New York City Chelsea

Chelsea Star Hotel, 300 W. 30th St., at 8th Ave. (www.starhotelny.com), Don't let the humdrum exterior fool you; on the inside, this economy-priced hostel and hotel is bright, lively, and fun. If possible, try staying in one of the custom-painted themed rooms, such as the Shakespeare Room where the bard will watch over you as you sleep. In the summer, the patio area is a great place to read, work on a computer, or just hang out. The lounge downstairs has computers, laundry facilities, and coffee and tea 7-11am. Free Wi-Fi. 4-bed dorms $35 per person; singles with shared bath $79; doubles $99, with bath $169. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet.
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Hotel Chelsea, 222 W. 23rd St., at 8th Ave. (www.hotelchelsea.com), Upon your visit to the Hotel Chelsea, you will be greeted by a woman on a swing high above your head—or a sculpture of a woman, anyway. Built in 1883 and opened as a hotel in 1905, this place is an artist's dream. In addition to a massive collection of art pieces, the hotel boasts an extensive guest list of artists who have called it home for a brief or extended period: Jasper Johns, Claes Oldenburg, Willem de Kooning, and Frida Kahlo rank among the most notable. It was also featured in Andy Warhol's 1966 film The Chelsea Girls. Your room itself will be a work of art; each room is beautifully decorated, and no two are the same. 1-2 people $129; 1-2 people with bath from $179, 1-4 people with bath from $199, suites from $259. Takes credit cards. Has internet.
Chelsea Pines Inn, 317 W. 14th St., between 8th and 9th Ave. (www.chelseapinesinn.org), A small but classy hotel where they have a fascination with old movies. Classic posters decorate all of the rooms, and photographs of Audrey Hepburn and similarly classy celebs grace the walls. The breakfast area extends into a lovely garden so that guests may enjoy their complimentary breakfast alfresco. Double rooms $199-299; deluxe rooms $189-350. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Chelsea Savoy Hotel, 204 W. 23rd St., at 7th Ave. (www.chelseasavoy.com), A more vanilla option than other hotels in Chelsea, the Chelsea Savoy Hotel is still a conveniently located, tastefully decorated place to crash. Amenities include cable television in every room and a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning. Single room with double bed $99-145, with queen bed $125-$295, with king bed $165-350; quads with 2 double beds $145-325. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Colonial House Inn, 318 W. 22nd St., between 8th and 9th Ave. (www.colonialhouseinn.com), A unique opportunity to rent a room in a swanky townhouse so saturated with modern art it almost makes walking toward the place a nerve-racking experience. The Rothko-esque painting in the lobby was actually executed by Mel Cheren (as in “The Godfather of Disco”), who ran the establishment for 20 years. A climb to the deck on the roof, though taxing, is rendered completely worthwhile by the breathtaking view of New York City. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi in rooms with bath, $3 in economy rooms. Direct TV ensuite. Economy rooms with shared bath $130-180; rooms with bath $180-$300; suites from $300. Prices vary with season. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet.