Apartment-style units, with truly useable kitchens (big fridges, stove top cooking area, pots, pans, plates, the works), smartly designed work areas, and furnishings that look like they were lifted from a Crate & Barrel catalogue—yes, that all makes for a pleasant stay (as does the genuinely caring staff here). But the real reason Element makes the list is it’s a 1-minute stroll to the PATH train, through a nice area of Newark, and the train will whisk you into Manhattan in less than half an hour. Choose the Element in high- and shoulder-season, when the rates here will beat those for cushy lodgings in Manhattan or Brooklyn. No need to pick this one in low season however (you’ll be paying too much).