Built in 1926 and named after one of the best French restaurants of that time, the Hotel Elysée combines the best features of an intimate bed and breakfast with an upscale boutique hotel. The lobby is elegantly decked out with marble floors and mahogany walls, while the guest rooms are styled in country French décor. Stop by the Club Room for complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres on weekday evenings and pick up free daily guest passes to the local branch of New York Sports Club at the front desk. Be sure to check out the famous Monkey Bar (reopening summer 2009), littered with statues, pictures and paintings of its namesake animal. It was once a haunt for celebs like Ava Gardner, Marlon Brando and 15-year hotel resident Tennessee Williams, who lived here until his death in 1983.

Hotel Elysee Amenities:

• 103 rooms. Wireless Internet access. Complimentary continental breakfast. Restaurant. Business center.