Charming inns are scarce in NYC. The style befits the West Village brownstone aesthetic. In other words, don't expect every amenity, but do expect old and quirky charm. Best room: Ambassador.
Also picked by: Concierge

The city's blogerati make the clubby, arty lobby their daytime office and happy hour haunt. The rooms brim with charming retro-mod touches like record players and pencil sharpeners. Access to Breslin and John Dory restos a plus.
Also picked by: Concierge | Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet

The rooms are large, modern, and serene; the public spaces are numerous, welcoming, and cool. Local touches include books from the New York Public Library, and pastrami from Katz's Deli. The downtown location is Andaz Wall Street.
Also picked by: Concierge | Tablet

Old world meets new with modern opulence. High design, beautiful rooms, bike rentals, and easy access to the downtown scene — and the antics on the premises.
Also picked by: Concierge | Tablet

Arguably the city's grandest hotel, which explains the well-heeled, monied clientele. A destination beyond the rooms for Bemelman's Bar, the cabaret, and Sense Spa.
Also picked by: Concierge | Tablet

The modern English design is vibrant and eye-catching. The rooms are spacious and charming. The scene is bustling and chic.
Also picked by: Concierge | Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet

A stylish choice in the heart of Wall Street, it feels like a modern, amenity-rich gentlemen's club, and couldn't be more convenient for business. 
Also picked by: Tablet

The midtown location, minimalist but comfortable style, and excellent rates make it ideal for business travelers. But certain features set it apart: only two to four rooms per floor, a terrace in every room (!), and the charming Tenpenney restaurant and bar. 

Hotelier Ian Schrager converted a legendary dive hotel into a headline-grabbing showpiece with help from Julian Schnabel. Opulent decor, scene-y lobby and rooftop bars, sleek gym, excellent Maialino restaurant.
Also picked by: Concierge | Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet

Great Design, Feels like a Find, Chef-driven Resto

A touch of Tuscany in Tribeca, the hotel has large rooms, discreet service, a plush, quiet vibe, a lovely courtyard, and the excellent Locanda Verde restaurant. Yes, Robert DeNiro is an owner, but this is a hijinks-free zone.
Also picked by: Concierge | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Tablet

No longer as hipsterific as when it opened, the hotel offers great access to the party neighborhood and is nicer than nearby Thompson LES. Modern rooms, great views, lively scene. The recent renovation will only make it better.
Also picked by: Concierge | Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet

Step back in time and pretend you're staying with a beloved great aunt in her 1800s antique-packed Gramercy Park brownstone that somehow also has WiFi.
Also picked by: Concierge | Tablet

A new addition to the Soho skyline, notable for its cool, low-attitude rooftop pool and bar, David Burke restaurant, comfortable and easygoing rooms, and subtle art theme throughout.
Also picked by: Concierge

The vibe is youth hostel meets decadent set piece. The tinieset rooms have shared bathrooms. Ideal for stylish revelers on a budget.  

A beautifully appointed pied-a-terre that's all about privacy. The anti-hotel, there's no lobby and very little staff intrusion, just 15 big, charming, turn-of-the-century rooms with WiFi and working marble fireplaces. You'll feel like a guest in a refined boardinghouse.
Also picked by: Concierge

The exclusive refuge in the heart of Soho is the downtown choice for celebs, design aficionados, and well-heeled travelers who want to be around them. 
Also picked by: Concierge | Mr & Mrs Smith| Tablet

A Beaux Arts show-stopper with an over-the-top interior designed by Jacques Garcia. The bars and dining atrium are run by the highly competent Eleven Madison Park staff. A tea cart peddling cream-stuffed macarons rolls through the library every so often, as does a sophisticated crowd of suits, foodies, and tech stars.

The first boutique hotel in an emerging neighborhood across the river from midtown with easy subway access. A good choice for chic on a budget.

The Spanish hotel is a chic, grown-up hostel for budget-minded, partying travelers. Free cable and wifi are nice, but the real perk is the 24-hour lobby pool with swim-up bar. 
Also picked by: Mr & Mrs Smith

The hotel survived its initial trendiness and has settled into a solid standby for design, service, and location. Notable for its pet-friendliness.
Also picked by: Concierge | Tablet

Possibly the downtown party epicenter of the moment, for the always-buzzing Standard Grill and Biergarten, the clubby Boom-Boom Room, and the glam, exhibitionist-friendly rooms overlooking the High Line. 
Also picked by: Concierge | Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet

A new, futuristic hotel with an airline theme: check-in kiosks, a public yoga/events/party space, and "Yobot," the robotic baggage handler. Sleek, compact "cabins" in "premium" or "first" categories have space-saving beds and white decor. Impossibly low rates start at $149, and don't go much higher.