This Union Square outpost of the hip hotel chain does a nice job blending an uptown atmosphere with some downtown coolness. Set on the open square that has a leafy park in its center, this W (there are four others around Manhattan) located in the 1911 Beaux Arts Guardian Life building has the same clean modern lines and comfortable beds that guests swear by, and twice-daily maid service as the other locales. There's also an in-hotel lounge and a branch of Todd English's Italian/Mediterranean restaurant Olives here, but with the East Village, Tribeca and Soho so close, you're better off heading out on an adventure than staying in.

W New York - Union Square Amenities:

• 270 rooms. Wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Pets accepted.