Profile

A member of the trendy Thompson mini-chain of hotels, Smyth opened in Tribeca in February 2009, boasting 100 loft-style rooms and a refined, sexy feel. (Its name plays off of the alias most commonly used by hotel guests cheating on their spouses.) The décor is sophisticated, too, with wine tones, dark walnut paneling, and sleek chrome accents. Interior designer Yabu Pushelberg—known for his work with Prada, Bergdorf Goodman, and Louis Vuitton—brought in fashionable touches like staff uniforms by Helmut Lang, magazine-inspired art on the walls, Kiki de Montparnasse "pleasure packs" in the mini-bar, and indie glossies V and BlackBook splayed out on side tables. The larger suites have separate bedroom and dining areas and are comfortable for entertaining; ask for corner rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking West Broadway and Chambers. The décor throughout melds new and old, much like the neighborhood itself. For instance, immaculate modernist chairs from Brazilian showroom Espasso mix with shelves of vintage toys and clocks in the lobby, where a bar offers cocktails as well as small plates. — Caroline Kinneberg

Guests receive priority reservations at hot sister-hotel restaurants in New York: Kittichai and A60 at 60 Thompson, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill in 6 Columbus, Shang in Thompson LES, and the Libertine in Gild Hall.

Cons
For the price, one would expect more amenities: The gym is small and located in the basement, there's no pool or sauna, and some rooms lack bathtubs.