Stay at New York’s hippest address: Washington Jefferson Hotel (212-246-7550; www.wjhotel.com). Full of life and brimming with history, the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood is ever changing. More and more corporations are snapping up real estate and moving in. Prada and Kenneth Cole are among the areas new neighbors. The neighborhood has long been home to a mix of artists, actors, dancers and even chefs, either New York natives, or the fresh-faced kids from Iowa that are looking for their next big break. Teeming with great food from all over the world, avant-garde Off-Broadway Theater, and residents from many backgrounds, it is one of Manhattan’s most culturally diverse and exciting neighborhoods.

The newly renovated Washington Jefferson Hotel brings smart, chic, stylish sophistication to the neighborhood. The refurbished lobby, modern in design, makes one feel as though they are entering a 3-star hotel. Well-known hotel interior designer Jorge L. Portero renovated the Washington Jefferson Hotel in 2002. Upon entering the lobby one is greeted by beautiful marble floors, mahogany walls and comfortable furniture that give a feeling of elegance to the casual surroundings. Service is not overlooked and all personnel are friendly and attentive.

The Washington Jefferson is a real New York hotel with an ideal location on a quiet block near Broadway, Off-Broadway and just blocks from restaurant row. The hotel has understated luxury with all the comforts of home. The rooms are cozy, with modern furnishings that are residential in feel. Industrial colors: slate, black, steel gray and white are used in every room, but the textures and materials are soft and inviting. The 125 rooms are well-appointed and offer amenities such as an in-room safe, color television with cable and pay-per-view, state of the art telecommunication system with direct dial, voice mail and data port connections for modem and fax hook-ups. There is also a small 24-hour fitness center on the premises. This spring, a bar and café will open.

When visiting New York for either business or pleasure, whether your interested in affordable travel or one is traveling on an expense account, The Washington Jefferson Hotel suits all needs’ a well-priced hotel where one can have a good night’s sleep.

Washington Jefferson Hotel is a member of the Triumph Hospitality brand of hotels, which also includes Iroquois New York (49 W. 44^th St., 212-453-4001); Hotel Chandler New York (12 E. 31^st St., 212-889-6363); and the Hotel Belleclaire (250 W. 77^th St., 212- 362-7700). Triumph Hospitality stands for personalized luxury and service at its best.