PUBLIC

Reflecting the hip Lower East Side neighborhood it calls home, Public is a trendy property with a design seemingly geared toward being captured on Instagram. Opened in 2017, the hotel was designed by famed hotelier Ian Schrager (of Studio 54 and Edition Hotels), and everything has a chic, minimalist feel. After walking under a stone portico with small bench-equipped gardens on either side, guests enter the property and are met with one of its most-captured elements: an escalator with bright neon-orange lights. On this level is a boutique shop, casual eatery, and Public Kitchen, helmed by well-known chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Up a level are the check-in desks and a spacious, bright Lobby Bar that has living room-style furniture -- think a huge, nearly rectangle-shaped couch topped by shearling throws, wall of bookcases filled with curios, and coffee table books. During the day, 20- and 30-somethings can be seen typing on laptops on the couches and communal tables, while nights bring a crowd of guests and non-guests primarily to its popular rooftop bar with panoramic windows offering stunning vistas -- expect to see lines for this bar at night, which guests get to skip. Although this area can get boisterous, other spaces are lively without being loud. Note, however, some minor issues pop up here -- we encountered problems with the elevator.For another hip property in this neighborhood, consider SIXTY LES. For slightly larger rooms and a more romantic vibe, consider The Bowery Hotel, which also has a popular bar. 

The Lower East Side is a mix of old tenement buildings and pricey condos, bordered by Little Italy, Nolita, and Chinatown. The streets are a little grungy, and green space is limited, but the sidewalks are packed with young locals and tourists heading to one of the numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants in the area. A Whole Foods is around the corner, and everything from dive bars to fine-dining eateries are within a short walk. Several subway stations are within a two- to 10-minute walk. New Museum is a quick three-minute walk from the property, while a plethora of shops in SoHo -- from Bloomingdale's to Forever 21 -- are a 10- to 15-minute walk away.LaGuardia Airport is around a 25-minute drive away (one hour via public transportation), while JFK International Airport is about 35 minutes by car (75 minutes by public transportation).

Similar to the Miami Beach EDITION also designed by Ian Schrager, rooms at the Public are minimalist-chic, neutral-toned, and wood-filled. The overall look is clean and elegant (some may find it too sparse), with wood floors, wooden platforms for beds topped in white linens, beige walls with baroque mirrors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of light. Room categories are divided by bed size, view, and whether they have a living area and sofa bed. Although lower-category rooms are small -- starting at 205 square feet -- the thoughtful design utilizes space, and all rooms have marble side tables, wooden stools, and either cushioned wooden benches, couches, or pullout sofas. White-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos, walk-in rainfall showers, or deep tubs and separate showers. Sinks are outside bathrooms and next to small wardrobes housing digital laptop-sized safes, small mini-fridges with Evian water bottles, and steamers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided, but there are no bathrobes or slippers (the latter can be requested). In-room tech is great, consisting of big Smart TVs, remote-controlled blackout shades, several USB ports and electrical outlets, and free Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, there are no minibar snacks, kettles, or coffeemakers. Three huge Penthouse units are available with living and dining spaces.

Travelers may be disappointed by Public's lack of spa and pool facilities, but dining and drinking options are extensive and well-reviewed. The most popular offering is aptly named The Roof, a top-floor bar outfitted with lots of black -- leather seating, round tables, floors, and ceiling -- and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with beautiful city views. Nights often have a line of locals waiting to come up, but fortunately, guests get to skip the line. An outdoor terrace is open in warmer weather. The Lobby Bar is another popular place to grab a nighttime cocktail or coffee during the day, with bar stools, communal table, and ample cozy armchair and couch seating. Cocktails and light food are also available at Diego, a gentlemen's club-style bar with a fireplace, stylish seating in blue, green, and gold, and dark walls and floors. For proper dining, the ground-floor level is home to Louis and Public Kitchen. Louis is a casual all-day spot serving hot items like egg sandwiches, ready-made fare such as salads and yogurt cups, and La Colombe coffee. Helmed by well-known chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Public Kitchen is open for breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch, and it has a lovely garden space. The menu has New American fare such as fish, pizza, and Eggs Benedict. A complaint from some guests is that no room service is available. Instead, guests can order food from the hotel and pick it up in the lobby themselves. Down in the basement, Public Arts is a moody nightclub and event space with red-velvet curtains and leather seating, hosting music performances, comedy shows, and art exhibits. A well-equipped fitness center is open 24/7, and each floor has a room with ironing facilities for those that don't want to use the in-room steamers. A boutique store, Trade, on the street level sells jewelry, books, and handicrafts. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property.