Review of Maritime Hotel, by Shelley Seale

New York's Maritime Hotel, bordering the funky Chelsea and hipster Meatpacking districts, is a themed hotel that is understated and quietly trendy. Once the headquarters for the National Maritime Union, the hotel has incorporated its nautical history its building and décor, from the round porthole windows in each guest room to the dark blue lobby with teak wood and subtle sailing elements.

Since its splash onto the Manhattan hotel scene in 2003, the Maritime has remained a place to see and be seen. Familiar faces often grace the nightlife here, from the Italian trattoria and bar La Bottega to the Japanese-themed club Hiro, often spilling over onto the 6,000 square feet of terrace spaces with cabanas and patio seating. At any given time high-flying business and entertainment deals are going down over laptops in the lobby, and numerous restaurants and art galleries proliferate the neighbourhood.

Service at the door, front desk and rooms of the hotel is friendly and attentive without being overbearing or too familiar; however, service in the bar areas can be spotty and dismissive, even on a slower night.

Complimentary wifi is available throughout the hotel's public areas and guest rooms, and every effort is made to accommodate business guests. The lobby has multiple seating areas and is a perfect place for small informal meetings, or simply to chat with friends in front of the unique 60s-mod-style white fireplace.

In addition to La Bottega for casual Italian fare, the Maritime is also home to one of the city's most in-demand Japanese restaurants, Matsuri. In addition to offering fresh, beautiful sushi and more than 200 kinds of Sake, Matsuri's lantern lighting and subdued luxury give it a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Continue your Japanese night out at the Hiro club which is open late, or venture to the Maritime's rooftop after dark for The Cabanas bar with its exquisite skyline views.

Guest rooms are small and compact, though comfortable. One very nice feature is that all rooms overlook the Hudson River, and the view is enhanced by the fun porthole windows. Each room has a custom-made bed with Japanese fabric headboard, flat-screen television, DVD and CD player and full honour bar. The bathrooms, while also small, are utilized well and feature beautiful green-tiled showers with waterfall showerheads as well as the designer toiletries one would expect from an upscale urban hotel.

Five individually decorated suites are also available, including two penthouse terrace suites that feature hardwood floors with oriental rugs, private gardens and outdoor showers.