The New York hotel specialists

Greenwich Village & East Village

Greenwich Village and East Village, the neighborhoods in between the Lower East Side and Chelsea, are often referred to as the Village but they are very much to separate areas. Both however share similar history of being the area where folk music and the punk rock movement called home and where anti-war movements and gay rights were center stage.

Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village considered a shrine by gay and lesbian community, as it was where the Stonewall Riots took place. It recently reopened in 2007 after being closed for a year. In the East Village, the now defunct CBGB was the mecca of the punk rock movement in the United States. The New York Dolls, the Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith and Talking Heads all got to grace its stage. The space is now being remodeled into a store for designer John Varvatos.

The East Village is also home to the main campus of New York University, while Greenwich is home to Washington Square Park, the center of the Village.

The area itself, along with the Lower East Side, is considered to be one the strongest contributing areas to American culture in the United States. It is an area enthralled with music, arts and activism.

When hunger strikes, head over to Babbo (212-777-0303), 110 Waverly Place, which is owned by celebrity chef Mario Batali and is the best Italian food outside of Little Italy. If looking for more affordable cuisine, Corner Bistro (212-242-9502), 331 W Fourth St., serves delicious burgers at an even more delicious price.

If all the activism attitude has convinced you to stay here, Washington Square Hotel is right in the center of Greenwich Village with great view of the park and the Empire State Building. Or try the Chelsea Inn, which is only three blocks from the Village and is a bit easier on the wallet.