Hotel des Arts

Once a Victorian boarding house, this small hotel has been dramatically altered by local cutting-edge artists over the last few years. An aggressive, urban aesthetic dominates (spray paint is popular), while furnishings are in the minimalist IKEA vein. Bathrooms are on the small side, like the guest rooms - but then a two-room suite isn't much more expensive than the regular rate. Stairs are steep, and opening the windows will let in street noise, but pluses at this price range include flat-panel cable TV, mini-fridge, a basic but free breakfast and complimentary wireless internet access. Since art is subjective, it pays to peruse the differing decors online first.