Like its Thompson Hotels siblings, the self-referential 6 Columbus maintains the brand’s chic-boutique ethos, offering effortlessly cool spaces to be seen in and sleep in. The wood-paneled cocktail bar, rooftop bar and Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill (part of New York’s favorite Blue Ribbon family) are equally as impressive as interior designer Steve Sclaroff’s ’60s mod-inspired rooms, with suites and photographs by acclaimed fashion and advertising photographer Guy Bourdin sprinkled about.

In-room WiFi, flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, fresh bath products and 400 thread count sheets are also a plus. If that doesn’t sell you yet, then the proximity to Central Park, Time Warner Center, Columbus Circle and the Lincoln Center will.

While the Hudson Hotel is certainly not alone with its luxurious offerings, it numbers amongst one of the best places where New York’s hectic grittiness simply melts away. Created by famed hotelier Ian Schrager, the Hudson came out of his collaboration with architect Philip Starck to transform this former YMCA into a textbook execution of ingenious design and luxury.

Located in Midtown only footsteps away from the theater district, Central Park and other quintessential NYC attractions, the Hudson’s central locale is both enviable and convenient. Boasting a sky terrace, celebrity-frequented bar and even a basement venue, it forms a welcome reprieve from the buzz of Midtown’s jam-packed streets.