What to expect: Courtyard by Marriott LaGuardia Airport serves as a restful haven for guests making flight connections and as a headquarters for tennis fans during the U.S. Open. A large, tranquil lobby with a pale marble floor includes potted plants and dried-flower arrangements. Off the lobby is a carpeted living room with upholstered seating and silk plants.

Amenity highlights: A pool and sundeck are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with light fare for lunch and dinner, and evening cocktails available beside the pool. A complimentary fitness center with a five-person spa tub also has cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights. Every evening there's a complimentary event such as a movie with popcorn, soft pretzels with dips, or a beer, wine, or martini tasting.

What to expect: Located within a half-mile of LaGuardia Airport, the nine-story Marriott is popular with travelers who have early-morning or late-night flights. Other guests include business and leisure travelers who appreciate the hotel's proximity to Midtown Manhattan, nine miles away. A casual sports bar and a 24-hour gift shop with Starbucks coffee make the lobby a popular gathering spot.

Amenity highlights: Complimentary 24-hour LaGuardia Airport shuttle service is upon request. Leisure options include a 24-hour exercise room, an indoor splash pool with spa tub, and men’s and women’s locker rooms with saunas. A lobby restaurant serves American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Insider tip: The Louis Armstrong House (surcharge) is located 1.5 miles from the hotel. Guided tours of the legendary jazz trumpeter’s modest home include a visit to the turquoise kitchen, audio snippets of the performer’s commercial recordings, and selections from the hours of music and conversations Armstrong recorded on his home system.