The principal pleasure in a stay at the Bowery Hotel is lounging in the ground-floor lobby, skimming the tabloids left out for guests. Full of old-world dark wood and leather chairs, it's an English hunting lodge in Manhattan, warmed by rich floor-to-ceiling tapestries, fireplaces, and chandeliers. Sadly, rooms upstairs don't maintain the richness of the lobby—they're on the minimalist side, with the big console desks and old-school windows the only grand flourishes. Still, the mood created by the attractive red-coated doormen, the clubby bar, and the trendy former-flophouse address makes this one of the hottest hotels—and scenes-of the moment. Pros: quirky, fun location; ravishing bar and lobby-lounge area; celebrity sightings; interesting views. Cons: gritty neighbors; rooms aren't luxurious; may be too trendy for some.
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