Still one of just a handful of hotels in Soho, this property was the first to open in the neighborhood in more than a century when it came on the scene in 1996, and it has been a hipster mainstay ever since. The lobby's glass-bottle-paved staircase, cast-iron accents and concrete pillars were designed by William Sofield to mimic the neighborhood's characteristic warehouse lofts. Rooms are downtown-chic, with walls of massive windows, neutral color schemes, leather touches, iPod docks and—for a homey touch—a pet goldfish upon request. You can bring along Spot or Mr. Whiskers, too—the hotel is owned by pet-products company Hartz Mountain Industries, and offers everything from room service for your four-legged friends to on-call veterinarians and even a special pet-limo service. The hotel's Grand Bar & Lounge (a.k.a. "Soho's Living Room") is a good place to start exploring New York nightlife—it has long been popular with both NYC's glamorous set (Uma Thurman, Kevin Spacey and Heidi Klum) and out-of-towners. The adjoining Yard, open May through September, is a great place to get margaritas and light summer fare under the city sky.

Soho Grand Hotel Amenities:

• 363 rooms. Wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Business center.