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in New York
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60 Thompson
60 Thompson St., nr. Broome St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
A veteran of the boutique hotel scene, 60 Thompson remains a SoHo trendsetter.
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70 park avenue hotel
70 Park Ave., nr. 38th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Inviting boutique from the Kimpton chain offering home-away-from-home comforts.
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Ace Hotel New York
20 W. 29th St., nr. Broadway
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Historic property turned hipster hangout with quirky décor and in-room Gibson guitars.
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Andaz Fifth Avenue
485 Fifth Ave., nr. E. 41st St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Sleek, fashionable Andaz venture set near Manhattan’s biggest sights.
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Andaz Wall Street
75 Wall St., nr. Water St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This expectedly corporate Andaz venture possesses charming boutique touches.
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Blue Moon Hotel
100 Orchard St., nr. Delancey St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Elegantly restored 1870s tenement building featuring 22 atmospheric and airy suites.
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Chambers
15 W. 56th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Intimate and stylish boutique hotel just around the corner from Fifth Avenue.
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Crosby Street Hotel
79 Crosby St., nr. Spring St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
The first NYC property from cult boutique chain Firmdale delights with elegantly eccentric décor.
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Dylan Hotel
52 E. 41st St., nr. Park Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
1900s chemistry club-turned-chic boutique with a sense of history.
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Empire Hotel
44 W. 63rd St., nr. Broadway
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Despite its 100+ years of history, the Empire wows with its youthful glamour.
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Four Seasons Hotel New York
57 E. 57th St., nr. Park Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
true
The ultimate polished-and-pampered luxury in an iconic tower that puts Central Park at your feet.
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Gansevoort Park Avenue
420 Park Ave. S., nr. E. 29th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Gansevoort has taken Park Avenue by storm with its glam rooftop pool and lounge.
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Gild Hall
15 Gold St., nr. Platt St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This handsome urban hunting lodge of a hotel reaches out to the Wall Street set.
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Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Ave., nr. 21st St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
true
This property wows with sexy opulence and private access to Gramercy Park.
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Hotel Elysée
60 E. 54th St., nr. Park Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Old World vibes prevail at this historic boutique, lending a members-only-club feel.
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Hotel Gansevoort
18 Ninth Ave., nr. W. 13th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Sexy urban resort that wows the hipster crowd with hopping nightlife and a rooftop pool.
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Hotel on Rivington
107 Rivington St., nr. Ludlow St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This sleek glass tower offers a trendy scene and astounding views of the Manhattan skyline.
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Hotel Plaza Athénée New York
37 E. 64th St., nr. Madison Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Discreet yet ever-so-luxe boutique offering European-style pied-à-terre suites.
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Jumeirah Essex House
160 Central Park S., nr. Seventh Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Historic 1930s tower facing Central Park that’s been revamped as a slick business traveler haven.
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Lafayette House
38 E. 4th St., nr. Bowery
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
This funky vintage gem offers lavish Victorian suites complete with working fireplaces.
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Le Parker Meridien
119 W. 56th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Fashionable little spot that wows with hipster nods and a business-friendly setup.
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Mandarin Oriental, New York
80 Columbus Circle, nr. W. 59th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
This stylishly swank property matches outstanding service and a smoking scene with stellar views.
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Room Mate Grace
125 W. 45th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Trendy Midtown property that manages to compete above its weight class.
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Smyth Tribeca
85 W. Broadway, nr. Chambers St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Fashionable yet low-profile boutique getaway for romance with a dash of intrigue.
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Sofitel New York
45 W. 44th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Chic property that ditches chain hotel clichés with stylish French vibes.
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Soho Grand
310 W. Broadway, nr. Grand St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This SoHo trendsetter draws hipsters in droves with its hot lounge scene.
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Stay.
157 W. 47th St., nr. Seventh Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Seriously wired amenities make up for diminutive accommodations and a lack of facilities.
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The Alex Hotel
205 E. 45th St., nr. Third Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
The Alex woos the business in-crowd with well-appointed long-stay suites and a convenient location.
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The Bryant Park Hotel
40 W. 40th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Sleekly seductive Bryant Park getaway that’s popular with the fashion in-crowd.
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The Carlyle
35 E. 76th St., nr. Madison Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
true
1930s gem that caters to the dignitary set with spacious suites and famously discreet service.
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The Greenwich Hotel
377 Greenwich St., nr. N. Moore St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Robert De Niro wows in his first role as hotelier at this elegantly eclectic property.
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The Inn at Irving Place
56 Irving Pl., nr. E. 17th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Charming bed and breakfast tucked away in a pair of 19th century brownstones.
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The Inn on 23rd
131 W. 23rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Cozy family-run inn furnished with the owner’s personal collection of antiques, artwork, and curios.
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The Iroquois
49 W. 44th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
A 1923 gem of a property with old-fashioned attention to luxury and stellar service.
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The Jane
113 Jane St., nr. West St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
This former sailors' hostel offers bargain (albeit tiny) rooms and stylishly vintage vibes.
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The London NYC
151 W. 54th St., nr. Seventh Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
This swinging Midtown property impresses with spacious and stylish suites.
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The Lowell
28 E. 63rd St., nr. Madison Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Discreet, pied-à-terre style suites favored by celebs seeking to keep a low profile.
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The Mansfield
12 W. 44th St., nr. Fifth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Recent renovations have added a high-tech edge to The Mansfield’s historic Beaux-Arts property.
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The Marcel at Gramercy
201 E. 24th St., nr. Third Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This recently renovated property turns heads with eye-popping modern design and a trendy location.
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The Maritime Hotel
363 W. 16th St., nr. Ninth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This slick boutique makes you feel like you're setting sail on an ultra-swish passenger ship.
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The Mercer
147 Mercer St., nr. Prince St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Stylish people flock to The Mercer for its scene and its trendy take on loft luxury.
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The Michelangelo
152 W. 51st St., nr. Seventh Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Sumptuous European-style hotel with grand, spacious rooms and business-friendly perks.
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The New York Palace
455 Madison Ave., nr. E 51st St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Swish property offering a unique blend of 21st century luxury and 19th century architecture.
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The Peninsula New York
700 Fifth Ave., nr. 55th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Classic Peninsula luxury enhanced with a fabulous spa and a chic Asian-inspired rooftop lounge.
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The Phillips Club
155 W. 66th St., nr. Broadway
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Swanky serviced mini-flats for well-heeled travelers in town on an extended stay.
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The Pierre
2 E. 61st St., nr. Fifth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
This 1930s luxury icon pairs classic, flawless service with plush, newly refurbished rooms.
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The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
2 West St., nr. 1st Pl.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
This plush Downtown retreat caters to Wall Street high rollers.
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The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
50 Central Park S., nr. Sixth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Decadent park-side property prepared to cater to your every whim.
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The Roger Smith
501 Lexington Ave., nr. E. 47th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
Cozy New England-style comfort meets avant-garde art at this Midtown property.
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The Setai Fifth Avenue
400 Fifth Ave., nr. 37th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
In this midst of the Fifth Avenue buzz, this elegant boutique offers a residential-style escape.
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The Sherry- Netherland
781 Fifth Ave., nr. E. 59th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
This opulent Fifth Avenue gem offers old school luxury in an intimate, residential environment.
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The Shoreham
33 West 55th St., nr. Fifth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Cappuccinos flow freely at this edgy boutique catering to the laptop-toting set.
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The St. Regis New York
2 E. 55th St., nr. Fifth Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Stately historic property offering Old World-style luxury, complete with tuxedoed personal butlers.
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The Standard, High Line NYC
848 Washington St., nr. 13th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This hipper-than-thou property offers risqué rooms and smoking nightlife.
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The Surrey
20 E. 76th St., nr. Madison Ave.
New York
NY
Hotel
Charming Finds
This recently revived Art Deco gem offers spacious suites and upper-crust amenities.
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Thompson LES
190 Allen St., nr. E. Houston St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Trendy young things flock to the Thompson LES for its ever-so-cool nightlife scene and rooftop pool.
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Tribeca Grand
2 Sixth Ave., nr. White St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
This welcoming hotel offers something for everyone from business types to hip moms to clubbers.
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Trump International Hotel & Tower
1 Central Park W., nr. W. 61st St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Classic Luxury
Gold-plated Trump-style luxury complete with personal attachés for every guest.
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W New York - Times Square
1567 Broadway, nr. W. 46th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
Stylish Times Square property with happening nightlife.
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W New York - Union Square
201 Park Ave. S., nr. E. 17th St.
New York
NY
Hotel
Chic & Design
A comfortable mix of business and fun, this well-located member of the W chain delivers.
Receiving the official "key to a city" is typically an honor bestowed on only the most accomplished, respected dignitaries and local heroes. In New York, the likes of the Dalai Lama and Joe DiMaggio count themselves among the decorated few who hold a gold-plated set. Yet, as everyone knows, these keys are merely symbolic–they don't open squat.
Much more useful than a mock key to City Hall is a key (or swipe card, as the case may be) to one of New York's fabulous hotel rooms. Despite being a geographically small city, New York is dense with distinct neighborhoods, and you'll find that the key to your hotel room also unlocks the unique corner of New York that your hotel happens to be situated in. Though there are exceptions, in general Uptown and Midtown hotels trend towards the proper and upscale, while Downtown hotels just trend toward the trendy. In other words, location is, well..., key.
Hotel keys in Uptown aren't gold-plated, but they may as well be given that the Upper East Side is known for its formal and moneyed elegance. High-fashion boutiques on Madison Avenue, upscale restaurants, notable museums, and of course lush Central Park will all be at your fingertips if you decide to bed down here. Many of the choicest Uptown hotels are tucked away in historic buildings with Old World grandeur. Yet while the décor may be old school, the high-tech gadgets are not–they may just be stashed in a Louis XIV armoire (no skeleton key required).
At discreet Art Deco gem The Carlyle, you can expect premium pampering with amenities like the Senses Spa and Café Carlyle, the quintessential NY supper club. And if you spend just a bit too much in the onsite shopping arcade, you can trust that the white-gloved elevator operators will keep your secret under lock and key. Though European-styled The Pierre is on the larger side, with a staff to guest ratio of 3:1, they remain totally keyed in to personalized attention too.
But if you want to feel like you've been given a key to your very own flat, you might want to check in at one of our favorite Uptown properties that specializes in suites. With suites tricked out with woodburning fireplaces, terraces, and kitchenettes, The Lowell is a fully-equipped hideaway (ideal for those dodging the paparazzi). Other favorite suite spots include Hotel Plaza Athénée New York, with its European-style pied-à-terres, and The Surrey, formerly a swanky Art Deco residence where luminaries like Bette Davis once held keys.
While all that privacy can be relaxing, if you want to key things up a bit, move toward Midtown for some heart-of-Manhattan action. Pretty much anything you might want is accessible here, from classic sights like Times Square to top-notch shopping and theater. Our hotel picks in this part of Manhattan cater to both business and pleasure. Some are ensconced in modern high rises, but even those that have an old New York historic feel host their share of movers and shakers.
On the modern tip, the Four Seasons Hotel New York makes its home in IM Pei's 52-story limestone tower, offering amazing views of Central Park and Downtown from the upper-floor rooms. The large desks and efficient service at Le Parker Meridien make it business friendly, but you can also play in the amazing gym (complete with pool) and the famed casual restaurants (don't miss the delicious breakfast at Norma's or burgers at Burger Joint). At W New York - Times Square, hot pink room décor accents and the right-in-Times-Square address may be too high-key for some, but there's ample opportunity to chill out with sushi and jazz at popular Blue Fin restaurant.
For a Midtown setting that's more classic yet no less fashionable, try The St. Regis New York. Tuxedoed personal butlers, crystal chandeliers, and silk wall coverings recall a bygone era, but the scene in the handsome King Cole Bar is ultra au courant. At The Bryant Park Hotel, fashion may be the key to the hotel's success; the fashion in-crowd still flocks to this former location of Fashion Week shows.
But if you're looking for something a little more edgy and off-key (in a good way) but still super fashionable, then Downtown is where it's at. The urban areas of SoHo, Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and the Lower East Side are dotted with design-conscious properties that are cool, hip, and sexy with close proximity to hot nightlife, chic boutiques, and stylish cafes a huge plus.
The Standard, New York sets the standard for this town's trendy digs. You'll need nothing so quaint as a key to protect your privacy–the risqué rooms here have exposed showers, not to mention amazing floor-to-ceiling windows, so prepare to be on display (something the preening crowds in the lounges don't seem to mind). Or maybe you'd prefer a bit of Hollywood stardust. The sister hotel to LA's storied Chateau Marmont, The Mercer pours luxury into SoHo industrialism, and its happening lobby is a magnet for Hollywood insiders. Or, you can stay at what feels like the private home of a legendary Hollywood insider−Tribeca's Greenwich Hotel belongs to Robert DeNiro. Amenities like the underground pool lit by lanterns, Italian tavern Locanda Verde, and in-room saunas make this a key stop for those seeking bells and whistles amid the Downtown minimalism.
The true antithesis of minimalism, though, is the Gramercy Park Hotel. The theatrically opulent boudoir-meets-gothic interiors lend a cool cachet that draws scenesters despite the sleepy residential location. You can join them for cocktails in the über-hot Rose Bar or for Roman specialties in the equally sizzling Maialino restaurant. But our favorite amenity here is, of course, of the key variety. A key to private Gramercy Park is available to all guests! It's charming touches like these that give New York hotels the keys to our hearts.
Photo of The Surrey courtesy of The Surrey