What to expect: The Mandarin Oriental occupies floors 35-54 of the Time Warner Center’s north high-rise at Columbus Circle, where Midtown, Central Park, and Upper Manhattan converge. A glass ceiling sculpture created by Dale Chihuly, in partnership with Waterford Crystal, dominates an elliptical lobby. Express elevators ascend to the 35th floor, where the “sky lobby” provides expansive views of the park and city.

Amenity highlights: The two-level spa practices the Time Ritual concept, where guests book customized experiences in blocks of time rather than by treatment. In addition to seven treatment rooms, the spa offers “experience” showers infused with soothing fragrances, a steam room, Vitality Pools, a tea lounge, and men’s and women’s relaxation lounges. The private VIP Spa Suite has two treatment beds.

Wireless Internet access is provided hotel-wide (surcharge).

Insider tip: Guests can catch a rising star at Lincoln Center, three blocks away, when the Juilliard School presents hundreds of student performances at little or no cost. Tickets are required for the larger events and are available at the Lincoln Center box office. Even sold-out shows often have last-minute seats available; standby lines form one hour before concert time.

What to expect: A 1905 Beaux Arts landmark, The Peninsula New York occupies a coveted Fifth Avenue location in Midtown Manhattan. In the grand foyer, a double staircase crowned by a glittering chandelier sweeps up to a palatial lobby. Just off the lobby are two sitting areas: one with sumptuous silk wall coverings, the other with a trompe d'oeil sky ceiling. Richly renovated throughout, the hotel combines Old World opulence with modern luxuries.

Amenity highlights: The tri-level Peninsula Health Club & Spa (renovated September 2008) features a glass-enclosed rooftop pool with panoramic city views. Poolside dining includes spa-cuisine lunches. A wraparound sunbathing terrace overlooks Fifth Avenue. The spa includes 14 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and locker rooms with steam rooms, saunas, and marble showers. On the hotel's top floor, Salon de Ning commands panoramic views from both indoors and outside.

Insider tip: The Museum of Modern Art—just two blocks from the hotel—is on many visitors' must-see lists. Guests can bypass the long lines by purchasing a VIP pass at the Peninsula's concierge desk. Private tours of art museums, walking/dining tours of Little Italy and other neighborhoods, and other customized diversions can also be arranged.

What to expect: A century ago, The Plaza set the standard for luxury. That tradition, infused with a new, contemporary spirit, continues when the hotel reopened, following a $400 million lobby-to-roof renovation. The legendary Palm Court, Oak Room, Oak Bar, and Grand Ballroom—all are back and richly restored, to the delight of discerning travelers from around the world.

Amenity highlights: The opulent Palm Court serves its famous afternoon tea, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Oak Room and Oak Bar, opening in late Spring 2008, provide the quintessential New York experience. The Champagne Bar, an elegant addition to the new Fifth Avenue lobby, serves freshly baked pastries and specialty coffees in the morning and the world's finest champagnes in the evening. A collection of exclusive boutiques, a Fitness Center by Radu, a Warren Tricomi Salon, and a Caudalie Spa featuring vinotherapy treatments are all debuting in late Spring 2008.