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Chic meatpacking district hotel near the beginning of Chelsea’s gallery walk. Comfortable accommodations, rooftop pool and bar, and views of downtown New York.

The transformation of Columbus Circle from a roundabout bordered by a dingy meeting hall to a high-end cultural hub owes a lot to this sleek hotel, occupying the top floors of one of the two towers in the Time Warner Center. An Asian aesthetic informs the 248 rooms, and fashion designer Vivienne Tam created the signature fan in the soaring lobby. -reviewed by Indagare Travel, Inc.

So cool it's haunted (the ghost refuses to check out), but you won't want to do much sleeping, anyway. Great patio, excellent bars, super Japanese restaurant.

Downtown, and very brown. Brown floors, walls, furniture, bedcovers, and curtains. Industrial chic meets the Hilton.

Straddling the recently opened High Line Railway track, André Balazs' newest hotel is at once futuristic and ethereal. The best rooms have sweeping views of the Hudson; all come with muted lighting, sleek furnishings and Kiss My Face bath amenities. The Standard's Grill restaurant has become the reservation to get in the Meatpacking District. -reviewed by Indagare Travel, Inc.