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The name says it all. Built in 1882 as a high-end apartment complex, the palatial New York Palace was re-imagined as a hotel in the '70s and now exudes a sense of sumptuous royalty only found in a handful of Manhattan hotels. The 899 guest rooms and suites—some as large as 5,000 square feet—feature fully stocked, large marble bathrooms, work areas with full-sized desks, and plush, overstuffed beds. All rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access, three phone lines and an in-room safe. Guests can also enjoy online concierge service, or take advantage of the on-site spa and fitness center. Of special note is the hotel's bridal following: With in-house wedding planners and caterers, a Grand Courtyard and a free bridal suite for the newly betrothed, the New York Palace is known for hosting grand-scale, elegant unions. And although guests don't have to be royalty to get hitched here, having a king's bankroll wouldn't hurt. — E. J. Samson

Even the hotel's Web site is a cut above the rest: Contact the Palace's Online Concierge and get a head start on planning a trip.

Cons
Beware the Manhattan snobbery often spotted in the hotel's bars and lounges.


Weddings
The Palace resides in a 55-story tower that includes the Triplex suites, which offer private rooftops with breathtaking views of Rockefeller Center, as well as the Villard Ballroom, for hosting larger events beneath two crystal chandeliers and surrounded by marble columns. The Grand Courtyard is available in warm-weather months. From $250 to $500 per person; bridal suites are complimentary.