The Strand

Profile

Opened in late 2009, the 177-room Strand offers all that you'd hope to find in a Manhattan boutique hotel: style, service, and a bit of a scene. A variety of designers�from Lisa Knight, who did the lobby and guest rooms, to Sex and the City set decorator Lydia Marks, who oversaw the rooftop lounge�have helped transform a former parking lot into a relaxed, contemporary space with retro touches evoking Old Hollywood and Art Deco New York. Tapered mahogany columns, a glass spiral staircase, and a two-story water wall set the scene at reception, while rooms have asymmetrical lounge chairs, a palette of deep purple, cream, and gold, and bathrooms with green slate floors and mahogany-and-marble vanities. Vintage black-and-white fashion photographs from the Condé Nast archives are hung throughout and are available for sale. Along with floor-to-ceiling windows framing city views (several of the rooms face the Empire State Building), amenities include custom Fragonard bath products and bamboo-sheet-covered pillow-top beds that rank among the most comfortable in town. The chic penthouse bar�complete with retractable glass roof�offers classic cocktails, while the lobby-level restaurant will feature a fireplace lounge, alabaster bar, and year-round greenhouse�as well as al fresco dining. — Sandra Ramani

Stylish design elements, an extensive complimentary breakfast buffet, and a small gym and business center (both of which are free for hotel guests).

Cons
Most rooms are on the small side. Be careful of the high-tech mini-bar system, which will charge you instantly if an item is touched.