Ace Hotel New York

There was a time when the Ace Hotels were strictly a Pacific Northwest phenomenon, and eyebrows were raised when they began work on a hotel in New York’s once-neglected NoMad neighborhood. But now the Ace Hotel New York feels like the flagship of this often-imitated hip hotel chain. Not only has it put this stretch of Broadway back on the map, it’s also got the kind of multi-purpose public space — co-working space by day, after-work drinking spot in the evening, and a full-fledged nightlife venue featuring DJs or live music as the hours tick by.

Its other public spaces are no less essential to the Ace’s appeal. The lobby is a versatile space suitable for everything from co-working to cocktails and events, while Koloman, the restaurant, is a modern French restaurant with a Viennese café vibe. And while Stumptown Coffee is no longer quite the rarity it once was, this was the first on the East Coast, and single-handedly raised New York’s coffee game upon arrival.

The Ace’s real innovation may be its rooms. This is a hotel that’s largely intended for people who plan to spend plenty of time out on the town, and for whom top-flight luxury is not a priority. Here attention is paid to the things that matter, from the carefully curated selection of snacks and drinks to occasional extras like turntables and acoustic guitars. There are certainly plusher rooms in town, but these might just be the coolest.