Fodor's Expert Review Washington Square Hotel

Since 1902, this low-key hotel has hosted famous people (Ernest Hemingway, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan all stayed here), and today it is popular with visiting New York University parents thanks to its location near Washington Square Park. It's easy to get anywhere in the city from here, since it's just one block from the West 4th Street subway station. Deluxe rooms have a snazzy Hollywood art deco style and much more natural light than the rather plain, pastel-color standard rooms. The intimate Deco Room off the lobby has mosaic floors, elegant mirrors, and a wrought-iron-and-glass brass gate from Paris—guests can sip tea here during the day, and at night, pull a stool up to the bar. The North Square restaurant downstairs has a jazz brunch and surprisingly sophisticated fare.