The Z Hotel Is Almost Ready—It Just Needs Some Booze

Another boutique hotel pops up this summer in one of New York City's outer boroughs, and—surprise!—it's got a rooftop bar. Long Island City's Z Hotel, a sleek 100-room tower adjacent to the Queensborough Bridge, is almost ready to open its doors, but will the area's total lack of foot traffic spell doom for the much-hyped project? Owner Henry Zilberman, whose background as the owner of a local car service makes him something of an expert on location, is optimistic about the destination's appeal to tourists and business travelers. In a 2007 interview, Zilberman made the convincing case

Renderings of the Z (Z for 'Zilberman,' or for 'zany?') have been circulating on the web for a few years, and now that the whole thing is up, we have to admit, we like it a lot better than the nearby Ravel Hotel's bland exterior. At the Z, balconied walkways are set off by playful multicolored panels, and the grey-brick-and-glass facade is much more at peace with the neighborhood's industrial backdrop. But the question remains: how will a hotel premised on the appeal of its "Gansevoort vibe" make out in such bleak surroundings?

CHEAP HOTEL

CHEAP HOTEL

With Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Wet’N Wild only a mile away , Crowne Plaza Universal offers easy access to the Orlando’s exciting attractions. This Orlando hotel is an excellent option for those seeking convenience and comfort. Orlando International Airport is only 11 miles from Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando. Guests can access any of the nearby tourist destinations by hopping on the I-Ride Trolley, which stops at this hotel.

The 400 rooms at Crowne Plaza Universal Hotel feature televisions, cable access, CD players, coffeemakers, high-speed Internet access, safes, video games, sofa beds, work desks with lamps, telephones, voicemail, and individual climate control. Queen rooms and junior suites are also available.

The Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal Hotel is 15 stories tall and within walking distance of International Drive. The hotel offers a restaurant, a lounge, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and 6 meeting rooms that can hold up to 400 people. Some of the amenities include an ATM, laundry and dry cleaning services, a gift shop, a newsstand, room service, a private limousine, an ice cream machine, free parking, and a business center.