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From its red-padded lobby walls to the cavernous Cellar Bar, the Bryant Park Hotel seems too hip to be located two blocks from Times Square. The pricey 128-room luxury boutique, housed in the historic American Radiator Building, provides extras that keep guests like Leonardo DiCaprio coming back for more. Those who splurge for one of 20 park-view suites may be lucky enough to find a private terrace attached. Business travelers in particular will appreciate the in-room fax, Internet access and speedy dry cleaning service. Trouble falling asleep? Listen to waterfalls, heartbeats or chirping birds courtesy of the personal sound machine included in each room. If clubbing till sunrise is your style, ask for recommendations from the trend-conscious “entertainment planners.” (The hotel wrinkles its nose at the dated term “concierge”). The Bryant Park is a known favorite for the fashion and media world; its spaces include a 70-seat screening room and a loft used for sample sales and industry receptions. Other building features include a 24-hour gym and Ric Pipino’s Hair Suite. And then there's the latest addition: Koi, a branch of Los Angeles's Asian-inspired eatery and fashionista favorite, which opened in mid-March 2005. — Maren Dougherty

Most room features hardwood floors, sprawling bathrooms, and bedside privacy buttons.

Cons
Travelers with diaper bags or backpacks may want to hunt for more low-key digs.