Chelsea Hotel

Rooms: Single, $135; Double, $165.

Don't look for comfort here— this imposing residence hotel/flophouse is strictly for rough and ready travelers, bohemians and visiting punk rockers. But it sure is famous: Thomas Wolfe wrote here, Andy Warhol made movies, and Sid killed Nancy. (Don't look for bloodstains.)

The owner would often give free lodging to talented and eccentric artists in return for donating a work of art; many of which decorate the foyer, which is almost a mini-gallery.

Commentary by Clifford Hartleigh Low, Wednesday, February 2, 1999.