The Bowery Hotel, New York City, US

No longer America's most famous Skid Row, the Bowery maintains links to its hard-luck past through a couple of homeless drop-in shelters, one of which sits directly next to the Bowery Hotel. But guests needn't worry about getting panhandled or disturbed on their way into this charming prewar building situated within walking distance from both halves of the Village, Soho and Nolita. The doormen, like the rest of the staff, are attentive and ever-present. Inside, the King and Queen rooms are cozy and blazing white, dotted like the rest of the hotel with old-time touches like brass shower heads and wooden curtain-rods. For more space, upgrade to the 1275-square-foot one-bedroom suites with a large private terrace. Twenty-four hour room service is available care of the rustic Italian restaurant downstairs, Gemma, which has won praise from the city's notoriously hard-to-please critics (though salad portions can be on the skimpy side).

Tel.: 212-505-9100
140 rooms & suites

For more information: The Bowery Hotel