It's not an icon like the Plaza or the Pierre -- but so what? The Mandarin Oriental, located across Columbus Circle from Central Park, offers a dizzying array of modern luxuries -- a 75-foot pool, one of the city's best spas, sweeping views from nearly every common area, and superb on-site fine-dining options, to name a few -- even as it upholds traditional values and outstanding service.

The TRYP might be part of a large chain (it is owned by Wyndham), but there are few elements here that scream cookie-cutter. Spacious rooms with tons of fun details and modern technology; a solid Mediterranean restaurant; a modern fitness center, and free Wi-Fi attract a varied crowd of families, groups, and business travelers. There are a wide range of room types -- including Family Rooms that can sleep up to eight guests, and Fitness Rooms with exercise bikes -- and the location within walking distance of Times Square is convenient for tourists.

With a world-class gym and spa, plus dozens of customized amenities, the all-suites Dumont is a phenomenal option if you're looking for an urban spa getaway. More than that, it's an excellent high-end choice in general as long as you don't mind being a bit of a hike away from NYC's main tourist haunts.

This mid-range Midtown hotel, formerly known as LOLA -- and formerly, formerly the Hotel Thirty Thirty -- boasts a hip and atmospheric lobby and lounge area, as well as 176 rooms and suites stylishly renovated in 2011. Sizes vary, and all units include modern amenities such as duvets, flat-screen TVs, iPod/iPad docks, sleek work desks, and slate bathrooms. The lobby is by far the place to be, with designer lighting installations, contemporary furniture, and black-and-white murals plus a small bar. The hotel offers the requisite business and fitness centers, and a cafe, but not much else in the way of features. It is, however, a suitable choice for those who want to plop down the bag, have a drink, and get out and see the city.

Located farther from the subway stations than most Midtown East hotels, the Wyndham'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.

Located next to Ground Zero's noisy construction, this high-tech Hilton caters to executives: a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center, $15 Wi-Fi, and even a 40-foot indoor swimming pool (one of the few in NYC). The Financial District can be dead in the evening, but the Hilton's rates drop on the weekend, making it a steal.

This boutique hotel is steps from the center of bustling Times Square but feels like a calm oasis. With stylish rooms and suites, a hip new wine bar, and a restaurant with a locally acclaimed chef -- plus a free wine hour each night -- the Muse is a great alternative to the mid-priced mega hotels that pervade the neighborhood.

With a 42nd-floor indoor pool, a name-brand independent gym, a prime location just south of Central Park, and three excellent restaurants, the Meridien offers more amenities than most of its competitors. Good thing, too, because its low-tech, no-frills rooms don't quite match up.

This bustling, convention-focused, 863-room Westin comes with a prime Times Square location, a high-quality gym, a business center, a spa, a steakhouse, 24-hour room service, and enormous rooms with famously comfortable beds. But there are price gouges -- fees for Internet and gym access.

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.