Built in 1903 as one of the first “skyscrapers” on the Upper West Side, the Belleclaire has housed such notables as Babe Ruth and Mark Twain. Its ambience is old-fashioned, both in its self-consciously “historic” lobby (the front desk looks like a library card catalog cabinet, for no apparent reason) and in the twisting, narrow hallways that lead from small guest room to even smaller guest room. The digs are contemporary and comfortable, with hardwood floors, leather headboards on the beds, and geometric chandeliers. Overall: a good value in a great location (the subway is just 2 blocks away, Central Park is near), though lower-floor rooms that face Broadway can be loud.