VIBE

It may be petite, but this young, hip property packs a punch with a sexy lobby pool and lounge (complete with a trendy DJ spinning most nights), a sassy 24-hour check-in-counter-cum-kiosk stocking everything from late night snacks to cute souvenirs, and snappy (if diminutive) rooms. Rooms range from the “petite” (with sailor-style bunks) to the “premium,” but all are equal parts super smart and deliciously comfy.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; friends; family

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s sleek and stylish yet oh-so budget friendly. With a convenient central location (just around the corner from Times Square), swinging public areas (a sexy pool in the lobby? How sweet is that?!), cute rooms that are surprisingly comfy and accommodating despite the close quarters, and (best of all) pleasantly petite prices, it’s a recession-proof gem. Perfect way to save cash for a shopping splurge at Barneys without having to slum it.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The sexy lobby pool is a treat. (We also love being able to satisfy our late-night cravings at the swish 24-hour lobby kiosk.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The on-again, off-again Wi-Fi connection is not cool, especially when we’re in town for business. Also, the lobby reeks of chlorine.

GOOD TO KNOW

There’s complimentary Continental breakfast available until noon daily. The glowing pool and swim-up bar is open to the public daily 5:00pm-late (usually until between 12:00am and 2:00am). For those into hotel genealogy, this property used to be André Balazs venture Hotel QT. For those with kids in tow: although kid-sized cots aren’t available, the nifty lofted bunk beds in four-person rooms are perfect for young travelers. Given that Room Mate Hotels is a Spain-based chain with locations around Latin America and Spain, it’s no surprise that the guests and staff are largely Spanish-speaking.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Marcel at Gramercy (New York)

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