The Gramercy Park Hotel currently sets the bar for New York cool -- hence the celebrities in the lounge and the paparazzi on the sidewalk. It offers ultra-luxe but small rooms done up in high Boho-chic style, a gorgeous gym, and a young, attentive staff. True, even guests sometimes feel excluded from the glamour-fest in the bar. But the place is utterly unique.

The Dream Downtown is an aggressively modern hotel located directly behind the Maritime in Chelsea. The hotel blends public spaces together in a unique way: The fitness center has portholes overlooking the pool, and the pool itself has a glass bottom that looks down into the lobby. The hotel's scene is decidedly hip, especially at PH-D lounge (a popular celeb haunt) -- with stunning, sweeping views of Manhattan, PH-D is easily one of the best parts of the hotel. Gold King rooms have portholes surrounding the bed with killer views. But the super modern, futuristic touches can be weird (such as the odd lighting near the minibar, and overly metallic bathrooms), making the space feel less comfortable.

With a hopping rooftop bar boasting jaw-dropping views of Manhattan, a wonderful restaurant, and cutting-edge industrial design, the Wythe is a destination unto itself. It’s located near the subway as well as dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops in the heart of trendy Williamsburg. Rooms are spacious and have high pine ceilings, reclaimed wood furnishings, and great amenities, including flat-screen TVs; local, hand-made toiletries; free Wi-Fi, and radiant floor heating. But noise can be a problem, and the lobby and the elevators can get crowded with non-guests on weekends.

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.

The Out NYC may be New York's first hotel specifically tailored for gay travelers, but it's also the first to pronounce its "straight-friendliness." Indeed, the 105-room boutique property hosts guests of all orientations, including many foreigners drawn by the hotel's central location, sleek design, gorgeous common areas, and hot nightlife. Rooms are small but filled with features such as natural beauty products, Internet-enabled flat-screen TVs, and absurdly comfortable beds. You won't, however, find any closets -- a cheeky reference to the fact that no one needs to be in the closet here.

Behind the classic theater façade, the Paramount is a hip, stylish hotel with all the bells and whistles of the trendiest New York hotels, including a dimly lit lobby with DJ sessions on weekends and a see-and-be-seen vibe. Rooms, while stylish and equipped with great amenities -- such as iPod docks and high-definition flat-screen TVs -- are less bold than the common spaces, and some are tiny (even by New York standards). The hotel’s location half a block from Times Square is convenient for those interested in seeing the main attractions, but there’s a fee for Wi-Fi and the hotel lacks a fitness center.

Quiet, stylish, and a 15-minute walk from touristy Times Square (and the subway) -- Ink48 (opened September 2009) is on the far western reaches of Hell's Kitchen, an increasingly fashionable but somewhat desolate neighborhood. Its solid service, gorgeous rooftop lounge, free wine receptions, and pet-friendly features make it a great choice, as well as its full-service spa.

This 369-room downtown property is centrally located within walking distance of major subway lines, luxe boutiques, top restaurants, and popular nightlife spots. The lobby is often bustling, due to its spacious lounge, small cafe, and free use of computer workstations and Wi-Fi. Though cookie-cutter in design, rooms are clean, and some offer great Manhattan views. However, the in-room Wi-Fi charge makes some guests feel as though they are being nickel-and-dimed, and the hotel offers few amenities.

For the price, you'll be hard-pressed to find this level of on-site amenities at any other New York hotel. The Empire's rooftop bar and pool, both with excellent views of the upscale Upper West Side, make this 422-room hotel one of the city's best values, despite the small rooms.

The Hotel on Rivington is a secretive hot spot for well-heeled travelers who like their neighborhoods cool and their thread counts high. Sleek and stylish, the monied vibe doesn't exactly mesh with the Lower East Side's immigrant history, and the place is showing some serious wear and tear, but the luxurious rooms and amazing views just might merit the attitude.