• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.16
• Location 5.09

Looking rather out of sorts in the Lower East Side, this glass tower soars above its more traditionally constructed, six-storey, 19th century brick neighbours. If the outside is impressive then the inside will blow you away with some of the best people in the business having designed various parts of the hotel. The cleanest of lines, the sleekest of designs and the ingenious simplicity of it all make Hotel on Rivington one of the trendiest places to stay in New York, let alone the LES. It has large, light-filled rooms, an acclaimed restaurant and some stunning views. Unfortunately it falls short in exactly the same way as The Muse, with its staff. Geared more towards couples than families, although kids are most welcome.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 6.69
• Location 5.29

We thought, when we stopped by The Jane Hotel back in January of 2011, that we'd seen the smallest rooms in New York. At the time we were almost certainly right, however, since The Bowery House has opened, the West Village hotel has been toppled from the podium by this new Nolita number. One of the most original properties in the city, it offers basic, affordable accommodation in a one-of-a-kind, historic building. Far from glamorous, the glorified hostel is strictly for those who are purely looking for a place to sleep. Yes, there are a few nice touches and a rooftop terrace, but The Bowery House is most suited to individual, care-free travellers or groups of friends who plan on spending the lion's share of their time out on the streets of NYC. We love the concept, but make sure you realise what you are letting yourself in for before booking! A place to stay at least once in your lifetime!

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.22
• Location 5.03

Looking like the result of leaving a toddler alone for five minutes with an oversized brick version of Lego, The Bowery hotel eclipses all else on the street of the same name. However it is not solely in a physical sense that it reigns over all before it. With princely rooms, décor throughout fit for a king and stunning views over the realm, there is simply nothing like it elsewhere in New York. It has a trendy rather than strategic location, intimate atmosphere and excellent dining making it a perfect repair for couples. Highly recommended!

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.24
• Location 5.32

Any hotel whose reception desk bears a jar of Smarties is an instant hit with us. There are two reasons for this: firstly it makes you smile which is absolutely the reaction guests should have when they wander into a hotel lobby; and secondly it shows that despite being a trendy property, The Nolitan doesn't take itself too seriously as so many of its competitors do. Slap bang in the middle of Downtown Manhattan, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring this more human side of the city. The standard rooms may be on the small side but their design is flawless and they are well-appointed and have some stunning views. With a phenomenal rooftop terrace and an exciting new eatery on its way, The Nolitan is one of the hottest places to stay in New York right now.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.17
• Location 4.87

Many a new hotel has opened in Downtown recently, trying to become the next 'place to be' and by all accounts, The Standard East Village has achieved that (for now). Perfectly located at the crux of the trendiest quarters of Manhattan, the hotel has pretty much everything that its yuppie target audience is looking for: generously, sleekly appointed rooms with a view, a laid back, innovative approach to service, a bar and restaurant everyone wants to get into and ideal spaces for informal business meetings. Some may find it superficial, others will be attracted by its shiny architecture and contemporary design, but what is sure is that it caters to its clientele as well as any hotel of its kind.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.32
• Location 4.86

With several big names behind The Mercer, it should not come as a huge surprise that The Mercer is the success it is: it is an André Balazs property (like The Standard), was designed in part by Christian Liaigre and has a Jean Georges restaurant (like The Mark). With such a backing, together with the general love affair with the area, it is equally unsurprising that the hotel has become a hangout for beautiful people and celebrities and the place to be seen in SoHo. The loft-style rooms, although in some cases a lot smaller than the real deal, are neutrally yet stylishly appointed and are especially bright. The attractive staff is surprisingly unpretentious and the place itself is a little more discreet than other properties in the same genre due to the relatively low number of rooms. The hotel does lack amenities, however it has enough to be able to meet the needs of most travellers be it friends, couples or families.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.34
• Location 5.34

The fourth and latest of the city's Morgan's properties, the Mondrian SoHo is arguably the most spectacular and the least New York-like of the lot. With design by Benjamin Noriega Ortiz based on Jean Cocteau's 'La Belle et le Bête', the hotel gives off a vibe that you'd expect to find on the coast rather than in the city. It feels fresh, airy and light and has some wonderful public spaces. Some of its rooms are on the small side, but this is compensated by exquisite design, a high standard of amenities, some spectacular views and a brand spanking new Italian restaurant. A hotel perfect for couples wanting to explore Downtown Manhattan, the Mondrian is the perfect trendy base.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 6.89
• Location 4.58

A very simple hotel offering good quality accommodation and a nice location, close to Greenwich Village.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.47
• Location 3.0

We were quite simply blown away by this hotel. Rare are the occasions where there is nothing to fault, but staying here was one of those - it just couldn't put a foot wrong. Generously proportioned, impressively appointed rooms are complemented by a relaxed yet top class Italian restaurant, while the spa is a sight to behold. You'll have a tough job finding a property where the service is paralleled and don't even get us started on the views! A magnificent, modern and memorable hotel, we recommend the Trump Soho to all kinds of traveller, newcomers or old hands, couples or families. A huge thumbs up.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 8.94
• Location 8.13

Let's not mince our words; The Peninsula is quite simply one of the finest hotels in New York, even more so now it is the other side of a renovation. From the very first moment you enter the hotel you'll have no doubt about the quality of experience that awaits you. There is very little to pick holes at here where excellence comes as standard: the large rooms are finely furnished, the restaurants of the highest caliber, the spa one of the most beautiful and complete in the city and the service faultless. Like all top class hotels this all comes at a certain price, however if there was ever one hotel which could justify the cost it would be this one.

• Easyopinions 8.00
• Value for money 7.47
• Location 4.26

Q. What do you get when you take $150 million and put them into the hands of one of the world's greatest architect/designers? A. The Mark. Be under no illusions, what Jacques Grange and co have conceived in the leafy surroundings of the Upper Eastside is now the yardstick against which all other hotels will now have to measure themselves. After over two years under renovation with some of the most sought after names in the creative fields working on the project, The Mark has transformed itself from a decent hotel to a hotel of superlatives. Everything is top draw from the design to the staff, from the food to the wellness centre. This all, of course, comes with the price tag that its quality demands, however rest assured that no other hotel can come close to what The Mark has to offer.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.47
• Location 9.22

We're going to stick our necks out here and say that of all the hotels we have stayed at in this city, the Setai probably takes top spot. Of course there are many different types of hotel in the city and not everyone is looking for what the Setai has to offer, but as on overall experience, it can't, in our opinion, be bettered. The rooms are not only some of the biggest in the city, but they are likely to be the best appointed in terms of amenities too. The stunning, contemporary spa is as luxurious as it is spacious and in its restaurant the hotel has one of most memorable dining experiences to be had. But what impressed us most, and where the hotel rises above it competitors, is the consistent attention to detail and impeccable service the likes of which we've never seen. Although new (November 2010 opening), this is right up there with the old masters and the best thing is that it can only get better!

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.45
• Location 4.32

This mythical New York hotel has seen its fair share of changes, both within in its walls and outside, however one thing remains constant: The Carlyle is one of the swankiest, smartest, seductive hotels in the city. The very few flaws of the hotel (for example the size of some bathrooms) can be excused by its age; otherwise there are very few hotels of this genre which can claim to offer a similar experience. Not only does it offer top notch service and facilities, but its location and commanding views are also something spectacular. Throw in a rich history, fine dining and exquisite décor and you get a hotel (literally) fit for kings. If you've got the cash, don't even ask yourself the question?

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.45
• Location 6.24

The Pierre has always been a landmark hotel in New York City?and we are glad to report that after its latest $100 million renovation following its takeover by Taj Hotels, it is still very much one of the hotels by which others must judge themselves. It is true to say that it may not have some of the facilities of some of the other top hotels (no spa, smaller rooms), but when it comes to service, style and sophistication, not to mention history, it is untouchable. With a location that would make most hotels weep with envy, fabulously appointed rooms with an Asian touch and a new, top quality restaurant, The Pierre is back on top of its game and ready to welcome once again all types of traveller, no matter their motive for visiting the city. All this comes, of course, at a price, but if you had to choose a place to spend your hard earned cash, this has got to be near the summit of your shortlist.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 8.9
• Location 7.99

You may be coming to the United States to see New York, but the St. Regis is a destination in itself. The most sumptuous hotel we have visited to date in the city, its beautiful Beaux-Arts interiors are a sight to behold. It's (rightly) famed for its unrivalled service and King Cole Bar (more in 'Food and Drink') as well as its beautiful, spacious and well appointed rooms, however it does lack some of the high tier amenities of its rivals, such as a swimming pool, and the views are not quite as good. That said it can boast an Alain Ducasse restaurant and original antique décor. It's true to say that some may find the hotel's opulence a little overbearing, but let's not lose sight of the fact that this is nonetheless a true masterpiece. Even if you don't have the means to stay here, come and take a look around as the property has some unique features. Couples, friends or business travellers will all find their calling at the St. Regis.

• Easyopinions nc
• Value for money 7.45
• Location 3.0

Although no longer associated with its Parisian namesake, the Plaza Athénée New York continues to offer one of the most refined hotel experiences in the city. Its style may not be as subtle as some of its competitors and thus some many find it a little overwhelming, but there is no getting away from the fact the hotel is a class act from top to bottom. It boasts capacious, well-appointed and recently renovated rooms (January 2010), a fine wellness centre, a celebrated restaurant and bar and an impeccable service from a smart, professional staff. If you're after that classic European opulence the other side of the Atlantic then the well-located Plaza Athénée is one to consider.