Arrive Magazine - November/December, 2008

Best place to feel
like an NYC insider
The Bowery Hotel

335 Bowery (at East Third Street) New York City 212-505-9100; theboweryhotel.com New York will never have a shortage of cooler-than-cool hotels, but it seems since the opening of The Bowery Hotel, the concept of cool feels a whole lot more laid-back and inviting. The rustic, moody vibe here seems something like a cross between 18th-century gothic and upstate country villa. The common bar and lounge areas are accented with rich tapestries, tasseled sofas and dark woods, while the rooms and suites are lightened up with soothing pale walls and simple homey embellishments (read: sophisticated but still comfy). The hotel’s Italian restaurant, Gemma, remains a hot spot for both locals and out-of-towners—those who’ve ventured to the Bowery not only for the hotel but also to check a pocket of new stores that have opened here, revitalizing the neighborhood, including Rogan and John Varvatos. Rooms from $525

Best choice for
cultural aesthetes
Hotel Palomar
2121 P St. N. W.
Washington, D. C.

202-448-1800; hotelpalomar-dc.com Art enthusiasts can take their passion for all things visual and expressive to a whole new level at the year-old Hotel Palomar and its “Art in Motion” motto. Here, the hotel’s aim is to create a convergence of media—visual arts, dance, literature and architecture—all in one finely appointed spot. Elegant guest rooms contrast warm woods with bright pops of color, while various artworks are dotted throughout the property. If you find yourself staying in one evening, be sure to take a peek at the Honor Bar where guests can get creative themselves with all manner of art supplies and games. Bonus: The bellboys are versed in ballet, making it feel just a bit like a Rodgers & Hammerstein production come to life. And if you’re inspired, you can check out the ballet room on the premises, too. Rooms from $159

Best option for
kick-starting your
creative side
Loews Philadelphia
1200 Market St.
Philadelphia

215-231-7333; loewshotels.com After a yearlong renovation, the Loews Philadelphia unveiled a newly refurbished landmark hotel. The building, which was formerly a bank and dates back to 1932, maintains much of its earlier glamour (the building still contains over $100 million worth of Belgian marble, as well as its enormous vault doors and original Cartier clocks). However, the overhaul has infused this Philly jewel with some distinctive Art-Deco elegance, giving each room a sort of modernist Hollywood glamour. Bonus: The hotel is within one mile of all of the city’s best sites, including the Historic District (where Betsy Ross’ house remains) and the National Constitution Center. Rooms from $159

Situated on 16 lush acres ,the newly renovated Double Tree Somerset Hotel & Executive Meeting Center is one of the area’s finest meeting facilities offering deluxe accommodations, IACC-certified conference center and a convenient location adjacent to the Garden State Exhibition Center. Our ergonomically enhanced Complete Meeting Packages are easy to book, include all the primary elements of your meeting for a daily per person price and ensure a productive and comfortable environment.