Welcome aboard New York City's most undiscovered gem, the Maritime Hotel, which sits in the heart of the hip Chelsea neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan.
The slim white-tiled building is dotted with portholes as if it were a giant rectangular ship grounded in one of the best spots in New York.
If the building reminds you of the modernist buildings of Tokyo, like the Nakagin Capsule Tower, that is no coincidence.
The Albert Ledner-designed structure was built in 1968 as the headquarters for the National Maritime Union, and it remains one of the best examples of modernist architecture in New York.
The unique landmark building was eventually renovated into a luxury hotel and opened to the public in 2003. Now, anyone who comes to New York can visit this iconic structure.
The maritime history is evident when entering the navy blue lobby decorated with visually pleasing hardwood surfaces and walls plastered with paintings of ships.
Adjacent to the main building is the Catch Steak restaurant, serving fine cuts (such as different types of Japanese wagyu) and "not steak," including fish and vegetarian dishes.
Another dining option is the multi-level Tao Downtown, offering the best of Pan-Asian (i.e., from many parts of Asia) cuisine.
Junior Penthouse Suite
The nautical-themed accommodations range from Superior Rooms to posh Penthouses (Junior, Terrace, and Rooftop).
Even the most affordable room features an iconic porthole window overlooking the city.
The five-foot (1.5 meters) windows face the city and the Hudson River.
Each of the 125 rooms features a rainfall shower - a typical amenity of hotels in New York - and the two top suites come with a bathtub too.
Terrace Penthouse Suite
The 1,000 square foot (93 square meters) Terrace Suite has a 250 square foot (23 square meters) outdoor patio with one of the most unique features of any hotel in New York: an open-air shower.
So, you can take a shower in the middle of Manhattan under the open sky - where only birds can sneak up on you.
Rooftop Penthouse Suite
The Captain's Quarter is, of course, the rooftop penthouse suites, which are the best of what Maritime Hotel has to offer.
It takes more than just porthole windows to make an authentic cruise ship cabin experience. The Rooftop Penthouse features a fireplace decorated with anchors and a model ship.
363 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
