Finding a reasonably priced, centrally located hotel in New York City sometimes can seem like an impossibility. As a budget-savvy traveler, I want a functional, comfortable space that’s close to all of my needs. And, I prefer that it costs less than $150 per night. I found this at Cachet Boutique in Midtown Manhattan.
Formerly known as The OUT NYC, this 105-room boutique hotel is located a quick stroll away from Times Square on 42nd Street. As The OUT, the hotel was one of the city’s most LGBTQ-welcoming accommodations. As the straight-friendly Cache, it continues to pop up on gay travel sites. However, during my stay, the guest list consisted of families with kids, single travelers, and conference-goers like myself. Located in the center of the block between 10th and 11th avenues, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center.
Convenience and Comfort
I arrived early in the morning, after a red-eye flight from Phoenix. I took the subway from JFK International Airport to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and walked to the hotel. This stretch of 42nd Street is relatively quiet. A 24-hour CVS drug store is on the corner of 10th Avenue. Next door to the hotel is an NYPD Strategic Response Group station, so police cars line the street. A deli is across the street.
The hotel’s exterior is minimalist. The only signage is on the front of an awning. A sidewalk vestibule, which blocks the winter weather, leads to the entrance. Directly inside the front doors is a room with lounge chairs and a pool table. An accent wall with gold-on-gold wallpaper showcasing Andy Warhol’s famed Marilyn (Reversal) image sets the tone. The lobby is a long, narrow hallway with black walls punctuated by colorful artwork.
Like it is at most hotels, check-in is at 3 p.m., but I was able to drop off my luggage and head straight to the conference. I also freshened-up in the lobby bathroom — or tried to. The lighting, or lack thereof, in the gender-neutral bathroom is meant to create a vibe, but it is very dim. I could barely see what was in my bag, and I definitely could not put on makeup because the room was so dark.
Staying at Cachet Boutique NYC
I opted to stay in a Deluxe King Room. Also available are rooms with a single queen or two doubles, as well as a choice of suites. The rooms are clustered around three courtyards. I stayed on the third floor near the Great Lawn.
Rooms are modern and minimalist. Padded wainscoting serves as a contemporary headboard. And the platform bed is topped with crisp white linens and plush pillows. There is no dresser, closet, suitcase stand or coffee-maker. There is a mini-fridge and a wall-mounted TV. A long, narrow tabletop that runs along one wall serves as a desk. The room also features a lounge chair and upholstered end-of-bed benches. Shelves and a closet rod with hangers are found in the bathroom. A safe also is in the bathroom.
The bathroom is spacious with a large walk-in showers, complete with rain shower heads. Single-use toiletries are provided. But like the overall atmosphere of the hotel, the lighting in the bathrooms is dim. I prefer surface-of-the-sun brightness in a bathroom.
I did find one weird thing. My room was heated by a large portable HVAC unit that was vented through the hallway-facing window. It kept the room warm, but the curtains did not close properly because of the vent hose.
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Recent Changes
There are a number of reviews of Cachet Boutique online — some dating back to when the hotel was The OUT. The hotel transitioned to Cachet in 2017, and according to a Yelp review from August 2022, it is again under new ownership, which may explain some of the discrepancies I found between recent reviews and my personal experience.
Many online reviews mention an on-site nightclub that attracts large crowds and blares loud music until 4 a.m. This was not a problem during my stay. In fact, I found the hotel to be very quiet. There is an event space attached to the lobby, but it appeared to be closed. If noise is a concern, I suggest calling the front desk and asking about the status of the club prior to booking.
In addition, there is no longer an on-site restaurant, as mentioned in previous reviews. However, guests receive discounts at the diner/coffee shop across the street and at a selection of other area businesses.
When it came time for check-out, I once again was able to store by luggage at the front desk until I was ready to head back to the airport and a night at the architecturally historic TWA Hotel. Unlike during check-in, I had to pay $2 per piece of luggage. It’s a small price to pay for safe storage.
Rooms at Cachet Boutique start at about $135, plus taxes and fees. The hotel does place a $200 hold on your credit card at check-in. You can compare rates and book your stay at an online booking site as well such as Hotels.com, Expedia, or Booking.com.
