NobleDEN Hotel

Minimalist, yet eye-catching, decor makes this compact hotel (in business since 2015) appealing to all sorts of guests, from tourists to business travelers. The lobby is small but stylish, featuring a sleek wooden reception desk, a modest seating area with modern tufted armchairs, and an embedded TV that usually airs local news. A glass-topped coffee table with a wood stump base, a frameless clock, and a chrome lightbulb chandelier reflect the hotel’s contemporary aesthetic. Details like a sculpture version of the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph and a mounted subway map add a nod to local history. Like most Manhattan boutique hotels, though, there isn’t much space for mingling or lounging here, but a casual seating area on the roof is a great option during warmer weather for its amazing 360-degree city views. Unfortunately, there's no shade in the summer months. 

Tucked between Little Italy and Chinatown, the hotel has a prime Lower Manhattan location, walkable to several tourist-friendly neighborhoods. It’s in the heart of Nolita, so cafes and boutiques are around the corner. The trendy stores of SoHo are a five-minute walk away, and the nightlife of the Lower East Side is 10 minutes away on foot. The Tenement Museum is 10 minutes away on foot, while the Museum of the Chinese in America is a three-minute walk away. Other tourist attractions can be easily reached from the multiple subway stops within a several block radius. The World Trade Center and Wall Street are 17 minutes away by public transport. The Empire State Building and Times Square are 20-minute subway rides away. Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are about 30 minutes away by subway. La Guardia Airport takes 25 minutes to reach by car. JFK Airport and Newark Airport are both about 40-minute drives away. 

Rooms aren’t huge, but are well-sized by Manhattan standards. Modern furnishings are simple, with some eclectic touches like the geometric accent wallpaper behind the beds, pops of primary colors on the bed runners and desk chairs, and asymmetric desks. Small drawers at the foots of the beds lend some welcome storage space. Small stuffed monkeys are placed on the beds as welcome gifts. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, safes, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and ironing equipment. Tea-and coffee-making facilities aren’t available, but all rooms have mini-fridges. Air conditioners work on a setback mode for energy-saving purposes. Other eco-friendly efforts include electricity that only turns on via room key, plus a reusable towel system, and recycling facilities in the basementBathroom layouts are unconventional, with small -- sometimes tiny -- open sink areas, and separate doors leading to the toilets and showers. All rooms have walk-in showers with handheld showerheads, and provide toiletries and hairdryers.Windows are on the small side in most rooms, but views can be fantastic. Queen and Double Full rooms come with views of the hotel’s courtyard, while King Rooms have either city or courtyard views. King and Full Juliet Rooms include small step-out balconies looking out onto the city. The 705 Penthouse has a full balcony with lounging chairs, and a fantastic direct view to the towering World Trade Center. 

Typical of New York city hotels, there are few extra amenities here outside of rooms. There are no restaurants or even a breakfast room, but free coffee, an impressive range of teas, hot chocolate, and sodas are available 24 hours in a small nook in the lobby, along with a fruit basket. Pastries from the nearby Ferrara Bakery and Cafe in Little Italy are provided early in the morning, but they go fast. A microwave is available as well. The lobby also includes a small internet area with one computer for use. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. There’s no gym on-site, but the hotel has a deal with nearby 24 Hour Fitness, which offers day passes for fees.