The Stylish New York City Hotel With A Fresh Take On Boutique Luxury In Lower Manhattan

New York City is truly a world all its own, the sort of place you could visit a hundred times and still have a different experience each time. And even within that magic, Manhattan is an experience all of its own. So much is crammed into just Manhattan's 22 square miles alone that it's hard to find a hotel that stands out among all the rest. Leave it to hospitality legend (and the co-creator of the "boutique hotel" concept) Ian Schrager to create a unique, sophisticated boutique hotel on the stylish Lower East Side that is truly distinctive.

Although PUBLIC Hotel was originally launched in 2017, Scrager has said that he took advantage of the pandemic shutdown to re-evaluate the hotel and its mission to make luxury accessible to everyone. He describes four key pillars that make up the concept of "luxury for all": service, style, unique experience, and value. PUBLIC relaunched with a bang in 2021 and has been going strong ever since, becoming a frequent name on lists of the best New York hotels.

With 367 guest rooms, the hotel is large for a boutique hotel. And although many of the rooms are on the small side, they are sleek, comfortable, and stylishly appointed. And let's be honest: how much time are you going to spend in your room? In keeping with the "luxury for all" idea, single rooms start at around $200 in the low season. They offer a convenient self-check-in via mobile app or through the self-check-in iPads on the ground floor.

The rooms are fabulous, but what really draws visitors to the hotel are the bars and restaurants. The gorgeous rooftop bar (aptly named The Roof) features a stunning outdoor terrace with breathtaking panoramic views of the NYC skyline. You can sit indoors or book a private igloo on the terrace for cocktails and a candlelight dinner. Walk into ArtSpace, and you'll understand how Ian Schrager managed to redefine Manhattan nightlife 50 years ago. This avant-garde dance club and multi-media performance space has an otherworldly, dreamlike atmosphere with a rolling sea of disco balls adorning the ceiling, a top-tier sound system, and visual effects. 

For a more intimate, cozy experience, there's Two Fifteen: a glamorous cocktail lounge with plush furniture, a roaring fire, and moody black walls accented by bright chandeliers. PUBLIC is also home to Popular. a Peruvian restaurant with a menu created by famed Chef Diego Muñoz, and diners can opt for the cozy dining room or dining on the Parisian-inspired terrace of the adjacent Bowery Garden.

You didn't come all this way to stay sequestered in a hotel, no matter how special it is. PUBLIC is squarely in the middle of Soho, Lower Manhattan, and East Village. You're minutes away from several of New York's most unique museums including The Museum of Ice Cream, The Tenement Museum, and the New Museum (which is slated to re-open in 2025 after a major expansion). The famed Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral is a quick two-block stroll from the hotel. Travelers on Tripadvisor love the incredible architecture and interesting and informative tours.

If you love fashion, this neighborhood will have you surrounded by a banquet of sartorial choice. For casual options, there's Still Here NYC for denim and streetwear brand Supreme. If you're into chic French womenswear, stop into Sezane and The Frankie Shop. Men looking for a more polished look can find high-quality menswear at Aimé Leon Dore, Noah, and Standard & Strange. And once you've exhausted your options within the hotel's vicinity, it's just a five-minute walk to the Bowery subway station.