New York City: 5 Places to Stay

Since opening in late 2006, the London may have received less press than its Gordon Ramsay-run in-house restaurant, but this elegant, all-suite hotel justly deserves its own following. The 562 suites, the smallest of which are an expansive 500 square feet, are models of streamlined elegance; the parquet oak floors, dark embossed-leather desks, and curving velvet banquettes were all chosen by designer David Collins, who has worked his magic at some of Europe's chicest hotels. All bathrooms are furnished by Waterworks with sunken marble tubs, showers with dueling "rain" showerheads, and sumptuous bath towels and robes. Book a table at Mr. Ramsay's only stateside restaurant a month early; if you can't get in, try for a slate-blue banquette at his less-formal spot, Maze — or just order room service from the restaurant.

Insider Tip: Anglophiles, rejoice: the hotel allows free calls to London seven hours a day.

Room to Book: Well-named Vista suites are high enough that they have views of nearby Central Park.

• 1. The London NYC
  151 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019; 866-656-1777 40.763228-73.980558 thelondonnyc.com