Hyatt House New York/Chelsea

This hotel primarily draws families and business travelers on extended stays and travelers who are looking for an affordable self-catering option without sacrificing location. Studio-style suites, freebies such as breakfast, and gorgeous views are big draws and add to the overall value for families, while business travelers have easy access to essentials like a gym, printer, and mini-market. However, while the space is contemporary, it's very simple and generic. Expect neutral color schemes, standard wall art, and wood paneled walls and countertops that all work together to give a pleasant, albeit uninspiring, feel.

Guests enter from the street, but are then treated to stunning views over the top of the city from nearly all rooms and public spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only bring in views of the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, and other landmarks, but also drench the spaces in natural light. While the breakfast restaurant, bar area, and fitness room are spacious, there is no real dedicated space for lounging or socializing, particularly late at night. 

Hyatt House New York/Chelsea has a convenient and central location at the eastern edge of Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. Guests can walk to popular sights like the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, and the Flatiron Building in under 10 minutes. Central Park is a 20-minute subway ride north, and Chinatown is a 20-minute ride south. Both the 1 and R/W trains are within a half-block walk, while the 4, 6, N, Q, F, M, A, C, and E subway lines, and Path trains to New Jersey are all within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey is around 45 minutes away by car or public transit, while both JFK and LaGuardia Airport are about an hour by public transit or a 30- to 50-minute car ride, depending on traffic. 

All 150 rooms and suites have a modern look with a sophisticated brown-and-gray color palette, wood-paneled block furniture, and faux tri-color wood floors. The contemporary feel is rounded out with up-to-date technology, including 43-inch flat-screen HDTVs, free Wi-Fi, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, and glass stovetops. As with many city hotels, there is a lot of variation in size and furniture configuration; some rooms feel tighter than others and sofa size and function vary throughout. Bathrooms are spacious and feature glass walk-in showers, basic toiletries, and thoughtful extras like heating lamps. ADA suites have the added bonus of bathtubs. All rooms and suites have workstations, signature Hyatt Grand Beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows with blackout curtains -- some offering lovely city views. 

Regular rooms (called "Den" rooms) feel more like your standard hotel room and come with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Suites have more space and small kitchens with double glass stovetop burners and larger refrigerators. Some suites add an extra boost of convenience with washer/dryers and dishwashers, while others stock larger TVs. One-bedroom suites have separate living room areas with sofa beds. The only units with balconies are the Specialty One-Bedroom Kitchen Suites King Bed. 

Hyatt House New York/Chelsea has several features that take advantage of the hotel's location, including an 11th-floor outdoor terrace with sweeping views over the city. Features like a 24-hour mini-market, free grocery shopping service, and 24-hour business center with a printer are convenient for business travelers and families alike. For those who don't feel like cooking, the hotel H Bar serves up craft cocktails, drinks, and a menu full of bar bites and salads. Breakfast is free, but it can get busy during peak morning hours. Guests have the option of a daily hot dish, buffet items, or building their own omelets at the omelet station. 

Another 24-hour feature is the fitness center stocked with a few cardio machines, free weights, and floor-to-ceiling views over the top of Manhattan. There's also a 24-hour front desk service, guest laundry facility, and concierge available. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but there is a hefty, per-day fee to park in the hotel's secure parking garage.