The Jane Hotel
In 1908 if you were a tired seadog taking a well-earned shore leave, you would stay in the Seaman's Relief Centre. Immature snickers aside, the building was built by the famous architect William A Boring and is a fine example of turn-of-the-century neoclassicism.
It once housed the traumatized survivors of the Titanic disaster. In 1944 it was taken over by the YMCA, and in the 1980s, it was a hipster hangout. Nowadays, it is a totally famous and unique place to stay. The rooms are still decorated in homage to the sailor's life while remaining modern.
The top-range rooms even have rainfall showers. The rest of the rooms are designed to be an alternative to New York's budget-destroying prices.
Restored to a selection of single and bunkbed rooms once inhabited by sailors whilst remaining hip to the max, the communal toilets and showers definitely leave this hotel in the boutique hostel hinterland.
The Jane Hotel building is a New York City landmark designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2000.
The Jane Hotel's building has initially housed the American Seamen's Friend Society Sailors' Home and Institute. It was designed by William A. Boring in the Georgian style and built between 1906–and 1908.
The most notable moment in the building's history was in 1912, when they sheltered over 100 survivors of the Titanic.
One night they gathered to sing together “Nearer, My God, to Thee” with “a mighty, roaring chorus” for a memorial service.
The Jane Ballroom is created from the old auditorium, and it's adorned by heavy curtains, vintage rugs and furniture, and an extensive collection of period-appropriate decorations.
Wandering the lovingly restored corridors evokes nautical memories.
Standard Cabin
If the Standard Cabin's appearance reminds you of berths on a yacht, it's no coincidence. These small cubicles were originally used to accommodate sailors overnight at a rate of 25 cents.
While prices have increased over 400-fold, it's still one of the most affordable accommodations in the West Village section of Greenwich Village.
The Bunk Bed Cabin can fit two, and clever storage under the bed and below the window make it more practical than it looks.
Despite the space constraints - each cabin is about 50 square feet (4.6 square meters) - fresh bathrobes are provided for both occupants.
Each floor has two shared bathrooms for the guests who choose to sleep in one of the Standard Cabins.
Captain's Cabin
Captain's Cabin corner room is the top of the range with triple windows overlooking New Jersey's ever-growing skyline and the Hudson River.
You won't find floor-to-ceiling windows here as in Manhattan's modern hotels. Instead, there are cozy lookouts from an intimate interior of bygone times. Every piece of furniture, lamp, and curtain is era-appropriate.
With just a small effort of leaning out the window, you can catch a glimpse of the USA's tallest building, the iconic One World Trade Center, at the end of Twelfth Avenue.
Jersey City's skyline is also visible from the Captain Cabins.
The Jane Rooftop Bar features vintage furniture, taxidermied animals, and stunning Hudson River views from its terrace.
