The 21-story tenement-style East Village iteration of the iconic Meatpacking District hotel features a fair amount of original amenities while maintaining a minimal aesthetic. Designed by architect Carlos Zapata, the building itself is hard to miss as it towers 21 stories, a sharp contrast from the low-rise buildings that make up the neighborhood. From a nature-filled private garden to Narcissa, the restaurant from Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, the hotel is the ideal respite for entertaining. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, gaze out over gorgeous Manhattan views—which are obviously even more spectacular when you book a room on a higher floor. If hitting the pavement isn’t enough of a workout, The Standard East Village offers a complimentary pass to the nearby Crunch Bowery, as well as Standard bikes.
Once the seedy underbelly of Manhattan, known for its radical thinkers, artists, beatniks, and other ‘unsavory’ personalities, the East Village, NYC has transformed from macabre to a sought-after, almost bougie, gem. Walking distance from Union Square, the Lower East Side and SoHo, the East River-adjacent area is tucked far enough away to harbor a host of local secrets but is still mainstream, warranting a handful of hotels ideal for the traveler who want to do as the locals do.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to best hotels in NYC