Hi,
I'm meeting a good friend in N.Y.C. for shopping, lunching and lounging. We would like to stay in a hotel close to Greenwich Village or the lower east side. Looking to spend under $325 if possible. Prefer to have a fitness room. Any suggestions?
Also looking for good dinner restaurant & wine bar suggestions. Nothing super formal, just fun and hip. Price range is $30/entree
Thank you in advance!

~picture_girl






~picture_girl

There is only one "proper" hotel (vs. b & bs) in GV, the Washington Square. It's a small, European type hotel that will fit your budget, great location, but no fitness room. Also not sure whether any of their rooms have 2 beds. washingtonsquarehotel.com

The W Union Square is on the edge of the village, but not sure it fill fit your budget.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotel...ropertyID=1299

On the lower east side The Hotel on Rivington is a "cool" option, but again, not sure of the budget issue.
http://www.hotelonrivington.com/

Why not consider Soho? The Soho Grand, the Mercer or 60 Thompson are the good options there.

If you don't mind being a bit further uptown, the Affinia Dumont might be very comfortable. I know they have some rooms with 2 queen sized beds, all rooms have small kitchens, there's a spa in house...
www.affinia.com

Forgot about the newish Bowery Hotel. The immediate area is still a bit rough, but the hotel is getting good buzz.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/04/01...l/01check.html

if you need a 5 day guest pass to crunch gym, let me know.

Sister hotel to the Soho Grand is the Tribeca Grand. Both are very nice.

Union Sq. W Hotel is awesome too.