Hotel East Houston

Opened in autumn 2007, this six-story boutique hotel offers rooms dressed up in rococo-inspired wallpaper and a rich color palette of gold, chocolate and pomegranate. Although they’re on the small side, touches like Bulgari toiletries and flat-screen, high-definition TVs earn this spot style points. As enticing as the living quarters are, however, you’ll want to spend much of your time soaking up the sun, and exceptional views, on the rooftop patio, which is open (to guests only) round the clock. Breakfast is served in a spacious white-clad room in the basement. Rooms: 42