By Mike Biscoe
Nearby Met Life Tower
Originally established as a hostel, Manhattan's Gershwin Hotel now provides its guests with multiroom suites, standard rooms and dorm room bunk beds for budget travelers. Located just north of the Flatiron District, the Gershwin's 159 sparsely furnished rooms are spread among 13 floors. Set in a building constructed in the early 1900s, the décor sharply contrasts with its brightly colored pop art.
Wows and Woes
Situated just south of midtown, the Gershwin is a suitable base for touring the city. The strawberry exterior with its otherworldly awnings make it difficult to miss. Inside, common areas are chic and a theater space at the rear of the lobby hosts regular performances.
Visitors expecting opulence will be disappointed with the sometimes indifferent staff, cold water blasts in the shower and potentially the slowest elevator in town. Dorm rooms are cramped, shared by males and females, and receive much noise from the lobby and theater.
Insider Tips
Avoid the staff's expensive recommendations for eateries and instead head two blocks east on 27th Street to Lexington Avenue. This area offers numerous affordable Indian restaurants. Alternatively, try the Rodeo Bar & Grill while listening to country music one block further east on Third Avenue.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
The neighborhood surrounding the Gershwin Hotel has its quirks. While staying there, I came back to the hotel late one night and realized that the building next door was receiving a fair number of guests. This was odd only in that I had never seen the doors open before. As it turns out, the building is home to a swingers club. Also, the hotel is flanked on its other side by the Museum of Sex.
Bottom Line
For the 20-something crowd, the Gershwin Hotel is a hip place to stay for those seeking a hotel with more stylish sensibilities.
About the Author:
Mike Biscoe has been writing since 2009. Focusing on travel, sports and entertainment topics, he has credits in various online publications including LIVESTRONG.COM and Trails. He regularly writes articles covering uncommon travel destinations from firsthand experience. Biscoe is a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.
