Profile

Since opening in 1996, the SoHo Grand has remained one of Manhattan’s most stylish outposts—a beacon for celebrities and scenesters alike. Past the somewhat cold lobby, guests are spirited up a floor to the check-in area and the Grand Bar and Lounge. A.k.a. "SoHo’s living room," this hipster paradise was recently re-designed by William Soffield to include plush furniture, low cocktail tables, chocolate drapes and floor-to-ceiling windows. Each of the 363 rooms are simply styled in wood, clay, canvas and leather, and feature Frette linens, Malin and Goetz bath and body products, an impressive CD library and a Sony Dream Machine. Another big draw at the Soho Grand: Fido can come. (The hotel is, after all, owned by Hartz Mountain Industries of pet-product fame.) Pet-perks include room-service-delivered dog and cat food, a full assortment of chew-toys, dog bowls, kennels, leashes, litter boxes and—yes, it’s true—even doggie toothbrushes and toothpaste. The hotel also provides "peti-care" grooming, day-care, boarding, veterinarian services and pet limos. Don't have a pet, or left one at home? They'll happily place a goldfish in a guest’s room, and provide to-go containers so no new friends are left behind. — Nick Divito

Pet and human amenities galore, a cool scene and a location that’s far from Midtown’s chaos, but close to Canal Street’s designer knock-offs.

Cons
For Broadway fans, museum enthusiasts or business travelers, the location may be a bit of a hike. And animals can be smelly.

Claim to Fame
A memorable episode of The Sopranos, co-starring Jon Favreau and Janeane Garofalo, was shot here. Also, this was the first hotel to open in Soho in more than a century.