The Z is a hip boutique in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Long Island City, Queens. Stylish rooms have dark grey accent walls with funky murals, floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping Manhattan views, and tons of fun details. The attractive, industrial-chic lounge is the meeting point for guests day and night, and offers a solid drinks and tapas menu well into the evening. The hotel's location (a short walk from seven subway lines and one stop on the E train from Midtown); outstanding freebies (Wi-Fi, hourly shuttle to and from Manhattan, loaner bikes, and phone calls); and reasonable rates (cheaper than Manhattan hotels) make it a great value. It's a chic option for those who don’t mind staying in a quieter part of the city.

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.

The Condor is a solid mid-range hotel offering more affordable rates than other comparable Brooklyn properties. Rooms are fairly spacious and contemporary -- with flat-screen TVs, balconies and plush beds -- and all feature a kitchenette with a microwave, a mini-fridge and a sink. There’s not much in the way of amenities, but freebies such as continental breakfast and Wi-Fi, and discounted rates for Zipcar rental cars parked next door, add value. Just note that the subway is quite a hike from the hotel through an unattractive area, and that the neighborhood is not within walking distance of the Brooklyn action.

The Wyndham Garden Chinatown is a modern mid-range chain hotel in the heart of bustling Chinatown. Though the hotel is a trek from traditional sights in midtown, it's within easy walking distance of trendy bars and restaurants in Chinatown and on the Lower East Side. Its 106 guest rooms are small but contemporary, and some come with outdoor terraces that look out onto the city.

Steps from Central Park and five subway lines, the 807-room Hudson has a prime location. But beyond its surreal, Philippe Starck design and four scenester bars, it's actually a remodeled Y.M.C.A. with very tiny rooms. For bigger rooms, check out 6 Columbus.

A hip hotel in an unhip neighborhood. The meticulously curated, vintage-inspired design will be a turn-off for some -- the Ace doesn't aspire to most conventional notions of luxury -- but the property is as cool, comfortable, and inviting in its own way as any fancy downtown hipster boutique. Rooms are a bit small, and in some cases dark. But service is solid and the rates are usually very fair.

The 203-room Manhattan Centre Hotel is the slightly older sister property to the Jewel Hotel a few doors down. Like its neighbor, the hotel's biggest draw is its prime Midtown location, across the street from Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Rooms tend to be a bit dark, but are but clean and modern, with flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. A small but modern fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and access to the members-only Terrace Club help make this a good value.

This 48-room boutique hotel in the middle of the Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood makes up for its slim offering of amenities with delightfully modern rooms, balconies, and free breakfasts. Rooms have contemporary decor in shades of white, blue, and brown, modern technology, and Egyptian cotton linens; glass-walled bathrooms are sleek but small, and lack privacy (they're not separated from the rest of the room). The affordable rates may be the biggest draw -- rooms at this outer borough gem are around half the price as similarly stylish options in Manhattan.

Tucked into a quiet, classy, residential side street on the Upper West Side, this 250-room boutique comes with snazzy touches like a 16th-floor common terrace, a top-notch gym, friendly doormen, and good-sized designer rooms with excellent beds. For under $250, On the Ave is a great pick for anyone looking to explore -- and experience -- New York as New Yorkers do.

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.