Jeremy Glass

When looking for a place to stay in NYC, the best Lower East Side hotels put you at the crossroads of some truly iconic New York neighborhoods. It’s within walking distance to the nightlife of the East Village, the cuisine of Chinatown, the shopping of SoHo, and the bohemian vibe of Nolita. Sure, it may not have the tall buildings, bright lights, or inherent noise you think with Manhattan, but it’s home to action all its own, with A-list Lower East Side restaurants, beautiful architecture, and a history that blends New York’s immigrant routes with cutting edge subculture that make it one of the most unique spots in New York City. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC

You’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel with the level of amenities Hotel Indigo offers. Rooftop bar, swanky restaurant offering culinary staples and craft cocktails, fitness center, and a rooftop pool. That’s just the beginning, though; Hotel Indigo has 293 rooms—some of which offer an automated minibar with local craft beers and Stumptown coffee, and 300 thread count Frette linen sheets. Located only one block from the 2nd Avenue F, Hotel Indigo meshes convenience with class in a way that makes you feel like NYC royalty. 

The self-described “orchestra of mechanical and rustic energies” is what gives Sago Hotel its class, charm, and style. Their mini-suite is a minimalist’s dream. It’s a bare-bones—albeit incredibly stylish—little room for that day-long layover, while their 450-square-foot King Studio has a fully equipped kitchenette and killer view of the city for the weary traveler who needs a bit more. You can’t always depend on a boutique hotel to has the kind of accommodations as a big chain, but these guys offer a 24-hour front desk service to ensure your stay is as easy as possible.

The beds in the rooms of Hotel 91 look almost too good to be true. Pillowtop mattresses, hypo-allergenic bedding, and a thread count that’s higher than your checking account, most likely. You’ve got all the standards: killer location, free wifi, and feature cable/satellite television. The low price and proximity to LES’s best bar—169 Bar—makes Hotel 91 a perfect, low-key spot.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, lightbox headboards, and an 180-degree view of Manhattan is why you stay in Sixty… but the spa and pool is why you’ll never want to leave—oh, did we mention there’s a 24-hour sauna? A collaboration with New York-based designer Misha Kahn gave birth to the hotel’s Tiki Tabu bar, which is located on SIXTY’s rooftop for when you desire drinks with your view.

Ah, good ol’ dependable Holiday Inn. Near subways, restaurants, and only a 16-minute walk from the Williamsburg bridge, this is where you go when you don’t want any nasty surprises ruining your visit. You’ve got an on-site restaurant, a 24-hour concierge service, and same-day dry cleaning for your convenience as well as a choice of 132 modern, boutique-style rooms for comfort.

The Wyndham is a no-frills, to-the-point spot to unload your things and see the sights in the city. Located, more or less, in the middle of SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Lower East Side, the Wyndham Garden is too close to the subway to not take advantage of the convenience. This pet-friendly spot has a 24-hour reception desk, free wifi, and even hosts wedding and events… you know, just in case that person you meet on the way to the ice machine happens to be the one.

Few hotels can capture the vibe of pre-2000s Lower East Side, but Orchard Street Hotel certainly comes close. This small spot on Orchard is surrounded by boutiques, shops, and solid restaurants and offers an unfiltered view of lower Manhattan from the comfort of their comfortable and minimalist rooms. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a week, Orchard Street Hotel is the kind of low-key comfort you want while visiting one of NYC’s most historic and relevant neighborhoods.