The Milburn Hotel

The exterior of this former apartment building may not stand out much, but the lobby -- with classical music playing in the background -- makes more of an impression. It feels like it dates to another time, with a traditional, almost English vibe, and key historical aspects of the building have been preserved, like the original U.S. mail slot and bronze elevators. Marble floors and mirrored columns lead to the wide front desk.

The lounge area is arguably the coziest area of the hotel, with velvet furnishings, wood coffered ceilings, chandeliers, a fireplace, and bookshelves. The hotel's well-worn atmosphere and low prices make it a comfortable place to stay for student groups, families, and business travelers on a budget. The hotel lacks a restaurant and bar, but breakfast is served daily in the room next to the entrance. Since many guests choose to take up food to their rooms (each one has a dining table), the common areas rarely feel crowded.

The hotel is located on a residential street in the Upper West Side, specifically 76th between Broadway and West End. This is a somewhat quieter area of Manhattan and is ideal for families who want fewer crowds while still having easy access to Riverside and Central Parks, as well as key museums like the Hayden Planetarium and American Museum of Natural History. The Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera, Time Warner Center and a number of restaurants and upscale shops on Broadway and Amsterdam are also within walking distance. Because the rooms all have kitchenettes, guests can shop at the specialty food stores that make this area so unique, such as Zabar’s and Fairway -- both a short walk away.

For other neighborhoods, the 79th Street subway station ("1" line) is a quick ride to Midtown, and runs all the way down to Chelsea, West Village, SoHo, and Battery Park. Taxis are plentiful in both directions on Broadway, which is a half a block to the east of the hotel.

This former apartment building has been converted to a hotel with 124 units, and they have some of the best room prices in this part of Manhattan. Though the building is older and shows a bit of wear, traditional rooms and suites have been upgraded with fresh carpeting, white duvets, and patterned drapes. All rooms come equipped with a kitchenette (sink, microwave, mini-fridge, at least two dining sets, coffeemakers), and a dining table. Rooms also have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, and air-conditioning units. Bathrooms have a tub/shower combo with glass door and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. There's a safe in the closet, free of charge. Wi-Fi is free, but not all rooms have a work desk (only the suites) so some may end up working on the dining table or in the lobby.

There are a range of bed options, and rooms may come with one king, queen, two twins, or two doubles. Rollaways and cribs are available upon request and children under 12 stay for free. Long-term and corporate rates are available.

The largest unit is the One Bedroom Suite with Balcony. The kitchen is more spacious here with two bar stools that sit up against the counter, and a dining table for four people. The living room area has a large pull-out sofa bed. The bathroom is bigger in this unit, as well, with a separate tub and walk-in shower. The balcony off of the bedroom has great views of the Upper West Side and Hudson River, though it is unfurnished since the hotel has had trouble with wind. The hotel is working on creating a safer environment in which to have patio furniture.

Guests are offered free daily continental breakfast, not always the case at hotels where the rooms have kitchenettes. Breakfast is served in the dining room next to the lobby entrance and the spread includes fresh bagels and pastries, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, cereals, apples, bananas, waffles, juice, tea, and coffee. On Sundays, the staff makes Belgian waffles. Some guests eat in the dining room while others stock their plates and take them upstairs to their own dining tables. There is not other restaurant or bar on-site, but guests have ample choice within blocks of the hotel, especially along Amsterdam Avenue and down by Lincoln Center.

A 24-hour business center has three desktop computers for guest use, as well as a printer. Another area that is good for pulling out the laptop (free Wi-Fi) is the library with seating areas, tables bookshelves, and classical music playing in the background. On cold weather days, the fireplace is lit and creates a cozy atmosphere.

There is a small fitness center in the rear of the lobby with cardio machines (two treadmills, a stairmaster and bike) with flat-screen TVs, headphones and a set of weights. Guests also are able to use a neighborhood gym that has an indoor swimming pool.