Fodor's Expert Review Washington Square Hotel
103 Waverly Pl., at MacDougal St., New York, New York 10011, USA See on Map
Since 1902, this low-key hotel has served as a warm and welcoming base in Greenwich Village. Lots of famous people have stayed here (Ernest Hemingway, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan) and this attracts travelers seeking New York’s literary and musical history. Also, just a whole lot of parents visiting their students at NYU stay here.
YOU SHOULD KNOW As this property provides excellent value, reservations often fill up quickly. Plan in advance if you want to stay.
room
Cozy and clean, rooms are on the simple side with Art Deco accents, Keurig coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Guests in search of rooms with ample natural light will probably be drawn to the deluxe rooms.
Rooms have interior or park views—make a request for a park view when you reserve so you can look outside and see something pretty.
bathroom
Basic bathrooms have white tile, terry cloth bathrobes, and C. O. Bigelow bath products.
lobby
The lobby is a small, charming space with wood-paneled walls and a pretty tile floor. Off the lobby, the Deco room has mosaic floors, elegant mirrors, and a wrought-iron-and-glass brass gate from Paris; a mix of guests and locals sip their tea here during the day and pull up a stool to the bar at night.
dining
Soft candles and sleek wood tables decorate the North Square restaurant, where dishes often include ingredients from the hotel’s rooftop garden. Also, they do a jazz brunch every Sunday-- that's jazz and brunch, at the same time. Nice.
LOCATION
Getting Around
The convenient Greenwich Village location is ideal for exploring lower Manhattan on foot. The West Village, SoHo, and Union Square are all within an easy stroll. Subway access is a block away with the West 4th station (A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains), and both taxi and Uber service are plentiful in the area.
Restaurants
In an unusual location for an upscale dining experience—the rowdy, bar-lined MacDougal Street—Minetta Tavern (4-minute walk) is a retro-inspired bistro with one of New York’s most famous burgers (make reservations in advance or go early and aim for a seat at the bar). In a neighborhood full of New York University students, it should come as no surprise that options for affordable, quality eats are plentiful. Saigon Shack (5-minute walk) is a crowd-pleasing, informal spot that fills tables with steaming bowls of pho and fresh banh mi sandwiches. A cozy Italian trattoria with a popular sidewalk table scene, Bar Pitti (7-minute walk) is especially excellent on a warm summer evening.
WHY WE LIKE IT
A neighborhood classic, this property provides excellent value for the central location in Greenwich Village. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate—a rarity in Manhattan—and other nice freebies include Wi-Fi and an in-room Keurig coffeemaker (always appreciated). We love the rooftop garden (ingredients find their way onto the menu at North Square) and the intimate lobby bar.
QUICK FACTS
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