Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Vetiver

Hotel Vetiver is a trendy boutique inn situated in a lively Queens neighborhood, within walking distance of a range of restaurants and museums. The 39th Avenue subway station is just one block away; hop on the N line to get to Manhattan in less than 15 minutes. You can see the Manhattan skyline from the guest rooms’ balconies.

• Start the day right with a complimentary breakfast.
• Notable praise: The hotel earned TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence in 2013 and 2014.
• In-room amenities: 32-inch flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and free WiFi
• A dose of culture: MoMA PS1, located a mile from the hotel, displays experimental works from emerging and established artists from around the world.

Astoria, Queens: Diverse Restaurants and Scenic Park Alongside the East River

The motto of Astoria might as well be “come hungry, leave very, very full.” Historically, the Queens neighborhood was a Greek and Italian enclave where you could stuff yourself with homemade pasta or spinach pie in mom-and-pop eateries with Hellenic murals on the walls. In the latter half of the 20th century, though, a diverse mix of restaurants began popping up in between the Mediterranean spots. Stroll through the neighborhood today and you’ll get whiffs of Bangladeshi, Colombian, Eastern European, and Egyptian cuisine wafting through the air.

But there’s more to do than eat. The American Museum of the Moving Image is the only institution of its kind dedicated to the history and artistry of movies and television. Check out the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts or peruse of-the-moment exhibits. Another great spot to while away an afternoon is Astoria Park, where you can go for a swim in one of New York City’s largest pools or simply take in views of the Manhattan skyline over the East River.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.