Profile

There are few high-rise hotels in Manhattan offering private, open-air balconies to guests, and this modern, Upper West Side hotel is one of them. Over 20 penthouse suites feature private, furnished balconies overlooking city streets or Central Park, while a shared balcony on the 16th floor offers all guests million-dollar views. No matter what the setup, all rooms—from the standard to the Penthouse Suites—are well-kept and distinctively high-end, with plasma TVs, down duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets. White linens, beige carpet and walls, and simple artwork nicely complement the stainless steel and marble bathrooms. As an added upscale touch, an in-house pianist tickles the ivories nightly in the lobby. — Corinne Iozzio

Imported Belgian chocolates left on the pillows every day.

Cons
Even though the open-air balconies offer spectacular views, the street noise from Broadway is nearly impossible to escape.