As a sliver of a hotel in the shadow of the Empire State Building, the U has sliver-sized rooms, but ones that are unusually spiffy, thanks to a late-2017, top-to-bottom renovation. Each has one navy blue wall, almost chic wood furnishings, a marble bathroom, and very sleepable beds. Unfortunately, the rooms are made to seem even smaller by AC units that jut into the room (they can’t jut out because of landmarking laws). At the lowest prices, you’ll be sleeping in a full-sized bed, which means that all but very loving and slender couples (and solo travelers), should upgrade to a King or Queen room. The friendly staff hands out coupons for the diner next door for breakfast each morning. Staff can also set up guests with discounted passes to the New York Sports Club nearby ($10/day), as there’s no gym on premises.