NYC hotel staycations

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Crosby Street Hotel
If London is calling, but your bank account refuses to accept the charges, consider a lesser splurge at the Crosby Street Hotel, the only property from the hugely popular Firmdale group outside the British capital. Design director Kit Kemp's signature style is a fresh, contemporary take on classic English decor, characterized by a sometimes audacious mix of patterns, bold colors and judiciously chosen antiques. Relax in the leafy, guests-only sculpture garden, which inspired cult London perfumer Lyn Harris when she concocted the bath products' exclusive scent. If you can't quite afford a room, you can always go for afternoon tea ($34) or book the Sunday-night Film Club: a three-course dinner in the Crosby Bar and a movie in the luxurious, leather-seated screening room ($50 per person; $25 for just a cocktail and snacks). 79 Crosby St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-226-6400, crosbystreethotel.com). Rates start at $495.

Dream Downtown
Dubbed the "Cheesegrater" by hotel-scene watchers thanks to its porthole-window--speckled facade, the much-delayed property is set to open sometime this summer. Dream aims to trump its nearby party-hotel rivals with several suites that open directly onto the second-floor pool and beach-club cabana area. 355 W 16th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (800-336-4110, dreamdowntown.com). Rates start at $395. Opens this summer.

Hotel Williamsburg
While some Billyburgers may greet the neighborhood's first bona fide boutique hotel with cynicism, the developers are taking pains to partner with neighborhood businesses (Brooklyn Brewery is developing its signature beer), to avoid becoming MePa on McCarren Park—although the property does have a secluded 40-foot pool and a cocktail bar in the back. In the evening, head up to the ninth-floor roof deck for the raw bar and spectacular skyline views. If you prefer a more intimate evening, all 64 rooms are supplied with small bars, Crosley turntables and local-skewed vinyl libraries. 160 North 12th St between Bedford Ave and Berry St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (888-867-6767, hwbrooklyn.com). Opening rates (through June 11) start at $199, regular rates start at $295. Opens early June.

Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC
If you've ever fantasized about having your own Park Avenue pad, here's your chance—at least for one night. For its new Gramercy location, the Gansevoort has incorporated the tri-level rooftop pool-lounge-playground concept that's been making waves at its Meatpacking District property since 2004. Sprawl on a double lounger by the roof pool and gaze at the open view of the Empire State Building, before retreating to one of six lounges—the Red Room has padded plum satin walls and floating banquettes topped with mini dance floors for would-be go-go girls or boys (DJs preside over the space Wednesday through Saturday). To revive after such strenuous activities, book a fusion massage (from $95) at the hotel's Exhale Spa or attend a yoga session ($23). 420 Park Ave South at 29th St, enter on 29th St (212-317-2900, gansevoortpark.com). Rates start at $335.

The Surrey
At this posh Upper East Side hotel, you can step from chic cocktail destination (Bar Pleiades) to topflight eatery (Caf Boulud) in a matter of minutes—just cross the revamped Beaux-Arts building's coolly elegant limestone-and-marble lobby, which showcases contemporary art by American conceptualist Jenny Holzer and South African William Kentridge. Or zip up to the 17th-floor roof garden for sweeping Central Park views with your drinks and nibbles. In the five-room spa, treatments using Darphin products and Australian-aboriginal-inspired healing line Li'Tya will prepare you for a restful night in the incredibly comfortable DUX by Duxiana bed—though you can indulge here even if you aren't staying overnight. 20 E 76th St between Fifth and Madison Aves (212-288-3700, thesurreyhotel.com). Rates start at $499. Spa treatments start at $165 per hour; mention TONY to receive 10% off treatments through June (book by end of May).