Gansevoort Park Avenue - Gramercy Park, NYC

The Gansevoort is one of those hotels that is stuck in the middle- nice but not luxurious- good service- not great- nice amenities but not wonderful. The park ave location is wonderful- and there is a killer rooftop bar and pool!   There is an exhale spa on the third floor where you can take a core fusion class (hard!) or get a massage.

The bed in my room was king sized- perfectly crisp sheets and firm mattress with a feather bed on top- which is my ideal bed situation. Another positive was that it was a really dark and quiet room.  Almost no noise from street and except for one small red light on the cordless phone on the desk (easily covered) pitch black dark.

I'd say that if you "get a deal" - it's a great place to stay- fun - modern- easy and comfortable.

Address: 420 Park Avenue S., New York, NY
Website: GansevoortHotelGroup.com

Gramercy Park Hotel - Gramercy, NYC

I could move into this hotel. The location is incredible - situated on the exclusive and gorgeous Gramercy Park (accessible only with a key) and close to many great restaurants. The hotel itself is a rare combination of old world charm and elegance and modern conveniences. I stayed on the penthouse floor in one of the king Lexington rooms. Quirky and unique decor- cool art work - boudoir like chaise lounge couches- lush velveteen drapery - swanky bar with crystal stemware. And my favorite Aesop products in the bathrooms.

However...the room service was a little bit disappointing- with Danny Meyer's amazing Maialino restaurant in the lobby- seems like it would be a no brainier to serve their food. They don't- and the menu was uninspired and the food was only fine- and on the pricy side.

Address: 2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Website: GramercyParkHotel.com

Empire Hotel - NYC

Location location location.
Across from Lincoln center, 2 blocks from Central Park and Columbus Circle, this hotel is a perfect spot from which one can experience  some of the best NYC has to offer. Clubby lobby with lounge-y furniture and a great rooftop bar round out the package.  The rooms are nothing special - and are in need of renovation  (cracked paint, old air conditioning units, chipped tiles) but perfectly comfortable and clean.

Address: 44 West 63rd St., New York, NY 

 Website: EmpireHotelNYC.com