LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Approximate driving time is 25 minutes and distance is 10 miles.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Approximate driving time is 35 minutes and distance is 16 miles.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Approximate driving time is 35 minutes and distance is 13 miles.

Driving directions from LaGuardia: Take Grand Central Pkwy west to I-278 (Brooklyn-Queens Expy). Take Exit 32A and cross the Williamsburg Bridge. Continue on Delancey St, then continue on Kenmare St. Turn left on Lafayette St, then turn right on Canal St. Turn right on W Broadway.

Driving directions from JFK: Take I-678 (Van Wyck Expy) to SR 27 west. Take Exit 17W to N Conduit Ave. Continue on Atlantic Ave, then bear right onto Flatbush Ave. Continue on Flatbush Ave Extension, then bear left to the Manhattan Bridge. Turn left on Canal St, then turn right on W Broadway.

Driving directions from Newark: Follow signs to take US 1/US 9 north, then take I-78 east. Follow signs to take the Holland Tunnel. Exit to Beach St, then turn left on W Broadway.

Getting there: For the solo traveler, the best option from any of the airports is a shuttle van ($16–25). For groups of two or more, a taxi is usually a better value ($26–35 from LaGuardia; more than $36 from JFK and Newark). Other transportation options, including express buses and JFK's Air Train, are less expensive ($5–15) but do not go to individual hotels. Travelers can take a taxi or subway for the balance of the trip. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Getting around: Walking is a popular option for sightseeing, window-shopping, and experiencing the flavor of the city. Taxis are relatively easy to hail, except during rush hour. Subways are efficient and inexpensive (less than $5; fees subject to change without notice). Subway MetroCards can be purchased in subway stations and numerous other locations. A subway station is a half-block from the hotel. Rental cars are not recommended.

Bathrooms recall Old New York with subway-style ceramic wall tiles, grey and white hexagonal floor tiles, pedestal sinks, and face cloths tucked into old-fashioned shaving mugs. Dual lights, made of hand-blown glass bell jars, serve as a reminder of the era when electricity was starting to replace gas and wary consumers continued to use both. Bath products are by Blisslabs and Privé.

The Gallery - This high-ceilinged dining room displays a rotating art collection. Antique mirrors accent saffron walls. Seating at traditional tables and on velvet couches. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, plus Sunday brunch. Outdoor dining is available during the warmer months.

Grand Bar & Lounge - Stylish, alluring room with tall windows, copper-topped tables, and amber lighting. Apothecary jars stand on shelves behind the bar, and a 19th-century operating-room lamp hangs overhead. The adjacent lounge features oversized sofas, a wall of 16-foot-high windows, and hand-painted tables with legs shaped like elephant tusks. DJs entertain most nights.

Amenity highlights: Adjoining the lobby on the second level, the lounge offers a dramatic setting for people-watching, intimate tête-à-têtes, or viewing the streetscape below. Sixteen-foot-high windows are softened with muslin sheers and 900-pound velvet curtains. The ceiling is fashioned of handmade mercury mirror glass embedded with chicken wire. Seating areas feature oversized sofas, tall palms, and hand-painted tables with legs shaped like elephant tusks. Upholstery spans the centuries with a mix of 1800s William Morris patterns and modern textiles.

Insider tip: Right outside the West Broadway entrance stands a 17th-century French stone basin, used these days as a "dog bar." It's a favored watering hole for pooches from the neighborhood and from the hotel to meet, greet, and quench their thirst.

Pets are not only permitted at the Soho Grand, they are embraced. Pet pampering is taken to an entirely new level with perks such as in-room dining, toys, full-body pillows, grooming brushes, and even doggie toothbrushes and toothpaste. The hotel works with carefully selected animal-care providers for services including dog walking and pet sitting. Guests can also borrow an ebony or orange goldfish for companionship—and, if desired, can take their new pal home in a plastic carrier.