By Paul Shoul
Senior Travel Writer

Down on the corner of Jane Street, on the west side of lower Manhattan by the Hudson River, is the unassuming entrance to The Jane Hotel.

Up the stairs, through the double doors, and 100 years back in time, a doorman greets you.

The lobby is all dark wood walls, green ceramic tiles, palm trees, mirrors, and deer antlers. The staff, dressed in red vintage hotel uniforms, are in full hospitality mode.

Built in 1908 by the American Seaman’s Friends Society as lodging for sailors, survivors of the Titanic stayed here during the inquiry into the ships sinking back in 1912.

So did Drag queen extraordinaire RuPaul, as a base for her singing and gogo dancing gigs during the ’80s

Sleep at the Jane

The Jane offers some of the most unique, well-located and affordable accommodations in the city. Rooms come in three sizes: Standard, Bunk Bed, and Captain’s Cabins.

We stayed in one of the Captain’s Cabins. At approximately 250 square feet with a comfortable king-sized bed, flat-screen TV, free wifi, a beautifully adorned bathroom with locally made apothecaries.

And one of the quirkiest well-stocked mini bars I have ever encountered that included a ¼ pint of handcrafted moonshine.

All Captain’s Cabins feature either a view of the river or a private terrace.

The wood-paneled Standard and Bunk Bed Cabins evoke a ship’s berth

At about 50 square feet, they make efficient use of space and come with flat-screen TVs (two of them for the bunk beds), free wi-fi, in-room safes, free local calls, and plenty of storage below the beds.

They do not have private bathrooms, but the hotel provides slippers and bathrobes to make your way down the hall to the glistening communal bathrooms with showers.

The next time I am in the city alone for a quick overnight, I am planning to stay in a Standard Cabin. It is cheaper than the similarly sized Pod hotels and 20 times as cool. Truth be told, I am often only in my hotel room for under 6 hours just to sleep.

Eat at the Jane

The Old Rose Cafe, restaurant, and bar on the first floor is a sunny room overlooking the river. They serve lunch, dinner, and have a killer breakfast. Try the award-winning avocado toast.

Here’s how one NYC blogger described the dish, mushroom and coconut rice. “Simple but effective, the dish comprised coconut-flavored white rice, roasted hen of the woods mushrooms, roasted peppers, fried eggs, and a lime wedge. Chopped up and blended together, the ingredients had plenty of flavor, and the meal was hearty and clean.

Drink at the Jane

The Jane’s Ballroom and bar on the ground floor have comfortable couches by the fireplace. A great place to meet for a drink. On the weekends it transforms into an uber-cool late-night dance club throbbing with good times until 4:00 am.

On the top floor, Sunsets roof bar has a terrace overlooking the Hudson and a full roster of signature cocktails.

The Jane Hotel
113 Jane St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 924-6700

How to get there:

The Jane is a quick 15-minute drive from Grand central station or a 25-minute walk. It is close to the A, C, and E trains and the 41st street bus.

Located in the West Village, there is a plethora of things do and places to drink and eat. The Jane even offers a few complimentary bicycles to take a ride in Hudson River Park right across the street.

I loved staying at The Jane. Everyone I know who has loves it too. Without a doubt, it is my new favorite hotel.

Read what other travelers think about The Jane Hotel on TripAdvisor.