However, there are no elevators, and light sleepers might want a room facing away from Eighth Avenue. Decor varies dramatically, so get a room list ahead of time and choose one to suit your tastes. Suites with baths are available in the building next door, though they're much plainer. The Gershwin Hotel 7 East 27th Street, tel. Huge colorful sculptures and lithographs brighten the freshly painted, high-ceilinged lobby.
Baths vary from spanking new to well worn but clean.
The new, improved Gershwin even boasts a doorman. When we last visited he was hanging out curbside with a Jerry Garcia look-alike strumming a guitar. We'll take it as proof that the Gershwin's makeover hasn't diminished its unique and lively bohemian spirit. Belleclaire Hotel 250 West 77th Street, tel. 189 rooms, of which 39 are with shared bath.