Its location, 1 block from Union Square, and chic-boutique surroundings make this 13-story 1908 hotel a favorite with business travelers, families and die-hard shoppers. Rooms are spacious with a "Theatre Deco" meets Victorian decor (a sort of smoking club/study atmosphere). There are continued renovations, which recently included new plumbing, carpets and paint. Expect velvets, brocades, stripes, plaids, rich color, handcrafted artistic accents, upholstered chairs, hand-painted bedside lamps, luxurious pillows, writing desks and vanities. The hotel's roomy junior suites offer excellent value but best of all are the pair of one-bedroom suites on the 13th floor, both of which offer separate living rooms and exceptional views of the city (one has a private rooftop deck and kitchenette). Perks at the Maxwell include a foot masseuse on request for weary shoppers, discount coupons for the local department stores, and a "Kids are VIPs" program that lets parents rent an adjoining room for their kids at half the regular rate and tosses in some kid-friendly extras like a goody bag and crayons.