The 214-room Langham Place Fifth Avenue is a modern, luxurious hotel conveniently located close to the popular tourist sites and corporate offices of Midtown Manhattan. Rooms are huge and come with top-notch features (free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, high-end linens and toiletries), but the decor is plain and lacks character. For more striking design, consider the nearby Chatwal or the (slightly less luxurious) Andaz hotels.

Deliberately business-like, the 368-room Four Seasons in Midtown East has all the luxury essentials: stylish lobby, beck-and-call service, a fine spa and fitness center, and some of the city's largest rooms. Plus, guests can use spa facilities for free. But before booking, check the rates at the Waldorf-Astoria (more historic) or the Mandarin Oriental (better gym).

One of New York's most visually stunning hotels, the 899-room New York Palace has a gilded, grandiose style that is a little gaudy but still fabulous enough to blow away the boutiques. With 899 rooms, this is an excellent, modern (and less uptight) alternative to its Midtown East neighbor, the famed Waldorf-Astoria. Huge rooms, a luxe spa, and a fantastic gym make the Palace a great value among luxury hotels.

The 239-room Peninsula has small TVs in the standard rooms, but the indoor pool, superb gym (free workout gear, organic teas, and a sauna and steam room), widely praised spa and salon, and in-room fax machines make it a fine choice for a quiet, classically luxurious hotel. And for designer shopping, its 5th Avenue location is ideal.

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.

This upscale, 116-room Hyatt opened in 2011, is one of the trendier hotels in corporate Midtown East. It is primarily designed for business travelers and couples, and almost all rooms can only fit two guests. Highlights include excellent views, in-room spa treatments, and a chic lounge that serves drinks and free snacks. The Andaz Fifth Avenue (also part of the Hyatt family) is comparably priced and just as stylish, but its rooms lack the Hyatt 48's kitchenettes.

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.

Located in business-focused Midtown East, this famous hotel is a favorite among visiting dignitaries, politicians, and extended-stay business travelers. The veteran staff greets guests by name and the one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes offer about three times more room than most New York hotels. A complete renovation in 2012 only made this stately hotel better.

With spacious, contemporary rooms featuring Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs; a wonderful gym with tons of machines and natural light, and an appealing restaurant that turns into a hopping bar with DJ sessions at night, the Westin Grand Central is a solid pick for those who prefer a quieter location in Midtown within walking distance of a few major attractions. Most rooms have great city views (including of the Chrysler Building), but note that there’s a daily fee for Wi-Fi, and that valet parking is quite pricey.

Steps from the UN headquarters on the eastern edge of Midtown East, ONE UN New York offers an indoor pool and the only indoor tennis court in NYC. As of now, the property is showing wear and tear since its last renovation in 2000. However, guests can expect big changes at the hotel with a three-phase renovation of the entire property through 2013.