Washington Square, surrounded by NYU, divides the Villages. On one side, Greenwich and West villages lure writers and artists with its bohemian ethos, best experienced at a coffeehouse or jazz bar. The other side—the ethnically mixed East Village—is known for live music. For its string of nightclubs, Chelsea’s West 27th Street is known as Club Row. Chelsea is also the city’s main gay neighborhood.

New York City is so much more than skyscrapers and crowds. If you prefer to stay in a picturesque and quiet neighborhood--with easy access to famous attractions--the Marcel at Gramercy just might be the perfect fit. Located in the Gramercy Park area, this intimate boutique hotel has been updated with a cool retro look. Stroll 3 blocks south to Gramercy Park itself, though you'll have to admire this private enclave through the fence. The park is surrounded by 19th-century brownstone homes, including one row known as the "Block Beautiful." Or walk 3 blocks west to Madison Square Park--this leafy park is open to all, and is home to the original Shake Shack gourmet-burger stand. Cross the street and snap a picture in front of the iconic Flatiron Building. The Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, the East Village--they're all around 1 mile from the Marcel at Gramercy. Baruch College and The School of Visual Arts are both just steps away. And, if you're heading farther afield, 2 subway stops are within 5 blocks.

You'll enjoy a picture-perfect view of the Empire State Building from the 10th-floor lounge and business center, which opens to a seasonal rooftop sundeck. After dark, chill out in Polar, a subterranean lounge inspired by shimmering Arctic dreamscapes. Or warm your soul at 'inoteca liquori, a renowned Italian wine bar adjoining the hotel. The wine selection is enormous, and the small plates are delicious.

Ready to settle in for the evening? Your Hotel Rooms is a chic retreat with retro-mod decor and classic comforts. Custom beds with leather headboards, Frette Italian linens, and down duvets are designed for a good night's sleep. Or stay up awhile and watch a late-night show on the 32-inch flat-panel TV. You can plan the next day's activities via wireless Internet access (surcharge). Refresh with holistic bath amenities by Lather. And, with an iPod clock radio bedside, you can awaken to your favorite tunes.

Central Park, 1.75 miles north of the Marcel Hotel, offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including tennis courts, rowboat rentals, horseback riding, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, running, and in-line skating. Rockefeller Center's skating rink, 1.5 miles north, opens in winter, as does Central Park's Wollman Rink. A golf driving range is located at Chelsea Piers 1.5 miles west of the hotel. Neighborhood fitness centers offer exercise classes.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.

Polar - The frozen North provides the inspiration for this subterranean sanctuary. Hidden VIP "caves" offer private sound systems and bottle service. Sip an Arctic-inspired cocktail--perhaps the Operation High Jump with acai-infused vodka and frozen grapes--complemented by sharable Polar Bites. And look around: You just might spot a celebrity.

'inoteca liquori - Renowned New York restaurateurs (and brothers) Jason and Joe Denton created this popular wine bar adjoining the hotel. Their love of vino shines through with a wine list boasting more than 600 selections by the bottle. A small-plates menu includes bruschetta, seasonal salads, and more than 40 varieties of imported cheese.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at Check-In for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon Check-In and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.

The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, Check-In, or Check-Out.

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at Check-In for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon Check-In and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.