The Best Luxury Hotels in New York City

Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, 50 Central Park South (www.ritzcarlton.com; 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. (www.mercerhotel.com; 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. (www.peninsula.com; 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 Pierre, Fifth Avenue at 61st Street (www.tajhotels.com/pierre; tel. 800/838-8000): After a 2-year, $100-million renovation, new owners Taj Hotels, Resorts, and Palaces have restored the Pierre to its former grande dame elegance and status.

Inn New York City, 266 W. 71st St. (www.innnewyorkcity.com; tel. 212/580-1900): I wouldn’t call it a hotel, more like your own home away from home complete with fireplace and a fully stocked kitchen, all in a charming Upper West Side brownstone.

The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, 35 E. 76th St. (www.thecarlyle.com; 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.