Built in 1903 in an ornate beaux arts style, this casual, turreted hotel on the Upper West Side is a block from Riverside Park and a 9-minute walk from the Natural History Museum.

Simply decorated in earth tones, the low-key, stylish rooms have wood floors, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Family suites sleep up to 6, parlor suites add pull-out couches and some suites honor former guests like Mark Twain and Babe Ruth.

Amenities include a media lounge, 24-hour fitness room and coffee bar.