Rising incongruously above the low-rise East Village like an unfurled sail, Cooper Sq’s gleaming white structure looms strikingly out of place. But the Standard's 144 rooms strike few jarring notes: stylish lines, Italian sheets, deep mattresses, picture windows and plenty of gadgets. The patio bars are great for warm-weather lounging, while the restaurant, Narcissa, cooks Californian (mains $22 to $38).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. 41 Cooper Square

0.04 MILES

This state-of-the-art academic building, which opened in 2009, was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Thom Mayne. One of the more eye-catching…

2. Merchant's House Museum

0.08 MILES

Built in 1832 and purchased by merchant Seabury Tredwell three years later, this red-brick mansion remains the most authentic Federal house in town. It's…

3. Cooper Union Building

0.08 MILES

The large brownstone Cooper Union is a private college offering degrees in architecture, fine arts and engineering; it was founded by glue millionaire…

4. Astor Place

0.12 MILES

Even with the Alamo, an iconic piece of public art more often referred to as 'The Cube,' restored after several years absence, this is not the Astor Place…

5. Mosaic Trail

0.18 MILES

Follow St Marks Pl from Broadway to Ave A to seek out the tile-encrusted street poles of this grassroots civic-art project, now in its fourth decade. In…

6. Hole

0.22 MILES

Known for its excellent installations, this 4000-sq-ft gallery is an anchor of the downtown art scene with monthly solo and group shows.

7. St Marks Place

0.23 MILES

One of the most magical things about New York is that every street tells a story, from the action unfurling before your eyes to the dense history hidden…

8. St Mark's Church in-the-Bowery

0.25 MILES

Though it’s most popular with East Village locals for its cultural offerings – readings hosted by the Poetry Project or cutting-edge dance performances…