With over 50 neighborhoods in Manhattan, how does one decide where to stay?! Many visitors to New York City choose Times Square, with an abundance of large, reasonably priced hotels. But after being asked by several first time visitors where we would stay, we put together our top ten hotels based on neighborhood, budget, amenities, service and style. Our recommendations involve boutique hotels or small hotel companies and we chose neighborhoods favorited by locals.

STAY TUNED — NEXT WEEK WE COVER BROOKLYN.

FLATIRON:

The NoMad (which stands for North of Madison Square Park) is a Parisian-inspired luxury hotel housed in a beautiful converted Beaux-art style building. It’s modern meets historical chic. The lobby bar is arguably serving up the best craft cocktails in all of NYC. And, their highly acclaimed restaurant is a must — it’s a very special (and expensive) meal. So are the cocktails, but it’s worth the price of admission to check out and enjoy the space.

The Ace Hotel in New York is just like the other hotels, dare we say it, hipster. But that’s precisely what we like about them. During the day, the lobby is a major hangout amongst the freelancing creative set and at night, the room becomes a hot bar scene with DJ and dancing. Attached is famed restaurant The Breslin and awesome relative newcomer The John Dory (seafood). There is also an Opening Ceremony boutique attached. Dark and moody but at the same time, a lively, very New York scene.

CHELSEA:

Across from The High Line, this chic 60-room hotel is in a section of a still-working theological seminary dating back to the 1800s. Unique furnishings and a great staff with an awesome coffee bar and beautiful outside seating in warmer months (a rare NYC find).

Technically in the Meatpacking District, this hotel is an architectural marvel and a huge local hangout. The High Line cuts right through it. This hotel is very lively with super-modern rooms featuring voyeuristic floor-to-ceiling windows. Stunning light and views of the city or the Hudson River depending on where your room faces. “The high-design Standard is one of the trendiest NYC hotels, with plenty of nightlife both nearby and inside—dine at the hotel’s Standard Grill and imbibe at the outdoor Biergarten. Play naughty at the clubby rooftop Le Bain, or drink in the exclusive views at Top of the Standard.”

PRO TIP: download their app for deep discounts on last minute rooms at all their locations (we’re talking 24 hours in advance).

Or, splurge for the Soho House Chelsea. You’ll have access to the restaurant and rooftop pool … major celebrity hangout but you’ll definitely pay for the access.

SOHO:

The Crosby — this one is all about design, design, design, and location, location, location! The rooms are unbelievably chic, the service impeccable, great lobby bar, outdoor area, etc. If you can afford it, consider it!

The trendy Arlo is a micro-hotel located between TriBeCa and SoHo. Despite the 325 rooms, its bars, lounges, and work spaces are quite enjoyable. There is a focus on all things local, which we love. The rooms are definitely tiny, even by NYC standards, but they are bright, and feature free Wi-Fi and high end bath products.

EAST VILLAGE:

The Standard East Village is a well done hot spot just like all the Standard Hotels! The East Village has long been a great neighborhood for restaurants, bars, music and getting just about anywhere in NYC (and Williamsburg) but now there’s a great place to stay as well!

PRO TIP: download their app for deep discounts on last minute rooms at all their locations (we’re talking 24 hours in advance).

The Bowery is super hot and this hotel is no exception. A favorite of celebrities and fashionistas. It’s dark and moody but the rooms are bright because of the factory-style windows and loft-like rooms.

LOWER EAST SIDE:

Public — we love this place! We will let them speak for themselves:

“LUXURY FOR ALL. IAN SCHRAGER’S LATEST. GREAT SERVICE. GREAT STYLE. GREAT FUN. GREAT PRICE.”