ce.

[Picture: ST. NICHOLAS HOTEL.]

The _New York Hotel_ is a plain red brick structure, occupying the entire
block bounded by Broadway and Mercer street, and East Washington and
Waverley Places. It has recently been refitted and improved, and is one
of the most comfortable houses in the city. In one respect, it may be
regarded as the counterpart of the Astor, since like that hotel, it is
noted for its political complexion. It is the favorite stopping place of
the Democratic politicians visiting the city, and is mainly patronized by
members of that party. It is very popular with the Southern people,
large numbers of whom come here to spend the summer, to escape from the
heat of their climate, or to pass the winter to enjoy the delights of the
city. The guests of the New York generally stay a long time, and the
house is said to do a good business.

The _Grand Central_, on Broadway, between Bleecker and Amity streets, and
extending back to Mercer street, is a new house. It was opened in
August, 1870, and is the largest hotel in America. It rises to a height
of eight stories, or 127 feet, exclusive of the Mansard roof, above the
street. Including the central dome, it is ten stories in height. The
fitting up of the house is very handsome and elaborate, the furniture and
decorations having cost over half a million of dollars. The dining-room
will seat 600 persons at once.

The _Fifth Avenue Hotel_, at the junction of Broadway and Fifth avenue,
and between Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth streets, is generally regarded
as the best house in the city. It occupies the most conspicuous location
in New York, and is one of the finest buildings of its kind in the world.
It is constructed of white marble, is six stories in height, above
ground, and fronts on Fifth avenue, Broadway, Twenty-third and
Twenty-fourth streets. The land and building are valued at over
$1,000,000, and are owned by Mr. Amos R. Eno, by whom the house was
built. The proprietors are Messrs. Hitchcock, Darling & Co.

The hotel was begun in 1857, Mr. Eno having more faith in the rapid
growth and prosperity of the city than most persons had at that day. The
wise heads laughed him to scorn, and called his house "Eno's folly."
They said it might make a popular summer resort, but would never take
rank as a first class city hotel. It was too high up town. Undismayed
by these criticisms, Mr. Eno went on with his work, and in 1860