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Swanky hotels in Manhattan

A little luxury never hurt anyone, and the city has a fine collection of upscale places to stay. Whether you're looking to park yourself downtown, midtown, or uptown, here are some of our favorites, from the frankly modernist to the comfortably traditional.

Hotel Gansevoort
18 9th Avenue
212-206-6700; Toll Free: 877-426-7386

www.hotelgansevoort.com
Breathtaking in its glitziness, the Gansevoort is just likely the city's hottest hotel -- and the hottest place in it is the rooftop swimming pool/lounge. The pool is off limits to all but hotel guests, so having a room key elevates you above the masses. The rooms, as you'd imagine are all tricked out with luxurious linens, plasma TVs, cordless phones, and such. Some have terrific views over the Hudson. And the neighborhood -- the Meatpacking District -- is full of restaurants, bars, and great shopping. Rates start at $435 per night.

Bryant Park Hotel
40 West 40th Street
212-869-0100
www.bryantparkhotel.com
The stark black American Radiator Building is the setting for the Bryant Park Hotel. And it's hard to think of a hotel with more chic. Rooms are spare but luxurious (cashmere blankets, big bathrooms; some of the suites have private terraces); clientele ranges from the fashion set to the Hollywood set. If you get hungry, there's the newly opened branch of LA's Koi. Rooms start at about $355.

Mandarin Oriental
80 Columbus Circle at West 60th Street
212-805-8800
www.mandarinoriental.com
One of the city's ritziest hotels, The Mandarin Oriental is part of the Time Warner Center. Guest rooms are the last word in luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows, some with views over Central Park or the Hudson River. The acclaimed restaurant, Asiate, is located in the hotel and the lobby bar is a great place for a drink. There is a state-of-the-art spa, and guest rooms are outfitted with high-speed internet connections, flat panel TVs, Italian linens,and marble bathrooms. Room rates start at $625 per night.

The Mercer
99 Prince Street
212-966-6060
www.mercerhotel.com