The century-old, 282-room Plaza is a New York landmark. A $400 million overhaul in 2008 gave the huge rooms gold-plated bathroom fixtures, but it also converted most rooms overlooking Central Park into privately owned residences. Still, the exceptional spa and 24-hour butler service make it worth the splurge.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

A Midtown East icon, the 1,300-room Waldorf Astoria comes with some of New York's best (or at least most expensive) spa services, fitness facilities, restaurants, and bars. Rooms are elegant and feature the high-end amenities expected of a hotel of this category, and suites have palatial black-and-white marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs. However, Standard Rooms are small for the price, and there’s a fee for Wi-Fi. The dress code and antique decor aren't for everyone, though the cinematic history and unrivaled elegance might make the price tag well worth it.