The Chelsea Hotel
222 W. 23rd St.
212-243-3700
hotelchelsea.com

This hotel was cool and artsy long before its nabe became the same. Built in 1884, the creative-friendly Chelsea has housed notables like Arthur Miller, Mark Twain, and Bob Dylan. Its 100 rooms are fairly big, with thick walls and old-fashioned bathrooms — where, by the way, you won't find much more than a bar of soap. Permanent residents are a mix of stylish eccentrics and young professionals. Serena's, the hip bar in the basement, mixes a mean martini. Summer rates from $135.


Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Ave., at 21st St.
212-475-4320
gramercyparkhotel.com

The lobby of the Gramercy, with its high ceilings and period chandeliers, hasn't changed much since it opened in 1924. Beyond its shabby bar (which enjoys a cultlike popularity) and star-studded history — Humphrey Bogart and Babe Ruth stayed here — the hotel's No. 1 perk is that guests get access to the exclusive Gramercy Park, next to the hotel. Summer rates are from $150 for a single and $170 for a double.


Hotel Wales
1295 Madison Ave., at 92nd St.
212-876-7000
waleshotel.com

The lobby of this Carnegie Hill institution, with oriental rugs and a fireplace, is in keeping with the nearby Vanderbilt, Carnegie, and Sloan mansions. Guests are surrounded by museums, Madison Avenue shops, and Central Park. The restaurant, Sarabeth's Kitchen, serves one of the best breakfasts in the city (dinner's not bad, either). Use the tiny fitness center, or the 92nd Street Y, two blocks away. Summer rates from $229.


Washington Square Hotel
103 Waverly Pl.
212-777-9515
washingtonsquarehotel.com

This moderately priced, family-owned hotel in the West Village has 165 freshly painted rooms — all with high ceilings and newish furniture. Plus there's a small fitness room, a cozy bistro called C3, and a lounge where you can listen to jazz and linger over Sunday brunch. You can't beat the location on the corner of Washington Square Park. Summer rates from $131.