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The Colonial House Inn represents a unique—and fabulous—slice of Chelsea’s history as a gay mecca. In the early 1970s Mel Cheren, financial backer of the famed Paradise Garage disco, bought a three-story brownstone originally built in the 1850s and donated its rooms to the then-fledgling organization, Gay Men's Health Crisis. When the organization outgrew the building in 1985, Cheren reopened it as an intimate, inexpensive guesthouse, which now sports an art gallery in the lobby and a clothing-optional sundeck on the roof. The inn's ten deluxe rooms share renovated bathrooms, while the standard and economy rooms make do with shared facilities. All guest rooms are reasonably sized and appointed with Sealy Posturepedic beds, feather pillows and fluffy, white duvets. Some rooms provide a small refrigerator; all offer TVs with DirecTV and XM Radio. Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and have access to the 24 Hours for Life gallery, which exhibits paintings by Cheren. — Susan Chenelle

Located amid Chelsea's thriving gay and lesbian, gallery, dining, and nightlife scenes. Already bargain rates are reduced 10% during January and February with a minimum four-night stay.

Cons
Guests staying in one of the ground-floor rooms may be wakened by someone using the one-piece gym located just outside their door.