I stayed at the Maritime for only three nights and it really couldn't have been better. We booked a standard room (which is not big, but is perfectly formed) and arrived early on a Tuesday morning for check-in. There was work going on to restore the outside of the hotel but it didn't detract from its good looks. Admittedly it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it's brave sixties facade and porthole windows. The lobby is beautifully lit and furnished, warm and welcoming. I read that the building was only turned into a hotel in 2004 so it's hard to know what was there before (it was previously owned by the Port Authority and had dormitories for seaman), but the look and feel of the room is just perfect mid-century! From the bespoke fabric on the sofas to the long and lean coffee tables, this lobby was (quite unusually these days) somewhere you could sit for hours quite happily.
We were on the fifth floor and our porthole window provided a good view of Chelsea Market (it's almost directly opposite). The room was certainly compact and bijou, but didn't feel cramped. There was ample light and room for clothes and the shopping paraphernalia that usually adorns a New York hotel room. Definitely reminiscent of a ship's cabin, the wood and navy blue evoked an immediate warmth and calm. The bed was firm (as my husband likes it) but soft enough for me too. The toiletries were great - the brand I can't remember but they looked good in brown apothecary-style bottles and there were plenty of them. Rooms also included some beautifully chosen products - from divine Diptique candles to Dean and Deluca nuts to locally sourced products form the market nearby, as well as some more unusual (let's say risqué) products of a personal nature. Minibar also well-stocked and a great selection of vodka.
We had breakfast there two mornings and the very friendly and helpful breakfast staff were happy to cater ‘a la carte’ requests. The food was great, can highly recommend the giant bagels and the poached eggs were cooked to perfection both times. There was a quite a difference in cost for both days, but honestly I was so in love with this place, we didn't bother mentioning it.
Drinks in the bar were really good, a nice selection of wines by the glass and also a truly excellent espresso martini on our penultimate evening. There's also a jukebox (all too rare these days) with an eclectic mix of music. I was thrilled to see The Velvet Underground (a slight cliche I know, but they evoke NYC like no other band) and The Smiths and plenty more. The bar (like everywhere else) is beautifully decorated, retaining a lot of (I think) original features. If they aren't original, then the hotel designers have really done a fantastic job with lighting, textures and furniture. There's a great little retro vending area for cigarettes etc. and there's also a fully-functioning (and free) red pool table. There's also a huge area outside where you can smoke (and indeed a smoking floor for those of us inclined).
Finally, just a word about location. Right next to Chelsea Market and in the heart of the village, this really is a great base for exploring the city. There's an underground station very nearby, and the shopping and restaurants in proximity were unparalleled. Aside from a quick trip to Barney's, it really does have everything you might need. James Perse and Marc Jacobs on Bleecker Street come highly recommended. There's also a DVF, Theory, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen - seriously, everything your shallow shopping heart might desire! For any mid-century furniture lovers, a trip to the East Village's <url> on Bond Street is a MUST! I have never seen such beautiful furniture in such perfect condition.
This hotel is NOT for everyone, but I absolutely loved it. It met and exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be staying again. This level of understated chic is most definitely worth the money.
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