The Wagner at the Battery

Nestled at the southern tip of Manhattan, about 100 yards from the harbor that separates New York from New Jersey, the area has some buzz during the day but is quiet at night. It's a different sort of New York experience than Times Square, that's for sure. Nearby dining and nighttime entertainment options are scarce. During the day, there's plenty to see, but it's not the typical Times Square/Central Park/Museum Mile loop you'll take uptown. Instead, it's New York's almost-as-famous -- and very worthwhile -- downtown haunts. The departure point for tours of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is right around the corner. Also nearby are the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Museum of the American Indian, and the famous Staten Island Ferry. And of course, right next door, Battery Park, which is great for people-watching. If you do need or want to get uptown, it's easy. The Bowling Green station, an express stop on the main subway line that runs up the east side (the 4/5 express train), is just a block away. The 1 train is only a short walk away as well, and it's only a 10-minute cab ride to the myriad shops and restaurants downtown.

With the exception of a few enormous suites, the Wagner's standard rooms start at 425 square feet, which is large for New York, but not quite as big as those at some other upscale hotels (the Four Seasons comes to mind). In addition to the king-size bed, there's an extra-stuffed chair and ottoman and a desk with an office chair. Between them, there's plenty of room to maneuver. Deluxe Rooms are the standard room, although some have views of the Statue of Liberty, along with telescopes for checking it out. The beds are plush but firm, with 400-thread-count Frette linens and goose-down pillows. The bathrooms are spacious and beautiful. Highlights include the separate soaking tub and the shower with Niagara-like water pressure.