10 Great NYC Hotels for Every Budget

Image via Complex Original

Bad news kids: The end of summer is near. For some, this means consolidating drinking to three days a week instead of five; for others, it's putting a kibosh on beachside bootycalls; and for others still, who worked 100+ hour weeks and spent more time hovering over BlackBerrys than cold drinks, summer never really began. Well, we've got a remedy for all of these ills: the staycation.

Rather than dropping beaucoup bucks to watch senior citizens grope one another on some sketchy cruise line, why not invest that money in the greatest city in the world? We’re talking about NYC, of course. While this city ain’t cheap, you don't need to be (that) paid to revel in the best it has to offer. And that goes for hotels. It’s possible to shack up at some of the sweetest temporary digs in the country without breaking the bank (particularly with the number of swank spaces offering up big summer deals), so going big no longer means going broke. But for those with some extra dough to spend, we’ve got you covered too. Whether you’re making it rain or barely making it, check out our list of Great NYC Hotels for Every Budget.

The Pod Hotel ($)

Address: 230 East 51st St.
Website: thepodhotel.com

An ivy-lined outdoor café and cushion-clad rooftop garden lend a zen vibe to this offbeat, East Side haven, which plays host to plenty of 20- to 30-something foreigners (read: girls with hot accents). Since the hotel aims to foster a community feel with its own City Guide style blog, you’ll know exactly where to find those Brazilian chicks you saw looking lost in the lobby. If you’re looking to bring the party back to your room, however, we’d recommend skipping the Single and springing for a Double or Queen, which probably cost less than you spent on booze last weekend (around $139 and up). But inexpensive doesn’t imply cheap here—the mod, transit-inspired “pods” were crafted by design guru Vanessa Guilford, who also worked her magic on the badass rooms at the Maritime.

Nu Hotel ($$)

Address: 85 Smith St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Website: nuhotelbrooklyn.com

Your invitation to Diddy’s white party might’ve gotten lost in the mail (again!), but never fear—there’s a sweet blanco backup plan in Brooklyn. Situated on the border of Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, the eco-friendly boutique’s clean, white room designs effectively turn the sleep spaces into their own galleries, letting the original pieces rotating in and out from local artists really pop. But the works on the walls aren’t the only BK-centric thing about the hotel: Nu goes above and beyond to pay homage to the motherland, from its buttery homemade “Brookies” (chocolate chip cookies), to quotes showcased on the walls from famous Brooklynites like Basquiat and Spike Lee. Those seeking mental refuge from the city can enjoy a little escapism via the cozy hammocks in the shockingly affordable Urban Suites (book at the right time and you can nab one for less than $200). With ample sunlight and a minibar concoction in hand, you might just forget where you are. Well, until some trucker outside loudly starts kicking it to chicks on the street.

The Ace Hotel ($$)

Address: 20 West 29th St.
Website: acehotel.com/newyork

A clever mix of high and low brow sets this cool Seattle brand apart from the pack. Rather than numerous chandeliers and dudes in penguin suits, you’ll find the Ace’s lobby packed with hot, modelesque women and creative types huddled over Macs. Those who haven’t opted to set up shop at the long, lamp-clad tables are generally parked in front of the bar or on the suede sofas, giving the space the feel of a sceney study hall. But don’t get it wrong, this hip hotel is also surprisingly warm. Cool, informal touches like turntables and vintage furniture give its affordable rooms (starting around $250) a homey feel. Or if you’re feeling something more spacious, the Ace’s loft ought to do the trick. With stylish bay windows looking out onto Broadway, a vinyl collection, and even its own usable guitar, a stay in the hotel’s dapper 700 square foot rental ($750 and up) is kinda reminiscent of crashing at your trust fund friend’s apartment—minus the prescription drug binges.

Grace ($$$)

Address: 125 West 45th St.
Website: room-matehotels.com

You might be inclined to take out a few tourists on the way into this boutique Times Square hotel, but the trek through naked cowboys and dudes in fannypacks is a small price to pay for one of the Room Mate offshoot’s colorful guest rooms, which aren’t too hard on the wallet (you can score one for as low as $289). Trippy wall patterns and distinctive layouts keep the vibe playful in this modern space. In the event the Egyptian cotton bedding doesn’t meet your relaxation quota, guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s luxe in-room massages, sauna, and indoor swimming pool. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and plop down on the adjacent stadium seating to enjoy one of the best perks of summer—women in bathing suits—without walking out the front door.

The Standard ($$$)

Address: 848 Washington St.
Website: standardhotels.com/new-york-city

Floor to ceiling windows with surreal views of the NYC skyline and the Hudson River make a visit to one of Andre Balazs’ 337 guest rooms anything but standard. You already know you’re in for something different upon entering the space odyssey of a lobby, which hints at the founding father’s love of whimsical, yet sophisticated design (which you can also notice on display at the much-loved Standard Grill, where the floor is made of pennies, or in the airy Biergarten, where the Garden Room ceiling is erected from mugs).

But onto the good stuff: Those too broke for boating can slip into their complimentary hooded robes and enjoy captaining festivities in one of the subtly naval-themed Standard or Superior rooms, which are furnished with deep soaking tubs, open bathrooms, and loungey sitting areas (look into the Summer Bummer special: They’re up for grabs as low as $225—almost half-price). Wood-slatted walls and ceilings further compliment the “I’m on a boat” vibe. However, those who’d prefer to party like true rockers can cough up for an Empire Suite, which in addition to black shag carpet and all-marble everything, features its own private lounge area (for those who’d rather club from the comfort of their room), top shelf minibar, and unobstructed views of the Empire State building, which are best enjoyed while blasting Alicia Keys.

The Maritime Hotel ($$$)

Address: 363 West 16th St.
Website: themaritimehotel.com

The celebrated meatpacking district hotel takes the nautical theme to the next level with its 126 cabin-inspired sleep spaces ($295 and up through Sep 5, when they’ll go for $425). Though you may be looking out at the Ninth Avenue hustle from your room’s windows, their large porthole design might have you convinced you’ve shipped out to sea. However, what you won’t find on your typical corny cruise line are award-winning sushi, like that of Matsuri, or parties and performances like those of the pulsing Hiro Ballroom—both located just an elevator ride downstairs. Complimentary bikes, Bigelow bathroom products, and outdoor showers (yours for the milking, provided you opt for one of the space’s Penthouse Suites, which feature private garden terraces) also make for one hell of a fantastic voyage.

Tribeca Grand ($$$)

Address: 2 6th Ave.
Website: tribecagrand.com

Sometimes your quest for relaxation can leave you feeling a little isolated. And that’s okay; Tribeca Grand gets that. For that very reason, the cool downtown hotel is glad to offer its guests a complimentary pet goldfish upon request. In addition to introducing visitors to some fishy new acquaintances, the William Sofield-designed space is defined by earthy tones and sleek, minimalist décor. Those who just can’t seem to leave work behind can book themselves a luxury iStudio (around $550, deluxe king rooms start at around $450), which comes outfitted with its own iMac G5 computer, and all the film, photo, and sound editing software anyone could need—but make sure you take a break in the sexy Church Lounge to enjoy some much deserved alcohol and eye candy. Another great way to procrastinate: Attempting to talk your way into some indie premieres in the hotel’s swanky private screening room.

Thompson LES ($$$)

Address: 190 Allen St.
Website: thompsonhotels.com/hotels/nyc

Let’s be real: For better or worse, you’ve probably got some plans on the LES this weekend anyway. We suggest canning your friend’s sweaty birthday outing at cramped La Caverna in favor of something a little more spacious. Enter Thompson LES. The selection of impressive King Suites ($299 and up) has enough room to fit the entire party and then some. For those in the mood for some scenic sipping, minus the crowds at the hotel’s popular Above Allen, guests can enjoy the same awesome night views of the city from their glass corner balconies. Illuminated lightbox headboards, 400-thread-count sheets, rain shower heads, and Dean & Deluca minibar goods also make the booker feel every bit the king of the castle. Curbing that hangover with a meal from revered chef Susur Lee’s downstairs Shang is the ultimate capper.

The Mercer ($$$$)

Address: 147 Mercer St.
Website: mercerhotel.com

Andre Balazs’ downtown digs are every bit as stylish as his Meatpacking property, but in contrast to the Standard’s countless bells and whistles, the elegance here is in the simplicity. Remember how we said the Ace Loft was like your rich-ass friend’s apartment? Well, these spaces are on some Architectural Digest shit. The light-flooded rooms deliver big with high ceilings, loft-like spaciousness, Egyptian cotton sheets, and tubs big enough to fit you and your lady—or whoever. Various rooms come with various perks; some offer exposed brick, some overlook bamboo courtyards (who doesn’t love that?), and some even have their own wood burning fire places, if you’re game to spend upward of a grand (or 3K for the Soho Suite; Courtyard Rooms start at $525). However, should this start seeming like too grown-up a locale for you, we’ve got good news: Guitar Hero, Wii, and Xbox 360 are all available upon request. Massage therapists are, as well, in the event you’ve built up tension from all those “Killer Queen” attempts.

The Mandarin Oriental ($$$$$)

Address: 80 Columbus Circle
Website: mandarinoriental.com/newyork

While it might be the hype that draws big spenders (Standard Rooms are around $750) out to these 5-Star digs in droves, it’s the Columbus Circle property’s superluxe features—like Central Park views, deep soaking tubs looking out onto the city and Hudson, and a holistic spa with ample treatments for your inner metrosexual—that keeps them pushing their checkout dates further and further back. Cool off from the summer heat with some laps in the Mandarin’s immaculate pool, then throw on your Saturday best for a manly drink at the ‘30s-inspired MOBar, or some awesome eats at the award-winning Asiate, which specializes in German cuisine (we jest. It’s Asian. What’d you think?) Plush beds with Italian linens ensure you rest in pimped out peace.