My Own Stay: A Hidden Gem in Manhattan
When I landed in New York , I had one priority: find a place that felt stylish, well‑designed and comfortable—but wouldn’t break the bank. In a city where the average nightly rate hovers around \$400 USD, discovering something sleek, stylish and under \$200 USD felt like a small miracle. After hours of research, I booked **Now Now Hotel** (officially known as *Now Now NoHo*)—and I couldn’t have been happier.
Booking Platform & Rates
I discovered Now Now through an article in the New York Post about the transformation of an old Bowery flophouse into chic “sleeper cabins,” a new style of accommodation for budget‑conscious travelers. Nightly rates began at about $125 USD before tax, which immediately caught my attention. I reserved through Expedia, which offered free cancellation and a mobile app discount of $10, bringing my final nightly cost to around $115 USD plus taxes.
Arrival & First Impressions
I arrived at the address 338 Bowery, between Houston and Prince Street, on a sunny afternoon. The building’s exterior retains its old‑world industrial charm but inside hits you with minimalist, modern design. Check‑in was simple and efficient; staff greeted me warmly, and I received a key card for my little yet thoughtfully curated cabin.
Room & Facilities
My cabin was one of the “Cozy Sleeper Cabins” — about 32 square feet (roughly the size of a large closet), with a twin‑sized bed tucked into a wooden alcove, crisp quality linens, blackout curtains, and a small built‑in shelf. Each cabin included a small sound machine, ambient lighting, and individual luxury bath products in the shared bathrooms. Despite the modest size, the space felt cozy—not claustrophobic—an intentionally minimal experience designed to focus on sleep, rest, and local life rather than lingering.
Shared bathrooms were spotlessly clean, modern and replenished several times a day. There was also a small common lounge, minimal but stylish, where guests could sit or grab a bottle of water or coffee. Free WiFi was available everywhere.
Location & Neighborhood
From Now Now, I could walk to SoHo, NoHo, and the East Village in just a few minutes. Nearby highlights included Broadway Street, Baxter Street boutique shops, and some of the city’s best ramen and coffee spots. I strolled up to Washington Square Park in 10 minutes, and Nolita boutiques were even closer.
My Thoughts & Experience
Spending a night in that tiny cabin was one of the most memorable urban stays I’ve had. For $115, I got a bed, privacy, security, clean facilities and a convenient address in one of downtown Manhattan’s liveliest neighborhoods—without paying for space I didn’t need. It’s ideal for solo travelers, creatives, and anyone who spends most of the day exploring and only needs a peaceful, stylish crash pad. I walked away thinking: this is the embodiment of affordable style in New York.
Other High-Value Stylish Hotel Picks
Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg
Located just steps from the Williamsburg Bridge, Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg blends bold artistic design with strong value. With rooms starting around $179 USD per night, it’s a favorite for travelers who want social vibrancy without overspending. The lobby features colorful pop-art installations; the rooftop bar LilliStar offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline; and the basement Jolene Sound Room hosts live DJ sets. Other perks include free WiFi, a fitness center with Peloton machines, and a $25 daily destination fee that grants you gym access, CitiBike pass, and food or beverage credit. Its location in North Brooklyn makes it easy to reach through the L subway or ferry, and it’s close to boutique dining, street art, and waterfront parks.
Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Tucked in downtown Brooklyn near the Barclays Center, Ace Hotel Brooklyn is a 4‑star boutique hotel that earns high marks for style and ambiance. TripAdvisor reviewers praise its spacious, well‑designed rooms and attentive, friendly staff, all at a relatively modest price for Brooklyn standards. Many guests describe it as “spacious and comfortable for a NYC hotel…and very reasonably priced.” The hotel boasts a sleek lobby bar, rooftop seating, and a small fitness center. It’s a short walk to the subway and within cycling or subway distance to Brooklyn Bridge Park and DUMBO. Nightly rates typically run in the $180–220 USD range, depending on season.
The GEM Hotel Chelsea (Midtown West)
Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels, The GEM Hotel Chelsea is a petite boutique option on West 22nd Street, just west of Eighth Avenue. With only 39 rooms, it feels intimate yet modern. It’s walking distance to Penn Station, the High Line, and the Javits Center, making it perfect for business or arts‑focused travelers. Guests appreciate clean layouts, helpful staff, and complimentary coffee/tea in the lobby. Rates usually fall in the $150–190 USD range, making it a solid Midtown West bargain with charm and accessibility.
Pod 39 (formerly Allerton 39th Street House)
Pod 39 is known for maximizing value with a compact but bright design aesthetic. Housed in a historic 1918 building, the rooms are small and smartly outfitted, and there’s a lively rooftop lounge and a communal lounge area. Prices typically fall under $200 USD per night. The location just east of Murray Hill is convenient to Grand Central, Bryant Park, and midtown walking corridors. Travelers who prioritize location, low cost, and a young, social vibe often pick Pod 39.
The Evelyn Hotel (Midtown)
Frequently ranked as one of the best value hotels in NYC, The Evelyn Hotel offers classic midtown elegance with rates often under $200 USD, despite being steps from Herald Square and Fifth Avenue shopping. With high review scores and Art Deco‑inspired interiors, Evelyn provides a clean, polished stay within blocks of the Empire State Building, Macy’s, and a variety of subway lines. While not flashy, it consistently delivers dependable comfort at a great central location.
What Makes My Stay at Now Now So Special
As a travel blogger who’s stayed in everything from five‑star hotels to hostels, I can honestly say Now Now struck a rare balance: ultra‑affordable, incredibly well‑designed, and centrally located. The minimalist cabin design felt purposeful—not sparse—and aligned perfectly with my travel philosophy: experience the city, sleep well, and spend money on things that matter—like coffee shops, local eateries, and galleries.
The ability to book via Expedia with low cost, cancellation flexibility, and a small promo discount was also a huge perk. I didn’t need a concierge, a minibar, or late checkout. What I needed was a clean stylish nest and a vibe that matched the neighborhood persona—and Now Now delivered flawlessly.
Detailed Comparisons & Highlights
Here’s how those five hotels stack up in key areas:
1. Price & Booking
- Now Now: ~$115–125 USD/night via Expedia, with mobile discount and free cancellation.
- Moxy Brooklyn: ~$179+ USD/night, includes slim destination fee but room includes thoughtful extras.
- Ace Hotel Brooklyn: ~$180–220 USD/night direct or via Expedia, often with promo codes.
- GEM Chelsea: ~$150–190 USD/night, Expedia or Choice site, plus occasional member perks.
- Pod 39: ~$160–200 USD/night via Booking.com or Expedia.
- Evelyn: frequently <200 USD/night via Booking or Hotels.com, especially in shoulder seasons.
2. Location & Nearby Attractions
- Now Now (Bowery/NoHo): steps from Nolita, East Village, SoHo, Washington Square Park.
- Moxy Brooklyn: hip Williamsburg neighborhood, dining, Brooklyn Bridge, waterfront.
- Ace Brooklyn: near Barclays, subway connectivity to DUMBO, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park.
- GEM Chelsea: Midtown West access, Javits Center, High Line, Hell’s Kitchen eateries.
- Pod 39: in Murray Hill, between midtown and East Side, easy to Grand Central.
- Evelyn: Herald Square, Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, subway hub.
3. Style & Design
- Now Now: industrial‑chic capsule cabins, minimalist and functional.
- Moxy: pop-art, urban lounge vibe; rooftop and nightclub energy.
- Ace: boutique Brooklyn aesthetic, warm woods, plant‑filled lobby.
- GEM: modern compact rooms, streamlined elevator corridors, clean lines.
- Pod 39: fun, youthful design with graphic rooftops and budget architectural touches.
- Evelyn: classic Art Deco with modern touches, calm and elegant.
4. Amenities & Extras
- Now Now: shared bathrooms, common lounge, WiFi, sound machines, toiletries.
- Moxy: daily destination fee includes fitness/gym credit, CitiBike, bar credit. Rooftop, restaurant, club.
- Ace: bar, café, rooftop, fitness center. Occasional live music events.
- GEM: complimentary coffee/tea, small fitness room, business desk.
- Pod 39: rooftop bar, social events, communal lounge.
- Evelyn: no frills signature breakfast, lounge seating, business area.
5. Best Fit For
- Now Now: solo travelers, creatives, those prioritizing low cost and neighborhood immersion.
- Moxy: couples, friends groups, nightlife seekers, design lovers.
- Ace: style‑minded travelers who want boutique charm without extreme price.
- GEM: business travelers, conference attendees, Midtown accessibility.
- Pod 39: budget savvy tourists, social stay, shared‑space comfort.
- Evelyn: shopping enthusiasts, central Manhattan access, short stays.
Tips for Booking & Making the Most of Value
- Always check cancellation policy when booking budget hotels—they often let you cancel penalty‑free up until a day before.
- Sign up for loyalty or email alerts—Choice Hotels (for GEM), Marriott/Tally (for Evelyn) often send promo codes.
- Book midweek stays if possible—weekend rates bounce up 10–15%.
- Check hidden fees like destination charges or resort/tourist fees (e.g. Moxy’s $25). Include that total in your budget.
- Pack light—especially at minimalist hotels like Now Now and Pod 39 with limited suitcase space.
- Tap into local food culture—don’t rely on hotel breakfast; instead eat in neighborhood café spots, which are often cheaper and more interesting.
Staying in New York doesn’t have to drain your wallet. My Now Now stay taught me that affluent design and budget sensibility can live side by side. That cabin reminded me that sometimes less is more—less price, less clutter, and more time out exploring the city’s energy.
For travelers who want to feel at home in the neighbourhood—not in Times Square—or who prioritize style but not the price tag, these five hotels represent some of the best value in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Whether you prefer the minimalist pods of Now Now, the rooftop buzz of Moxy, the artsy comfort of Ace, the central access of GEM, the social vibe of Pod 39, or the midtown elegance of Evelyn—you can keep your NYC experience stylish and your costs under control.
If you’d like itineraries nearby any of these hotel areas or local restaurant picks and transit tips, I’d be happy to share.
