The Waldorf Towers occupies the top floors of the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in Midtown East. It is an exclusive boutique with 117 classic, individually decorated rooms, some of which have a rich history of famous guests and long-term residents. Most amenities are shared with its sister property -- including the great (but pricey) restaurants, high-end Guerlain Spa, and beauty salon -- but the hotel has its own lobby, fitness center, elevators, and concierges. Some rooms have underwhelming decor for the price, but for a more personalized stay with a little more luxury than at the Waldorf Astoria, the Towers is still a great pick.

The Lowell is a high-end boutique known for its top-notch service and gorgeous individually decorated rooms. It is located in the tony Upper East Side, a block from Central Park, and a short walk from designer boutiques along Madison and Fifth avenues. Its 72 rooms and suites have elegant, stylish decor and great amenities, including Bulgari toiletries, flat-screen TVs with movies on demand, and free Wi-Fi. Most units also have wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens, and terraces. The two solid on-site restaurants and the fitness center are all perks, but the hotel does not offer spa services.

Located farther from the subway stations than most Midtown East hotels, the Alex's neighborhood isn't exactly fashionable (it's dominated by offices and residential buildings), but it's a smart, stylish option with an intimate, low-key vibe, a great gym, luxurious in-room amenities, a friendly staff, and easy access to Midtown's corporate centers.

Though the Benjamin is marketed primarily to business travelers, its spa and fitness center, central location, tasteful luxury, outstanding restaurant, and richly comfortable rooms combine to make it a solid choice for well-heeled visitors of all kinds.

Business (and some leisure) travelers craving style and a social scene will enjoy the colorful, 688-room flagship of the W chain amidst Midtown East’s gray business hotels. Cutesy language and small, mood-lit rooms are not for everyone, but great service and a popular bar scene seem to justify the steep rates.

The Gotham, one of Manhattan’s skinniest hotels, opened its doors in 2009 in the same spot that was once endearingly known as the Gotham Book Mart. The 66-room boutique pays homage to its former tenant through the name, of course, but also through the sophisticated bookish decor. The cheerful lobby has a welcoming feel -- even more so when guests are offered a glass of wine from one of the trendily dressed staff members (no uniforms here). With the cozy Tenpenny restaurant and bar in the rear, Gotham attracts regular corporate types for the ultra-cool, modern rooms. Every room comes with a balcony or patio, and guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and use of the neighborhood sports club.

This charming 91-room boutique property in Midtown East offers handsome rooms with supurb beds, and a casual but high-quality, pub-style restaurant. Though the Fitzpatrick Manhattan lacks many of the amenities offered by other prominent properties in the neighborhood -- there's no fitness center or business center, for example -- this hotel gets the basics just right.

Former boutique hotel joins the Marriott big leagues; excellent beds, great service, and attention to functionality means an easy stay in Midtown East, near Bloomingdale's and other major shopping destinations. The neighborhood doesn't have much nightlife, but the on-site Opia bar is pretty happening.

A homey, 60-room, literary-themed boutique, located down the block from New York's famous Public Library, and among Midtown East's corporate skyscrapers. It's one of New York's best values, mostly because of the perks: an upscale bistro on the ground floor, a lively bar on the penthouse floor, free Wi-Fi, free gym passes, and free daily pastries, wine, and cheese.

More like a French B&B than a Midtown East hotel, the 103-room Elysee boutique comes with large, unique rooms, elegant decor, and a colorful history. Free breakfast, free wine, free coffee, free Wi-Fi, and free passes to the New York Sports Club make this low-key hotel a midtown favorite.