The Standard East Village

The Standard East Village, a Michelin Key Selected property in New York City, offers a distinctive boutique hotel experience blending modern design with the vibrant energy of its iconic neighborhood. It generally garners positive feedback for its stylish ambiance, prime location, and attentive staff, though some recurring criticisms highlight room size and overall value.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Standard East Village typically receives a "Very Good" to "Excellent" rating from guests, with an impressive overall score of 8.9 on some platforms. The sentiment is largely positive, with many guests praising its unique vibe and excellent customer service. However, some reviews indicate a mixed experience, particularly regarding the value for money.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's prime location in the East Village, offering sweeping city views, especially from higher floors. The friendly and welcoming staff is frequently cited as a major asset, contributing significantly to a memorable stay. The hotel's design and ambiance are also highlights, featuring quirky and artsy decor, an infinity mirror in the elevator, and a generally "hip" and "fun" atmosphere. Amenities such as free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly accommodations (with no weight limit), and complimentary bike rentals are also appreciated. The tranquil street-level garden, which transforms into a winter garden with heated yurts in colder months, is a unique and loved feature.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Standard East Village are described as bright, thoughtfully designed, and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unique perspectives of East Village rooftops, downtown bridges, and classic uptown skyscrapers. Rooms are equipped with luxury-boutique amenities including huge HD screens, Bluetooth-enabled sound systems, well-stocked minibars, and Italian sheets with fluffy down pillows for comfortable beds. Mosaic-tile bathrooms come with custom bath products and a selection of bathrobes. While some guests praise the rooms as gorgeous and perfectly accessorized, a common complaint is the small size of standard rooms, with some feeling cramped, especially for New York City standards. There have also been mentions of maintenance issues like problematic shower doors and insufficient electrical outlets. Guestrooms were notably redesigned in 2023, refreshing carpets, lighting, and furniture.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse and unique dining experience with several on-site options. Café Standard is a popular indoor-outdoor venue serving classic American cooking, cocktails, and draft beers, described as a "neighborhood social hub" bustling from morning to late night. Narcissa, under Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, features California-style cuisine from a gleaming open kitchen, sourcing many ingredients from the hotelier's Hudson Valley farm. More recently, Cuna by Chef Maycoll Calderón offers vibrant, shareable Mexican dishes, while Cuna Bar & Lounge provides playful cocktails, a DJ booth, and a late-night menu, along with a comforting brunch on weekends. The Garden also serves light bites and clever cocktails. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available in the restaurants.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Standard East Village generally receives high marks, with staff being described as welcoming, accommodating, exceptionally friendly, and helpful. Guests often highlight individual staff members for going above and beyond. However, a few negative reviews report issues with staff training, perceiving them as somewhat arrogant or treating guests like "numbers."

6. Location & Accessibility

Located off Cooper Square in the heart of Manhattan's artistic East Village, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location with a remarkable rating of 9.1 to 9.8. It provides easy access to a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Popular landmarks like Washington Square Park and New York University are within a 10-minute walk. The hotel is also very well-connected by public transport, with the Astor Place subway station just a 3-4 minute walk away. Nearby neighborhoods like NoHo and SoHo are easily accessible. The area is lively but the rooms are generally quiet.

7. Value & Pricing

Room rates for The Standard East Village can start from approximately $244 to $263 per night. However, prices can vary significantly, with some guests noting much higher costs, for example, around $800 during the holiday season. While some guests find the hotel to offer exceptional value, others feel it is overpriced given the room size and some amenities. A mandatory facility fee is charged, which includes Wi-Fi, complimentary access to a nearby Crunch Fitness gym, bicycle rentals, daily bottled water, and coffee/tea upon request. This fee cannot be waived and has been a point of contention for some guests who found it to be a "hidden cost."

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues include the perceived small size of the rooms, with some guests finding them cramped or lacking enough space for belongings. Cleanliness and maintenance issues, such as problems with shower doors, weak water pressure, and worn furniture, have been reported. While some reviews mention quiet rooms, others have experienced noise from neighbors. The value for money is also a point of criticism for some, who feel the hotel is overpriced, especially considering the added facility fees and deposits that are sometimes not promptly refunded. Some standard rooms have been described as dark.

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