"Walking into the lobby at The Bowery feels like stepping back into a Gothic version of the nineteenth century—or at least, a movie set from someone with a gothic vision. Dimly lit and oozing atmosphere, it's a world of crimson velvet, dark leather and wood, threadbare Oriental rugs and oil paintings. The effect is transportive to another time, but somehow still rooted in downtown NYC. The view from one of the upper floors is something you'll never get tired of, and is worth the splurge. The Bowery's in-house restaurant, Gemma, is a solid choice on warm evenings—grab an outdoor table and get ready for some of the best people-watching in NYC. After dinner, few places are better for a glass of red than the lobby lounge (its fireplace makes the atmosphere even better)." - John Wogan, Nicole Schnitzler, CNT Editors, Sandra Ramani