VIBE

There’s no hiding Hotel on Rivington’s trendy creds: the striking glass-and-steel 21-floor tower stands out (literally) like a beacon of avant-garde cool in this Lower East Side neighborhood of low-slung brick tenements. Keeping things ever-so-edgy on the inside, check-in is on level two, while the always-hopping, hipster-beloved CO-OP (a restaurant, lounge, and club) dominates the ground floor. The sparse but spacious rooms (and we mean spacious! They top out at over 30% bigger than the Manhattan average) are equally with-it, offering incredible floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular vistas and sassy treats like binoculars (for really taking in the view), “showers with a view,” and even, in some rooms, an “intimacy kit” from nearby Babeland.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other - for a romantic retreat in a room with a view; friends - for taking in the hip scene

WHY WE LIKE IT

Those views…and those comfy beds…it’s hard to leave the room once you’re settled in. But if you can manage to tear yourself away, the Lower East Side location is handily close to a slew of nifty restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The shower with a view–it’s certainly a memorable way to take in the Manhattan skyline. (And–we confess–we adore the gourmet baked goodies dropped on our pillows at night, too.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The rooms on the lower floors can be a bit of a bummer: not only can noise from CO-OP be heard well into the wee hours, but to make matters worse, the “sweeping views” mainly just reveal graffiti-ed tenements. Also, the sign for this hotel is quite small, making it easy to walk right past unless you know it’s housed above CO-OP.

GOOD TO KNOW

The best views are from the (pricier) upper-level suites (ninth floor and up). A 24-hour concierge, valet parking, and driver services are available. Pets are welcome on dedicated “pet-friendly” floors. Amenities for kids include complimentary cribs and a nanny service.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Standard, New York (New York); Thompson LES (New York); 60 Thompson (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.