The Ridge Hotel

Formerly Hotel East Houston, the Ridge Hotel is housed in a typical New York brick building similar to many others in the Lower East Side neighborhood. Despite having changed hands in 2017, few things have changed here beyond fresh paint in some rooms. The lobby, though overall simple, has a few contemporary touches that make it appealing, including a golden textured wall, Mies van del Rohe-style chairs and couches in dark hues, and strategically placed lamps with warm light. The rest of the property is a tad more generic, with a dark palette throughout, some wood paneling, and either tile or carpet floors. 

Given the lack of amenities and common areas -- there are no restaurant, bar, or gym -- the property is quiet during the day, as most guests are out exploring the city. In the evening, the rooftop terrace is a popular spot for a chat or a bite, though guests have to bring their own food, as there is no food or drink service. 

Rates at the Ridge are competitive for a mid-range property in the Lower East Side, but travelers on a tighter budget wanting to stay in this area may want to check out the Redford Hotel, which offers the same amenities and equally tight rooms for less. Hotel on Rivington is a great alternative for those seeking something more hip and upscale. In the same price range as the Ridge, Hotel Mela is closer to major attractions and features a solid restaurant, cute rooms, and a gym. 

The hotel is located on East Houston, a major thoroughfare that marks the border between the East Village and the Lower East Side. Though still a tad grungy, the area is lively and young, and some noise is to be expected. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and shops within a few blocks of the hotel, and SoHo’s designer boutiques, hip eateries, and chic cafes are all just a short stroll away. Though this location does not offer easy walking access to major attractions, there is a subway stop right across the street. Most sights, including the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, and the MoMA, are about a 25-minute subway ride away. The drive to John F. Kennedy Airport takes about an hour, while LaGuardia can be reached in 35 minutes, depending on traffic. 

There are 42 rooms at the Ridge, ranging from twin rooms with a dark palette to triple units with bunk beds and a lighter color scheme. Some rooms were updated when the hotel was rebranded in 2017, but there haven’t been extensive renovations in a few years. The furniture is the same in all units, but some pieces have been painted white or gray in modernized rooms, giving them a more contemporary feel. Heavy burgundy curtains have been replaced with pull-down shades in many rooms, and worn carpets with laminate floors. Though some rooms can sleep up to three guests, most are better suited for either couples or solo travelers due to their compact size and limited storage space. 

Each room is outfitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air-conditioning, iPod dock, and safe. Wi-Fi is free and stable, but mini-fridges and coffeemakers are not available in any room type. Bathrooms vary between renovated and non-renovated rooms, ranging from older spaces clad in dark tiles and featuring basic fixtures, to more appealing, spacious bathrooms with green mosaic tiles and big shower/tub combos with glass doors. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms. 

Light sleepers may want to request a room on a higher floor, as there have been complaints of traffic noise.

This small boutique offers little in terms of features. There are no restaurant, gym, or bar, and the only indoor common space is the lobby, which is outfitted with a handful of armchairs and a couch. The rooftop terrace is a definite highlight at the Ridge Hotel, though, offering wonderful panoramic city views, lots of seating, and a covered area under an awning. While there is no dining or drink service up here, guests are allowed to bring their own food and beverages, making it a popular spot in the evening. 

Although there is no breakfast service either, free coffee and muffins are available every morning in the lobby, along with water, lemonade, and cereal bars throughout the day. There are also a computer and a microwave for guest use, and daily newspapers are available free of charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.