the free muffins and coffee set out each morning. — Amelie Gillette

A lot of history and comfort for a reasonable price.

Cons
Though the neighborhood is convenient for both East and West Side sight-seeing, at night this stretch of Midtown can seem pretty dreary.

Claim to Fame
Edith Wharton, Buddy Holly and a Titanic survivor have all stayed here.