The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, 50 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.
Casablanca Hotel, 147 W. 43rd St. (tel. 888/922-7225): In the Theater District, the Casablanca not only offers clean, well-outfitted rooms at value rates, but also includes extras like complimentary breakfast, bottled water, free high-speed Internet access, and a lovely roof deck perfect for a cocktail on a balmy evening.
Mohonk Mountain House (Lake Mohonk; tel. 800/772-6646): A legendary Victorian castle perched on a ridge overlooking the Catskill region's Shawangunk Mountains, the Mohonk Mountain House is more than a hotel; it's a destination unto itself. Still in the hands of the original family, the whimsical lodge lives up to its exalted reputation, earned over the past 130 years. In the midst of the 6,400-acre Mohonk Forest Preserve, its setting is beyond compare and outdoor activities include something for everyone. Rooms are decorated in Edwardian, Victorian, or Arts and Crafts style, and the massive place is loaded with fireplaces and pretty nooks.
Emerson Resort & Spa (Mt. Tremper; tel. 877/688-2828): Rebuilt after a devastating fire, this chic inn and spa hotel lost some of its exoticism but none of its sleek elegance, which remains a rarity in the Catskill Mountains. Its sybaritic spa and restaurant are unequaled in the region, making this a perfect place for big-city types who want to be in the country, but not in rustic lodgings.
The Saratoga Hotel & Conference Center (Saratoga Springs; tel. 866/937-7746): Saratoga is loaded with charming Victorian B&Bs, but until recently it didn't have anything approaching a modern luxury hotel. This large, chic business hotel, right on the main drag, fills that niche nicely, and it has one of upstate's best restaurants to boot: the relocated Chez Sophie bistro.
The Otesaga (Cooperstown; tel. 800/348-6222): The grande dame of central New York, which celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2009, sprawls majestically along the shores of Lake Otsego. While renovations have brought the bathrooms and air-conditioning into the 21st century, the hotel is firmly rooted in the past, maintaining its historic feel with high ceilings, heavy wooden doors, and formal furniture. Still, with a plethora of patios and balconies -- along with a renowned golf course and plenty of watersports -- this seasonal hotel is focused on the equally gorgeous outdoors that surround it.
Aurora Inn (Aurora; tel. 866/364-8808): A mid-19th-century inn saved from demolition and given a glorious new life, this small boutique hotel is the centerpiece of a sweet little town on the east bank of Cayuga Lake. Although small, the inn has the superb service and style of a luxury hotel, as well as stunning water views, rooms that are models of graceful interior design, and one of the most elegant restaurants in the Finger Lakes.
Sherwood Inn (Skaneateles; tel. 800/3-SHERWOOD): Occupying a prime position in the most delightful town in the Finger Lakes, this longtime small hotel -- a stagecoach stop from the early 19th century -- looks out onto Skaneateles Lake and exudes a relaxed, genteel feel. The old staircase, wide-plank floorboards, and colorfully designed rooms may seem old-world and old-money, but travelers can stay for moderate prices. It also features a very nice restaurant and tavern, both of which look out onto the lake.
The Point (Saranac Lake; tel. 800/255-3530): A former Rockefeller Great Camp, this exclusive, secluded retreat overlooking Saranac Lake is today the ultimate in wilderness indulgence. Huge rooms are fitted with touches like enormous stone fireplaces, but it's the all-inclusive, satisfy-any-request character of this 11-room camp that really makes it a special experience. Have a gourmet lunch aboard their boat or at a remote cabin, go water-skiing, watch the chefs at work, enjoy the open bar, trade tales around the nightly bonfire, or just hide out in the rustic ambience of your room.
Lake Placid Lodge (Lake Placid; tel. 877/523-2700): Awash in rustic luxury, the lodge is the quintessential Adirondacks experience. Sitting on the shores of secluded Lake Placid, this exclusive getaway features meticulous and personalized service, along with rooms filled with one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, many built by local artists. With lots of quiet nooks and a gorgeous stone patio, you can grab your own corner of the 'dacks and feel like you have the place to yourself.
The Mansion on Delaware (Buffalo; tel. 716/886-3300): This renovated mansion on Millionaire's Row blends in so well with the gorgeous private homes around it that you'd never even guess it was a hotel. Inside, you'll find ultramodern (but comfy) furniture, enormous, luxurious bathrooms, and ultra-personalized service. Rooms have been styled around the existing mansion, creating unique spaces in the city's most unique property.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
