The Standard, East Village

Fresh off of a major renovation, The Standard, East Village has quickly re-established itself as one of the hippest hotels in downtown Manhattan (and, many would argue, it has a cooler, more authentic vibe than its sister property in the Meatpacking District). Both common areas and rooms are small, but an attention to detail gives the spaces a decidedly cool feel that fits in well with the hotel's -- and neighborhood's -- overall vibe; picture funky art installations on the ceilings, quirky lips pillows on the beds, and fun additions like a photo booth in the downstairs hallway.There are few amenities for either families or business travelers at this hotel, and it largely attracts young couples and groups of friends who appreciate its East Village location. Though the garden area of the popular cocktail-lounge-meets-cafe Cafe Standard closes early due to a noise ordinance, the sidewalk portion and bar area stays open late, and the hotel has received a surge of press for its highly-acclaimed Narcissa restaurant.

Not surprisingly, The Standard, East Village is located in the East Village, in a section of the neighborhood that has recently seen a major influx of hip restaurants and bars. The hotel is home to a couple of these itself, and numerous others are within easy walking distance. Popular touristy neighborhoods such as SoHo and Union Square are also less than a 10- to 20-minute walk from the hotel. Walking to Union Square will give you access to a slew of subway lines, or you can catch the 6 train if you walk five minutes north to the Astor Place stop.

Since the hotel's massive renovation, rooms have been updated with fresh, plush bedding, modern amenities such as large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and sleek, stylish bathrooms complete with comfy robes. Some rooms have bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and other feature amazing city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. However, rooms are small -- even by New York standards.Room decor focuses on a neutral palette of whites, blues, and grays, with pops of color from accent "lips" pillows. Minibars are stocked with plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beloved local treats, such as Tate's cookies, and blu-Ray players are available upon request.

The standout feature at this Standard property is Narcissa, an elegant restaurant with an innovative American menu dreamed up by André Balazs and Michelin-starred chef John Fraser. The Cafe Standard, located just outside of Narcissa, is also popular -- particularly in the summer months with its sidewalk and garden seating opens up.Otherwise, the hotel has few significant on-site amenities; there is no pool, spa, or fitness center. However, guests have free access to the Crunch gym right across the street, and those who are willing to brave Manhattan's streets can pedal along on the hotel's free bicycle rentals. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is also free, and pets stay for free as of fall 2015.