Let’s be real for a second: most NYC hotels feel cookie-cutter. Sure, they’ve got the standard-issue fancy sheets and moody lighting, but sometimes you crave a little…edge (or a little extra space). Enter Hotel 50 Bowery, a JDV by Hyatt number that pulses with the city’s raw energy and boasts 229 guest rooms. It’s like the coolest art gallery you’ve ever seen, mated with your chicest friend’s loft apartment. Think exposed brick, pops of color, and local art that’ll make you stop and stare.
Enjoy games and relax on the terrace outside Hotel 50 Bowery’s lounge.
My room was a skylit loft-inspired haven. Exposed beams and industrial accents met plush bedding and a rainfall shower so relaxing I almost missed exploring the city. Speaking of exploring, the location is prime. You’re nestled between SoHo’s chic boutiques and Chinatown’s vibrant chaos, with Little Italy and the Lower East Side’s grittiness just a stone’s throw away. It’s like having the city’s best bits curated right outside your window, complete with an unmatched view of the Manhattan Bridge.
Views of the Manhattan Bridge outside of the hotel’s lounge.
And then there’s the rooftop. The Crown, they call it, and it’s a jewel box of a space with panoramic views that would make even jaded New Yorkers gasp. Picture sipping cocktails under the twinkling Manhattan skyline, surrounded by the city’s intoxicating hum. It’s the perfect spot for an aperitif or a nightcap under the stars.
City skyline views from Hotel 50 Bowery’s guest rooms.
Hotel 50 Bowery isn’t just all looks and finishes—it’s a vibe. The hotel’s staff is as down-to-earth as the art on the walls, they’re always up to assist with local recommendations and hidden gems. It’s the sort of property that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret, part of a downtown cognoscenti.
Spacious rooms accented by artistic finishes and pops of color.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Boutique hotel in NYC? Doesn’t that mean tiny?” Nope. My room was spacious, with a living area that felt like an extension of my home. For a New Jerseyan, having the extra “legroom” when spending the weekend in NYC is essential. The perks are on point: high-end bath products, a yoga mat, and free coffee that’s actually good (a rarity when visiting the city, sorry). And if you’re keen on fitness, the hotel features a stocked gym on the lower level.
So, if you’re looking for a hotel that’s equal parts chic and authentic, where you can channel your inner artist and lose yourself in the city’s electric pulse, Hotel 50 Bowery is your downtown dream. It’s a place that reminds you that sometimes, the best things in life are found on the fringes, where grit meets glam right at the doorstep of the Manhattan Bridge.
Things to Do in the Neighborhood
- Chinatown: Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of this iconic neighborhood. Sample dim sum or soup dumplings, or snag a souvenir at the bustling Canal Street Market.
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Lower East Side: Explore the trendy boutiques and vintage shops on Orchard Street, or catch a cutting-edge performance at the avant-garde Abrons Arts Center. Grab a pastrami on rye at Katz’s Delicatessen, a NYC institution since 1888.
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Food and Drinks: You’re spoiled for choice here. Joe’s Shanghai is the best bang for your buck, just a few steps from Hotel 50 Bowery. Michelin-starred favorites like Estela and Crown Shy are a stone’s throw as well, but don’t miss local gems like The Dim Sum House and Black Seed for a taste of the neighborhood’s diverse culinary scene. For after-dark fun, head to The Blond for craft cocktails and live music, or dance the night away at the iconic Mercury Lounge.
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Art and Culture: Catch a thought-provoking exhibit at the New Museum, or explore the street art scene in the East Village. Don’t forget to pop into the Mercer Street galleries for a dose of contemporary art. For something more unique, check out Inter_ on 415 Broadway for an immersive and interactive labyrinth exhibit that makes for a great date activity. Looking for a new tattoo or piercing? Magpie Tattoo should be first on your list in the neighborhood.
Hotel 50 Bowery is the perfect home base for exploring all that this neighborhood has to offer. So ditch the cookie-cutter hotels and embrace the unexpected – you might just find your new favorite NYC haunt.
About the Author/s
Michael is the Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey Digest, COO of X Factor Media, and an avid writer. Growing up in Bergen County, he discovered his passion for words while in Friday detention. Michael loves kayaking, a fat glass of Nebbiolo, and over-editing.
