Sanctuary Hotel Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Times Square, Manhattan, New York City

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The Sanctuary Hotel opened in May 2011, but the narrow hallways and small elevators are lingering reminders of the building's bygone days: It was built over one hundred years ago. The ultra-dark lobby, decorated with crystal chandeliers and Buddhist statues, will appeal to some guests, but others may find it a tad overdone. The rooms, however, are unquestionably luxurious. The sexy, open bathrooms (a curtain can be pulled across) boast walk-in showers, marble countertops, and a sliding door to separate the toilet, and the room decor is sleek, with warm, earth tones and leather accents. In spring 2012, the on-site restaurant, lobby bar, rooftop lounge, and fitness center will open. For now, guests are given passes to work out at the Equinox four blocks away.

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On 47th St between 6th and 7th Ave, the hotel is within walking distance of multiple subway lines, theaters, and iconic sites. The location of Sanctuary Hotel gives guests the best of both worlds -- it is on a quiet street, ideal for a good night's sleep, but is just blocks from the action of Times Square, a tourist's paradise.

Though once seedy, Times Square was reborn in the mid-'90s as a commercialized tourist haven, lit by 24-hour flashing billboards and themed restaurants like ESPN Zone and Bubba Gump Shrimp. Today, visitors walking the streets are more likely to be accosted by a comedy-club promoter, a rickshaw bicycle operator, or a caricature artist than a mugger. It's crowded, but there's something unquestionably exhilarating -- and convenient -- about staying in the neon-lit heart of the city. Plus, the mayor recently decided to close off much of Broadway to traffic, making it more pedestrian-friendly.

• 3-minute walk to the B, D, F, and M subway lines
• 3-minute walk to the N, Q, and R subway lines
• 5-minute walk to Rockefeller Center
• 6-minute walk to the heart of Times Square
• 7-minute walk to Bryant Park
• 10-minute walk to the Museum of Modern Art (the "MoMA")
• 10-minute subway ride to Central Park
• 10-minute subway ride to the Empire State Building
• 10-minute subway ride to the American Museum of Natural History
• 25-minute subway ride to the ferry terminal to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• 22-minute cab ride from LaGuardia Airport
• 27-minute cab ride from JFK Airport