The Standard High Line

A staple of downtown nightlife and food, the Standard High Line hotel is at the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.

• The sky-high views from the penthouse gym overlooking the Hudson River
• Ping-pong in the Beer Garden and the nighttime views from the top floor Boom Boom Room
• Roomy showers with Kiss My Face products

When construction on the 18 floors of the Standard High Line were complete, rumors spread about exhibitionist guests keeping their curtains open for all High Line visitors to see, but that only seemed to add to the hotel's allure.

However, while most ‘hot’ New York places have limited shelf life, the Standard has clung to its cool kid vibe since opening in 2009. New Yorkers still wait outside to be let in to the hotel’s famous nightclub, Le Bain (and its Boom Boom Room bar), and squeeze into the sea of people at the Beer Garden on spring and summer weekends. The Standard Grill consistently serves tasty comfort food and delicious cocktails. There is extra seating on a pop-up terrace during warm months and a functioning ice-skating rink during the cold ones. With so much success, it seems André Balazs met his goal of creating a neighborhood landmark.

And yet despite the emphasis placed on its outlets, the hotels' quality of accommodations and service remains excellent, though guests may encounter the noise and behavior that accompanies the hotel's late-night popularity.

In this towering structure of 337 rooms, space is precious and every room has an efficiency to its lay-out, which includes a comfortable seating area. Off-white bedding and furniture further emphasize the focus on minimalist comfort and views (likely to be of the Hudson River or High Line). Lower category rooms feature peek-a-boo showers and separate wash closets with toilets. Those looking for guaranteed city views and private bathing experiences should book an Empire Corner King.

Due to its location in a not-so-central neighborhood and its party-all-night vibe, younger guests who are familiar with the city and staying for a specific event or celebration (bachelorette party, fashion week, etc.) would be a good fit. Be aware though, guests do not have an automatic in to any of the night-spots in the hotel.