The Renwick Hotel New York City, Curio Collection by Hilton

This property may be under the giant Hilton banner, but thanks to the Curio Collection’s focus on individual design and personality, it feels more like a boutique hotel. Although small, the common areas pack in tons of character. Playful murals, chrome standing lamps, a steel beam hanging sculpture, and geometric bookcases in the lobby are modern, and give the hotel an unmistakably artsy flair as a homage to its history as an art studio and former home to writers like John Steinbeck and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Like most Manhattan hotels, noise from the street and the adjacent restaurant/bar can be an occasional issue, but guests note that it’s relatively quiet compared to alternatives in the area. Though the hotel’s surroundings appeal to corporate travelers, tourists also love this property for being eclectic but not over-the-top, and cozy as well as contemporary.

Just a five-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal and its subway stop, the hotel’s Midtown East location makes for easy access to practically anywhere in the city. The Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and Times Square are all 15 minutes (or less) away on foot. Union Square can be reached in 10 minutes using the subway. It takes no more than 22 minutes by public transport to reach Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, and the World Trade Center Memorial. La Guardia Airport is a 35-minute drive away or an hour away by public transport. JFK International Airport is 50 minutes away by car or 80 minutes away by public transport. Newark Airport is about 50 minutes away by car or 40 minutes away by public transport. Conveniently, the Newark Airport shuttle stop is a three-minute walk away.

Predictably for a Manhattan hotel, rooms at The Renwick aren't huge, but they're also not as cramped as one might expect. They’re also incredibly stylish, with modern dark wood furniture, naked lightbulbs, and color-blocked walls. Ceramic pencil stands featuring literary passages, paintbrushes used as privacy hangers on the door, tripod desk lamps, writing pads embossed with quotes from famous writers, and TVs that sit on easels give the rooms tons of quirky character. Black and white drapes printed with the New York skyline are a nod to the city outside. Some rooms on higher floors provide glimpses of the Empire State Building, and others don’t allow for much of a view at all. Windows could do with a better scrub-down, as guests have noted them to be rather dusty. Rooms are available with comfortable single king, single queen, or two queen beds. All rooms are non-smoking and have air-conditioning, 46-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, desks with built-in electric outlets, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges and ironing equipment are provided, but tea-and coffee-making equipment is not. Suites have separate living areas with sofa beds and larger TVs. Only one suite comes with a balcony. Accessible rooms are also available. Black-and-white tiled bathrooms in standard rooms do feel cramped, with tiny sinks, toilets, and shower/tub combos with handheld and fixed showerheads wedged into a tight space. Luxury toiletries from the Brooklyn-based Apotheke brand are a special local touch. Hairdryers are provided.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Bedford & Co, is owned by well-known New York City chef John DeLucie. Dim lighting, exposed ductwork and industrial ceiling lamps, plus a sleek bar with leather seats, create a funky yet cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is open all day and has a tasty Argentinian-inspired menu featuring local ingredients. Hotel Honors members get vouchers for a limited continental breakfast menu at the restaurant, but otherwise, morning meals aren’t included with rates. The restaurant does offer room service. Coffee is available in the lobby every morning.The hotel’s fitness center is small, with a few LifeFitness machines, but has free weights, exercise mats and balls, and towels. There is a small business center and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. There are also accessible features throughout the hotel. Laundry services are available for a fee.Both valet and self-parking come with hefty daily fees, and the lot is about two blocks away, so it’s not the most convenient or affordable system.