finally an old world feel of a charming inn in the city that is rather sick of modern (i mean cheap) pads. eric goode the man behind clubs like the old b-bar, and his partner sean macpherson the creator of maritime and the disneyland of a hotel called “the bowery hotel” have opened a 15-room inn by the name of lafayette house. the hotel/inn is charming but unfortunately lacking the extra details one would want for this price. expect little service, i.e. forget room service, concierge, and the like, after all its an inn not a hotel, but the basics are there; complimentary internet, plush towels, 500 count linens, large rooms, and ofcourse what every new york pad needs, a fireplace in every room. located in NoHo, between lafayette and bowery on 38 east 4th street, the rooms boost no great views but they contain a nice mix of old (including nicely done bathrooms, lovely antiques and even stationery printed to look aged around the edges! that’s a bit lame ok!) as well as new amenities (flatscreen, iPod-ready clock radio and condoms — 3 for $15). the five-story row-house has no elevator (not even a super dwarf sized one like those in paris), but a porter will be available to carry luggage if you happen to arrive during his work hours 8-8. rates for a standard room start at $375 a night which is rather steep given the lack of service but a nice deviation from the usual balazs’ plastic shoe box. a classic new york find: partially perfect / slightly over priced. by dd