Lean times haven’t stopped travelers from pouring into New York City or hoteliers from building, including in less touristy neighborhoods like Harlem and the Financial District. Indeed, 2010’s hotel spree means visitors can look forward to more than a dozen new places to stay. New Yorkers, meanwhile, will be reaping the benefits via the latest hotel pièce de résistance: the rooftop pool lounge (five new ones and counting!).
1. Distrikt Hotel
This lodging offers low rates, contemporary rooms, and a convenient – albeit dodgy – location near the Port Authority bus terminal. Opened February 1; from $199/night
2. Trump Soho
The Donald moves downtown…Spacious rooms sport floor-to-ceiling windows and indulgence comes courtesy of a Middle Eastern-style spa and an outdoor pool deck. Opened in April; from $359/night
3. Fashion 26
From its rooftop lounge and the free Crumbs cupcake at check-in to the list of weekly sample sales placed in every room, this happening hotel has girls’ getaway written all over it. Opened in April; rates from $279/night
4. Eventi, A Kimpton Hotel
Pay 20 percent less through September 5 for stylish rooms with killer views. The cool Chelsea locale and an outdoor garden with a multimedia screen are a bonus. Opened in May; from $389/night
5. Andaz 5th Avenue
This spot near Bryant Park features loft-like rooms with complimentary minibars and a cellar bar and wine shop. Opened in July; rates from $295/night until September 1
6. InterContinental New York Times Square
The capacious rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows. Todd English created the French-style brasserie. Opened in July; from $314/night
7. The Chatwal
This elegant retreat offers vintage Art Deco style, an indoor lap pool, and, above all, privacy for high-profile guests. Opened August 8; from $695/night
8. W New York Downtown
See firsthand the “new downtown” in the making (the W is among several recent building projects near the World Trade Center site) while enjoying great city views and the BLT Grill by Laurent Tourondel. Opened August 9; from $269/night
9. Gansevoort Park Avenue
The latest Gansevoort wows with its scenester vibe, showstopping rooftop pool, tri-level bar, sizable suites (many with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows), and Exhale Spa with a yoga studio. Opening in August; from $495/night
10. The James New York
With a prime SoHo address, the James promises a bound-to-be-a-hot-spot rooftop pool lounge with cabanas, an urban garden, art-filled hallways, and sleek rooms similar to those at the James Chicago flagship. Opening September 1; from $349/night
11. Element New York Times Square West
This green-minded retreat offers free, healthy breakfasts and an all-day snack pantry, plus relaxing, nature-inspired public spaces. Opening October 14; rates not yet available
12. Aloft Harlem
Glimpse the landmarked neighborhood of Harlem’s changing landscape from the vantage of boutique-style rooms. Opening October 15; $199/night
13. The Nolitan
In the trendy Nolita hood, this hotel has a sidewalk café restaurant, a rooftop lounge, and fun freebies like skateboard and bike rentals and access to an Equinox gym. Opening in November; from $325/night
14. Setai Fifth Avenue
At the second outpost of the storied Miami brand, expect a spa with an “ice cave” and a personal assistant for every guest. Opening in November; from $545/night
15. Mondrian New York
Glitzy rooms, a trendy bar with outrageously trippy decor, and a seafood eatery helmed by Top Chef’s Sam Talbot will likely add up to a hip scene. Opening in February 2011; from $269/night
Find great deals on New York City hotels with our Travel Search price comparison tool. For general trip-planning info see our New York Travel Guide.