A quirky 60-room hotel just a tome's throw from the New York Public Library, this lovingly book-themed tower is a bibliophile's dream stay. It's also within walking distance to many Midtown tourist attractions, several transportation hubs, and enough bars and restaurants to keep one's non-lettered hours plenty busy. This intimate boutique is missing many features guests may expect at this price point (such as a fitness center), and the stodgy Midtown location isn't as trendy as many of the guests who choose to stay here, but the cozy lounges, contemporary (if small) book-filled rooms, and thoughtful extras such as free wine and cheese help make this one of the most charming picks in the neighborhood.

The Roxbury is one of the funkiest hotels in the region. All of its 27 rooms have bright, bold decor, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges; Theme Studios have style inspired by movies, cartoons, and TV shows from the 1960s and '70s. The inexpensive spa with relaxation and treatments areas; free Wi-Fi; free continental breakfast; and central location within easy driving distance of skiing, hiking and ziplining, are all highlights. But the hotel lacks an on-site restaurant (there’s one across the street), and most weekends have a minimum two-night stay.

Formerly known as the Tribeca Grand Hotel, the Roxy Hotel is a four-pearl, 201-room property right on the Avenue of the Americas, in the heart of Manhattan's TriBeCa neighborhood. Luxurious rooms have high ceilings, and all come equipped with MacBook Pro laptops and DVD players. The hotel offers plenty of atypical amenities, including an on-site cinema, in-room pet goldfish (on request), and free loaner bicycles, plus a well-equipped fitness center and a good selection of bars and restaurants. While there are no proper business facilities, the Penthouse and some of the bars can be rented out for special events. Parking is expensive and in-and-out privileges are not available. Travelers looking for a similarly trendy hotel with an uptown location may want to consider The Quin, just south of Central Park.

The upper-middle-range citizenM New York Times Square is an ultra-modern, funky property in the Theater District, about a five-minute walk from Times Square. From the self-check-in, airport-style kiosks to its spacious, living room-like lobby filled with colorful knickknacks and whimsical art, citizenM rejects typical hotel trappings -- in their words, there are "absolutely no trouser presses, bellboys, or other tired old hotel cliches." The lobby restaurant/bar is open 24/7 and serves barista-brewed coffee. The rooftop bar on the 21st floor offers spectacular skyline views and covered outdoor seating. Rooms, with storage units underneath the beds, are compact and functional, yet still quirky and colorful, outfitted with mini-fridges, but bathrooms are cramped. Those looking for a more traditional option could try the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, which has spacious rooms with microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, at comparable rates.

The fashionable Arlo SoHo is a four-pearl micro-hotel in trendy Hudson Square, between TriBeCa and SoHo. It has bars, lounges, and work spaces -- and 325 rooms -- yet still manages to feel intimate and puts a focus on all things local. Artisanal goods are available in the Bodega, and the cafe sells fresh juices and La Colombe coffee. The restaurant, Harold's Meat+Three is a bustling spot serving great Southern fare, and free classes are available through fitness partners like Surfset and Yoga Shanti. Yes, rooms are tiny -- even for NYC -- but they're sharp and bright, and feature free Wi-Fi and bespoke bath products. The best have Lower Manhattan views and spacious terraces. Alternatively, travelers who'd prefer to be in Midtown should check out their sister property, the Arlo Nomad.

Great things can come in small packages -- or rather, small things can come in great packages. And the Arlo NoMad is living proof. It's all about an in-the-know stay here, with an emphasis on local style. Buzzy social spaces include a seasonal rooftop bar with jaw-dropping Empire State Building views and dining by celebrity chef Dale Talde. Alternatively, quiet co-working spaces and quiet rooms give the hotel an intimate appeal too. The packed events program includes burlesque and quirky seasonal offerings like knitting clubs, while access to local fitness facilities is free. The rooms are tiny, but the sleek design, gorgeous finish, and high-end amenities (coupled with frequently dazzling city views) makes them a treat. Travelers seeking a similar style with a downtown address should consider the Arlo SoHo instead.

Housed in a porthole-window-studded building in trendy Chelsea, the 125-room Maritime Hotel is a charming, upscale property that offers the look of a vintage luxury liner. Large "ship cabin" inspired rooms are spacious for Manhattan and feature teakwood walls and penny-tile bathrooms with rainfall showers. They're packed with amenities, too -- HDTVs, minibars, digital music players, robes, and nice C.O. Bigelow toiletries. The hotel has a chic basement level nightclub and an Italian trattoria with a tapas bar and a Michelin-starred dinner menu. Staff offer concierge service and 24-hour room service, plus pets stay free. Wellness facilities are limited though -- there's a small gym, but no pool or spa. By comparison, Dream Downtown offers more amenities -- like a pool -- but lacks the thematic charm and intimacy of this smaller hotel.

Opened in 2016, the 183-room William Vale is a luxury property in Brooklyn's hip Williamsburg neighborhood. It has stunning views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn from numerous vantage points. The hotel embraces its setting, with rooms that are trendy, modern, and outfitted with eye-catching locally produced art. High-end amenities include flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, L'Occitane toiletries, and furnished balconies, but rooms notably lack desks. The Italian eatery Leuca receives excellent reviews, as does the rooftop bar with breathtaking cityscape views. An outdoor pool with food service is open during summer months plus there's a modern gym, but unfortunately, there's no spa. Rates are reasonable, though the 25-minute drive or subway ride to most Manhattan attractions may deter some travelers. For a similar stay in Manhattan, consider The James New York.

As an upscale boutique property with sleek urban interiors, a chic garden restaurant, moody lounge bar, and exclusive rooftop bar -- the upscale SIXTY SoHo epitomizes downtown swank. Its location amid prime shopping, dining, and all-night fun in an eternally hip Manhattan neighborhood helps keep it at the top of the cool meter. While most of the 97 rooms aren’t huge, they are handsomely decorated with rich tones, luxe textures, and hardwood floors for a timeless modern feel. Slick chocolate marble bathrooms with Ren toiletries and Sferra bathrobes are nice touches, but tempting minibars are very overpriced (try $12 for a water). While the downtown location and cool ambience are a treat for some, the lack of a gym and a pool may disappoint others. Those seeking a boutique experience with a pool should try The James New York, SoHo.

Quiet, stylish, and a 15-minute walk from touristy Times Square (and the subway) -- the 222-room Ink48 is on the desolate far western reaches of happening Hell's Kitchen. Its gorgeous rooftop lounge and full-service, free early-evening wine receptions, and pet-friendly features make it a great choice. For a hotel that's considerably closer attractions -- as in, it's in the center of Times Square -- with a stunning rooftop bar, try the Knickerbocker.

The Sanctuary is a 111-room upscale boutique hotel close to
the bustle and lights of Times Square and the Theater District. As its name
indicates, the hotel strives to set a soothing vibe, and with low lighting, luxury decor,
and a Buddhist theme, it succeeds. While the vibe is calm by day, in the evenings the
restaurants and lounges on street level and on the roof cater to a beautiful
crowd that likes to socialize and party. Rooms come equipped with cushy robes, spa-like showers, and minibars stocked with late-night snacks and spirits. Just note that some rooms may be noisy at night, some lack natural light, and there's no fitness center on-site (but guests get free day passes to Equinox).

Catering towards international travelers and groups, the Hostelling International - New York is a well-run budget property with numerous on-site features, including a theater, large business center, and several lounges, all of which are equipped with free Wi-Fi. Guests can opt to spend a bit extra on private rooms with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and private bathrooms, or choose the very budget-friendly dorm rooms with small bunk beds, which can fit up to 12 guests. There is no fitness center and some find the Upper West Side location removed from major sights, but the hostel is within walking distance of Central Park and the subway, and free daily offerings include guided tours and pub crawls.

With a hopping rooftop bar boasting jaw-dropping views of Manhattan, a wonderful restaurant, and cutting-edge industrial design, the Wythe is a destination unto itself. It’s located near the subway as well as dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops in the heart of trendy Williamsburg. Rooms are spacious and have high pine ceilings, reclaimed wood furnishings, and great amenities, including flat-screen TVs; local, hand-made toiletries; free Wi-Fi, and radiant floor heating. But noise can be a problem, and the lobby and the elevators can get crowded with non-guests on weekends.

The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Indigo Lower East Side is an eclectic and energetic property that offers travelers an affordable stay in this always-hip downtown hood. Its 294 guest rooms are chic and streamline, and they boast murals by graffiti artist Lee Quiñones. They're all well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, Frette linens, and Keurig coffeemakers, and bathrooms have roomy walk-in showers and CO Bigelow products. Hotel Indigo's trendy rooftop bar, Mr. Purple, is the top feature here, with an expansive outdoor terrace and a heated pool. Other highlights include a 24-hour fitness center, a lobby cafe, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Travelers looking for a swanky boutique stay nearby can consider The Nolitan Hotel.

With chic decor and a youthful, almost-nightly party scene in the lounge, the Soho Grand offers an authentic but accessible taste of the hip downtown scene -- and still attracts its fair share of celebrities. The trendy restaurant and bars, a well-equipped gym, and a generous pet policy make it a top pick for creative types. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped, with decor updates in 2010.