VIBE

When the Jane was built back in 1908 by the Seaman’s Friend Society, it was a spic-and-span hangout for sailors who preferred to spend their shore leave in the chapel rather than carouse with the twin demons of liquor and sex. Fast forward a century and the building was reopened as a stylishly vintage hotel, again providing diminutive berths for cash-strapped wayfarers, but now (in a manner that would have horrified the founders) seductively offering up head-spinning cocktails and, shall we say, “scene” to the edgy West Village set. Despite clever space-saving tricks, there’s no escaping the fact that the standard rooms are truly tiny (50 square feet, tops) and sans bathroom (you have to troop down the hall for the facilities), but “Captain’s Cabin” rooms at least offer the comfort of a double bed and an en-suite bath.

GO HERE WITH

Budget-conscious buddies - for a fashionable getaway that won’t break the bank

WHY WE LIKE IT

The funky boho vibes are delicious. We love settling into a vintage velvet armchair in the Ballroom and watching the hipsters strut their stuff. The concierge and reception staff all don dark maroon 1930s bellhop uniforms, and the fantastic gated lift comes complete with a permanent elevator operator. Also, although the rooms are teeny, they’re stylish and well-kitted out with treats like flat-screen TVs. And of course, you don’t have to spend too much time in your room anyway: the delights of the Village, the Meatpacking District, and SoHo are not far off, and the scene in the hotel is pretty hopping, too. Perfect spot for budget travelers (singles start from USD 79/night) with a sense of style.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The Ballroom. The cluttered but cool look and potent cocktails make for a funky night out. Also, the quirky lobby details make for great conversation (like the counterclockwise-numbered front desk clock).

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The shared bathrooms. Not only is it annoying to have to pad down the hall every time you need to use them, but the fact that they’re co-ed is a little too Euro-hostel for our tastes. Also, the standard room beds (bunked or standalone) are basically rigid cots with no hint of softness or (dare we say) comfort.

GOOD TO KNOW

After the Seaman’s Friend Society petered out, the building was a YMCA, a flophouse, and a housing co-op. In fact, some of the original tenants still live in The Jane today. The narrow, narrow hallways immediately bring to mind a vision of below-deck lodgings in the Titanic (ironically enough, in 1912, The Jane’s tiny rooms were used by Titanic survivors). We suggest going for a Captain’s Cabin room, which provides wonderful waterfront views of the Hudson. (The standard rooms are just too teeny for two (plus, who wants to spend a night in those beds?). If you’ve got a room with a shared bathroom, we’d recommend bringing your own flip-flops.) There’s no business center, so this isn’t a great pick for the working holiday set. Complimentary bikes are available. 24-hour front desk service available.

CLOSEST COMPS

Room Mate Grace (New York); Ace Hotel New York (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.