Look East, Young Man: Big views at the Mandarin Oriental New York.

The Benjamin Hotel
125 E. 50th St., at Lexington Ave.
212-715-2500
thebenjamin.com
Fussy travelers will love the personal attention here—think eleven pillow types to choose from, including buckwheat-filled, water-filled, and satin. The lobby has enormous columns rising from a parquet-and-marble floor; rooms are decorated in warm earth tones with cozy fabrics. The 209-room hotel also has a fitness center and holistic spa. Bridal couples enjoy the champagne and strawberries. Rates for studio suites start at $419; group discounts vary.

The Carlyle
35 E. 76th St., at Madison Ave.
212-744-1600
thecarlyle.com
With quintessential New York acts like Elaine Stritch performing frequently at its cabaret, classy rooms (many with park views), and an atmosphere reminiscent of a time when only the wealthy traveled, the Carlyle reels in presidents, royals, and old money. Bridal amenities upon arrival. Rack rates start at $550; group discounts are negotiable.

Four Seasons Hotel New York
57 E. 57th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-758-5700
fourseasons.com
Like all Four Seasons hotels, this one has spacious rooms (some with park views), luxe linens, and top-notch service. The hotel’s restaurant bar, Fifty Seven Fifty Seven, is famous for its after-work scene, often dotted with Hollywood moguls; the breakfast is one of the city’s best. There’s also a fully equipped gym and a full-service spa. Bridal amenities upon arrival. Rates from $655; group rates are available.

The Lowell Hotel
28 E. 63rd St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-838-1400
lowellhotel.com
The Lowell epitomizes Old New York luxury, though you might not be able to tell from the lobby, which is tiny. The rooms are outfitted with large desks, plush sofas, rich fabrics, and engulfing down comforters. There’s a decent gym; the chef at the Pembroke Room will customize your menu; and the Post House has a great reputation for steak. Many of the suites have terraces and working fireplaces. Rates from $495 and up; group discounts are available.

Mandarin Oriental, New York
80 Columbus Circle, at 60th St.
212-805-8800
mandarinoriental.com
Occupying floors 35 through 54 in the North Tower of the sprawling Time Warner Center, the Mandarin Oriental is a treat for the eyes. All 203 guest rooms and 48 suites have stunning floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park or the Hudson (visible from the picture windows in the bathrooms, too). Check out the expansive private fitness center, which boasts a 75-foot indoor pool. Rack rates from $655; group rates vary.

The Mark, New York
25 E. 77th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-744-4300
mandarinoriental.com
Guests who lean toward the traditional will appreciate the Mark’s neoclassical Italian style and old-world service. All 119 rooms and 57 suites are decked out with high-thread-count linens, overstuffed chairs, and marble bathrooms. Neighbors adore the tiny Mark's Bar; Mark's Restaurant is known for its extensive afternoon tea. You can arrange in-room spa services, and there’s a small "wellness suite" for fitness. Rack rates start at $600; group discounts are available.

The New York Palace Hotel
455 Madison Ave., nr. 50th St.
212-888-7000
newyorkpalace.com
The Palace lives up to its name, with high ceilings, sweeping staircases, and plush furniture scattered throughout its 897 rooms. Guests will feel spoiled—especially if they spring for a meal at Istana. The hotel offers a 7,000-square-foot spa and fitness center and a two-story bar. Rack rates start at $450; group discounts are negotiable.

The Peninsula, New York
700 Fifth Ave., at 55th St.
212-956-2888
peninsula.com
The Peninsula’s 239 rooms are as well appointed as you’d expect from this high-end hotel group, and an outdoor roof bar offers spectacular views of the city. There are plenty of dining and drinking options, but the biggest draw is the 35,000-square-foot spa, which has a fitness center, classes, and even a pool. Rates from $625.

The Pierre New York
2 E. 61st St., nr. Fifth Ave.
212-838-8000
fourseasons.com/pierre
The domed-ceiling rotunda at this elegant hotel, which opened in 1930, exemplifies old-fashioned opulence. The landmarked property has 150 rooms, 40 suites, and 11 grand suites, plus a fitness center, two upscale restaurants, and a bar. Rack rates from $495; wedding groups are offered a special rate.

The Plaza
768 Fifth Ave., nr. 58th St.
212-759-3000
fairmont.com
The Plaza, probably New York's best-known hotel, generally books up early, so plan well in advance, but don’t even bother thinking about the fall—the hotel is closed for renovations until 2007.

The Regency
540 Park Ave., at 61st St.
212-759-4100
loewshotels.com
All 351 rooms were revamped as part of a $35 million face-lift in 1999, the first major overhaul since the days when Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace stayed here. The nightclub, Feinstein’s, draws big names like Patti LuPone, and the restaurant, 540 Park, is a power-breakfast favorite. There’s also a fitness center with sauna. Bridal-couple amenities available. Rack rates from $749; group discounts for ten or more.

Rihga Royal Hotel
151 W. 54th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
212-307-5000
rihgaroyalny.com
This luxury midtowner is a favorite among business travelers and a comfortable place to house out-of-town guests. The rooms—all suites—offer up at least 500 square feet of space. The hotel has an extensive fitness center; a steakhouse, Prime 54; and a bar-lounge just off the tiny lobby. Rates from $399; special group rates are available.

The Ritz-Carlton New York
Battery Park
2 West St., at Battery Pl.
212-344-0800
ritzcarlton.com
Manhattan's Ritz-Carlton is more modern and less formal than most of its counterparts in other cities. Many of the swanky rooms have harbor views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The restaurant, 2 West, is a contemporary French-American steakhouse, and the Rise bar and terrace is a hit in the summer. Wedding couples get a rose-petal turndown, champagne, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Rates from $349; group discounts vary.

The Ritz-Carlton New York
Central Park
50 Central Park So., at Sixth Ave.
212-308-9100
The former St. Moritz, this Ritz-Carlton offers top-of-the-line services and amenities, from a La Prairie spa to in-room telescopes, Pratesi linens, and Frédéric Fekkai beauty products. The number of rooms has been cut from the St. Moritz's 700 to just 261, so there's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the park views. Rack rates from $650; group discounts vary.

The St. Regis
2 E. 55th St., at Fifth Ave.
212-753-4500
stregis.com
This grand hotel is Gilded Age all the way. Even better than the silk wall coverings and high-thread-count Egyptian-cotton sheets is the butler who greets you upon your arrival. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center and full-service spa. Rack rates from $745; group rates vary.

The Waldorf-Astoria
301 Park Ave., at 49th St.
212-355-3000
waldorfastoria.com
No matter which of this mammoth institution's 1,425 rooms you stay in, there’s a good chance a king, a queen, or a Hollywood celeb has been there before you. The Waldorf is one of New York's most famous Art Deco landmarks, and it's also home to the legendary mahogany-and-leather-filled Bull and Bear Steakhouse & Bar. Rates from $299; group rates vary.

Photographed by Kenneth Chen.