Lodging meets Art at the Gershwin Hotel in New York

There's very few New York hotels which can match the Chelsea for sheer Bohemian panache and a long history of putting art over commerce. One of them happens to be the Gershwin Hotel on East 27th St, which is now a 100 years old, and still has a 'artist in residence' program.

The artists for 2009 are Mark Webber, painters Elma Alkema & Tina Oelker, with special selections being Siren Deluxe and Yandell Walton.

And the rates offered by the Gershwin start even lower than those charged by the New York motels and hostels. Fabuloso bunk beds for $45-$55, the 'Essential' with a double size bed and basic essentials for $109-$185, Le Standard which has a bit more in the form of amenities than the Essential type (such as a slightly larger room with wireless internet, etc.) for $179-$275.

For those upwardly mobile artists who preer a little more luxurious quarters, the Gershwin offers 'Superior' rooms with a comfortable reading area, designer chairs and artsy lighting for betweem $199-$355.

If you're in a group or have a family, then the Gershwin offers 'Family & Friends' accomodations from $329-$455 with seperate sleeping areas for added privacy and comfort. If you're entertaining a special someone and want to show your taste and class, then the Gershwin's suites are available for $299-$405, equipped with refrigirators and all the things you need to enjoy an extended stay in a hotel suite with a very individualistic touch and decor.

Common services and ameniteis offered to guests, regradless of chocie of guest room, include wireless internet, airconditioning, hair dryers, iron & board, safe deposit boxes, discount parking and baby-sitting and laundry services. The last two have add-on charges applicable.

The Gershwin might be a good place to set up base and get to know the landscape, so to speak, if you're a European artist coming for the first time to New York. Especially so if you're French. The Gershwin has a real spot spot pour Le Francais...

Info: 7 East 27th Street New York NY 10016; (212) 545-8000; www.gershwinhotel.com/