Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, 160 Central Park South (tel. 212/308-9100). The combination of a great location across from Central Park, large well-outfitted rooms, and excellent Ritz-Carlton service is as good as it gets.
The Mercer, 147 Mercer St. (tel. 888/918-6060 or 212/966-6060). The best of the hip, downtown hotels, The Mercer is in the heart of SoHo. The high-ceilinged, loftlike rooms and suites, some with fireplaces, all with ceiling fans and luxurious bathrooms, are spectacular.
The Peninsula-New York, 700 Fifth Ave. (tel. 800/262-9467 or 212/956-2888). The combination of old-world elegance and 21st-century technology is best realized in this practically perfect hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park, 2 West St. (tel. 212/344-0800). For magnificent views of New York Harbor and all its treasures, not to mention impeccable service on every level, it's hard to top this Ritz.
Trump International Hotel & Tower, 1 Central Park West (tel. 212/299-1000). Suites are huge and overlook Central Park. Service is so good they treat you like the Donald here. The great Jean-Georges restaurant offers room service, and guests have use of an excellent fitness club and pool.
The Carlyle: A Rosewood Hotel, 35 E. 76th St. (tel. 800/227-5737 or 212/744-1600). You are in rarefied territory when you stay in The Carlyle. Service is white-gloved and rooms are sumptuous. Many have incredible views of the city and Central Park. And don't forget Café Carlyle for cabaret and Bemelmans Bar for a cocktail.
The Lowell, 28 E. 63rd St. (tel. 212/838-1400). Although smaller and more intimate than The Carlyle, The Lowell is just as elegant and romantic. Rooms are all unique; many have fireplaces while some have good-size terraces.
