HotelChatter

The spiffy wallpaper from the guestrooms, for example, was inspired by a 1970s-era men's tie, and also shows up on the walls of the gym. Unlike many hotels, Fashion 26 put its fitness center in the basement but didn't leave it to look sad and scary. It's bright, colorful, and the kind of room that makes you want to dance around.

In the rooms themselves, we loved the Keurig coffee makers, the free WiFi, the sleek design of the desks, side tables and minibars, and the cute-as-a-button orange foot stools. (Word is that the hotel is working towards selling some of the items in their rooms via a retail shop. We want one of those stools.)

It was also a relief to find out that the carpet that looks kind of fugly in photos is actually not so offensive at all in real life. It's a much darker blue than you'd think from the pictures, and the pinstripe effect works.

Bathrooms are nothing to write home about, but they're new, functional, and clean. We'll take it.

Other details hotel geeks like us will want to know: Bed linens, towels, and robes are by Frette, the bath amenities by Gilchrist & Soames (the London line). Rooms come in a two-full, one queen, or one king configuration, and rooms can be connected if you're traveling with friends or family.

Rooms have a 37-inch LG Flatscreen, and an iHome clock-radio. We're told the TV system is one of the simplest ever seen in a hotel (we didn't get to play with it, so can't confirm), and all the plugs you need for working are easy to access. The idea is for both guest rooms and meeting rooms to be technically simple—"plug and play."

Rare looks stylish but unpretentious, and we already approve of the menu, from dining at the sister restaurant over at the Affinia Shelburne. The countdown to mid or late May, when the Rare View Rooftop opens begins .... now!

All in all, we like what we saw on our tour. But let us know what you think! If you've booked a stay at Fashion 26, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

And don't forget, starting today, Quikbook.com is offering room rates for as low as $179 for stays from 6/01-9/06. For a new hotel with simple good looks and a location as convenient as this, we say that's a steal. But we hope you can find this deal on a date that works for you. Otherwise, room rates are about $309 a night.

[All photos: HotelChatter ]