F: is for finding shelter

This year in Manhattan there’s been a bumper crop of hotel openings — and a few old ones getting a spruce up. Sadly, the stratospheric room rates, which normally start at about $600 a night in the top hotels, mean that staying in them is beyond the reach of most of us mere mortals. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dip in for an hour or two: hotels host some of the hippest restaurants and bars, and it’s often no harder to get a table than anywhere else in the city. Top ticket for dinner right now is Le Caprice, which opened last month as part of the relaunch of the Pierre after an 18-month renovation. The hotel is a towering monument to the days when the Astors, the Vanderbilts and the Carnegies threw up vast hotels at a rate to rival present-day Dubai. Last month the Crosby Street Hotel opened its doors in SoHo, the first outpost of British-owned Firmdale Hotels. Cucumber sandwiches beneath a set of Warhol-style pictures of the Queen — what could be more British? Locanda Verde is absolutely brilliant, offering unpretentious, hearty Italian food that won’t break the bank: $20 buys the portion of the most succulent garlic-roasted chicken. Tribeca, fast becoming movie central: DreamWorks has just moved in, the Weinsteins have set up home in the neighbourhood and Robert De Niro, who owns the Greenwich, has his office just around the corner.
The Ace Hotel has rooms that start at $99 a night.

From swanky chic to retro charm:

Crosby Street Hotel: Lime, pink and gold striped sofa — giddy-print fabrics and luxury bathrooms. Doubles from $495.

The Surrey: Muted greys and creams, with nice touches from the 1930s and sumptuous beds. This is a hotel for locals — ex-Upper East Siders, or their relatives — utterly bling-free and with fabulous, warm service. Doubles from $629.

The Greenwich: Shabby chic. Nice touches include in-room saunas and free soft drinks and sweets — but, best of all, some rooms have balconies overlooking the charming walled garden. Doubles from $459.

The Ace: Retro — huge 1950s-style Smeg fridges for minibars, turntables rather than iPod docking stations and 1970s furniture — but don’t come looking for glam. Bunkbed doubles from $99 per night.

Now these are F.A.C.T.S. for out of town guests.