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From the fine Frette linens on the beds, to the gorgeous marble bathrooms, to the kind-eyed receptionist babbling away in Italian behind the front desk, everything about the Jolly Madison Towers exudes European elegance. And better yet, the handsome hotel manages to be friendly and unpretentious in spite of the imported Murano glass lighting fixtures and the sweeping lobby staircase. Even the most basic suites feature handmade furnishings in light Italian cherry wood, and come complete with a couch, desk, dual phone line with voicemail, modem connection, high speed Internet Web TV and mini-bar. The larger rooms offer all that and more, including huge bathrooms and walk-in tubs decked out in Italian travertine marble. It's a laid-back luxe that is Old World without the clichés—there are no high teas or wandering violinists here. Owned by Italian hotel legends The Jolly Hotel Company, the Midtown Towers also boasts a full-service spa on the upper levels where guests can melt the day away in a natural jade sauna, or get a massage, shiatsu-style. Also worth checking out is Whaler Bar, a lodge-like bar featuring high ceilings, a large, blazing gas fireplace and plenty of leather chairs. — Amelie Gillette

The suites offer terrific views of the Empire State Building, not to mention huge marble bathrooms.

Cons
Many of the rooms are "intimate" or "cozy" or other charming euphemisms for "small." Also, the walk-in tubs seem to be there only to confuse Americans.