"When hotelier Sean MacPherson opened the Ludlow in 2014, he nailed the spirit of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The 175-room hotel is the perfect mix of gritty and stylish, cool and calm. Rooms feature the signature MacPherson style, with artisan touches including handmade silk rugs, artisan-crafted Moroccan pendant lamps, and Indo-Portuguese–style beds. The bath products are from New York City’s biodegradable beauty brand Red Flower. The Rockstar suite is equipped with a full vinyl collection and a 1,100-square-foot terrace featuring panoramic views from the Empire State Building to the Manhattan Bridge. The lobby is always abuzz, no matter what the hour, and has a rotating selection of art curated by Vito Schnabel, as well as an outdoor “secret” garden that’s perfect for hiding away with your laptop or a good book. Breakfast is included for guests, and the warm pastry basket should not be missed. Perhaps the highlight of any stay is the fact you’re right above Dirty French, a buzzy French bistro that’s one of Major Food Group’s most underrated restaurants." - Jennifer Flowers