What’s the deal?

Wander past red-brick tenement buildings and the beloved Katz’s Deli (with its perpetual queue) to find the neon pink sign hanging over Moxy Lower East Side, one of the eponymous neighbourhood’s trendiest hotels. The Moxy brand is a hit with younger travellers thanks to the hotel’s funky interior design and playful ethos. Booking a city view room here is highly recommended, as the hotel’s high vantage point offers views over the twinkling lights of Manhattan.

Why stay?

Moxy Lower East Side is the perfect base for exploring the city, offering a big dose of personality – without the usual Manhattan rates. It’s just a stone’s throw from Chinatown and Soho, with easy access to the subway, yet beckons you home to a plush bed at the end of an action-packed day (or evening).

Faux stained glass shower panels, disco ball chandeliers and sweeping grand staircases present photo opportunities galore. The property’s five eateries and bars, operated by Tao Group Hospitality of Hakkasan fame, include Sake No Hana, NYC’s newest hotspot for sushi, dessert, cocktails and sake.

Meanwhile, locals and guests alike pile in for DJ sets at Loosie’s Nightclub, a subterranean venue built for dancing that embodies the spirit of the city that never sleeps. But when you’re ready to get some shuteye, the rooms offer a restful escape from the entrancing chaos of the city outside.

Like many hotels in the Big Apple, square footage is compact, but clever design details, like under-bed suitcase storage, make the most of the space. Service is warm but not overbearing, with the concierge ready to help with everything from navigating the city to popping luggage into a storeroom.

Don’t miss

Heading up to The Highlight Room. This 16th-floor indoor/outdoor rooftop bar is a prime location for watching the sunset over the city’s skyline with a cocktail. Get there early to stake your claim to terrace seats for the best views of the city, including the Empire State Building.