Long before the NYC lifestyle was glamorized by the gal-pals on “Sex and the City,” Manhattan shined as the epicenter of growing consumerism and capitalism post World War II, a symbol of America’s rising superpower status. With a riveting explosion of distinct cultures and unparalleled entrepreneurship, amazingly diverse groups developed niches within the varied and eccentric neighborhoods dotted in and around the city.  This led to a remarkable neighborhood effect, where esoteric iconoclasm distinctly characterizes each small collection of city blocks from the next. From the last gritty streets of the Meatpacking District to the latest ‘gayborhood’ of Hell’s Kitchen or the demanding, yuppie sophistication of the Upper West Side, the city’s uptown, midtown, and downtown clusters offer their own stereotypes, real estate prices, distinctive establishments, residential life, and hotel trends.

 

Unlike London hotels, which endeavor to retain an all-encompassing English flair, NYC hotels often strive to remain true to their neighborhood, rather than to NYC or the USA. Architects and designers wouldn’t dream of transplanting a mirror image from the Meatpacking District to the Upper East Side - perish the thought. The NYC hotel world is all about pushing the envelope and establishing new trends while keeping it real with its extended zip code. This unwavering pride has resulted in hotels as original as the ‘hoods in which they reside.

 

Ink 48, Hell’s Kitchen

A former printing press reinvented as a vanguard Kimpton hotel, Ink 48, dots every “i” and crosses each “t” in a super polished, well-edited product. Located in the last remaining un-commercialized section of Manhattan, Ink 48 is so New York but a world away from overexposed and hackneyed Meatpacking trends. While the calamity of central Hell’s Kitchen is just three blocks away, this quiet mid-town original boasts huge, stylish, artsy, colorful lofts with near floor to ceiling windows peering over either the Hudson or the city’s skyscrapers. These unobstructed views are best appreciated from PRESS Lounge, the 16^th floor rooftop lounge. By virtue of existence, rooftop party dens always exude a sense of coolness. However, PRESS is the ultimate rooftop experience, one that blows you away with the unobstructed views of the New York skyline, the mellow sophisticated crowd, wide-open spaces to inhale the essence of the city, and no obnoxious doormen or chicks with clipboards abusing their menial power. Downstairs, beyond floors thematically named “Garamond” and “Times New Roman,” the hotel’s restaurant, PRINT., dishes up farm to table cuisine, with notable starters like the succulent Burratta appetizer and the Goat Cheese Gnocchi with romano beans and pea shoots, followed by phenomenal entrees such as the Seared Yellowfin Tuna in a broth of artichokes, roasted tomatoes, potatoes, and olive tapenade and the ever-popular Mountain View Farm Crispy Duck Breast with Tuscan kale, turnips, kohlrabi, and huckleberry sauce (www.ink48.com, 653 11th Avenue, (212) 757-0088).

 

Maritime Hotel, Meatpacking District

In my wildest gay pride fantasies, Cher would take center stage on the patio of the Maritime Hotel and rock it out in her fishnet stockings to the tune of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Much like the wigged out songstress’ cougar classic, the Maritime hotel pays homage to a seafarer’s everything and reignites a sexually charged Navy ship ambience. Re-creating the cabins of an archetypal ship, the Maritime’s wooden rooms all face 9^th Avenue with oversized circular windows and the appropriate navy blue trimmings.  The dimly lit lobby is an old school throwback to the maritime world circa 1960 while the hotel’s many outlets (La Bottega, Matsuri, Hiro, and the Cabanas) satisfy the vacillating cravings of the Chelsea and Meatpacking crowds. Come aboard, mateys! (www.themaritimehotel.com, 363 West 16^th Street, (212) 242-4300).

 

Andaz Wall Street, Downtown

In the original Wall Street movie, Gordon Gekko exclaims, “When I get a hold of the son of a bitch who leaked this, I'm gonna tear his eyeballs out and I'm gonna suck his fucking skull.“ He was probably prematurely referring to me spilling the beans about the Andaz Wall Street, the Street’s best-kept secret. Wall Street’s quintessential black and white thinkers, like Gekko, easily digest the delightfully simple color palate of the hotel while the handsome staff honors the neighborhood with smart suits and efficiency. However, the hotel interiors get a bit more Bon Qui Qui “complicated,” showing off cutting edge design, fierce furnishings, nifty accessories (like the spinning closet/Mini Bar/Storage unit), and expansive bay windows which carry you miles away from the stress, wandering tourists, and financial BS of the Street. (www.andaz.com, 75 Wall Street, (212) 590-1234).

 

The Peninsula New York, 5^th Avenue

The Peninsula New York embodies the energy and the opulence of the New York City’s legendary 5^th Avenue. With a product as awesome as its address, the Peninsula shamelessly flaunts classic East side luxury. The lobby’s grand staircase, oversized chandelier, ornate cornices, and splendid minutia champion an element of timeless glam while the covered lap pool, EPSA Spa, and Rooftop bar (Salon de Ning) pepper tradition with modern luxe. Rooms are predictably well structured and handsomely appointed, further complemented by the regal marble bathrooms (www.peninsula.com, 700 5^th Avenue, (212) 956-2888).