Mandarin Oriental New York ranks first in the list of best date hotels in NYC. In their meticulously designed hotels, resorts, and residences, experience contemporary luxury with signature Oriental charm.They delight their fans with personal and memorable experiences that reflect the best of local culture through award-winning dining, wellness, and legendary service. There's nothing more opulent than the Mandarin Oriental, with its sweeping views of Central Park, amethyst crystal steam rooms, and multiple pools. The lavish spa treatments, such as the Opulent Rejuvenesence Facial or a couples Oriental Harmony massage, are not to be missed. Alternatively, stay in your room and soak in the deep soaking tub.

These are trying times, and their guests' and employees' comfort, health, and safety are more important than ever. Mandarin Oriental's extremely high health and hygiene standards are all firmly in place at their hotels worldwide, and they remain alert to advice from health experts and government authorities, adapting their best practices accordingly.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.6/5.0

Address: 80 Columbus CircleNew York10023

Contact: 212-805-8800

Website: mandarinoriental.com

Dream Downtown ranks 2nd in the list of best date hotels in NYC. The obvious selling point of The Dream Downtown is its spectacular location. This hotel is literally everywhere you want to be: around the corner from Chelsea Market, a block from the High Line, and a stone's throw from the Meatpacking District and West Village. It also helps that its 'hood, Chelsea, is a mecca of world-class art galleries. The highest compliment the 12-story Dream Downtown can receive is that guests do not need to leave the property to experience the city's standard of cuisine and nightlife. The hotel is a weekend affair, young and sceney, with a club vibe that pervades the design and decor.

The lobby's high-backed chairs and button-tufted banquette settees are strewn across a lushly carpeted floor, in front of a well-stocked half-moon bar and wall of stacked Tecate and Modelo cans. The ceiling dazzles onlookers who find themselves peering directly into the hotel's sand-filled "beach" courtyard's 50-foot heated glass-bottom pool. The velvet-roped PHD Rooftop Lounge in the north tower is so popular that not even hotel guests are guaranteed entry. The space features stunning panoramic views of the skyline, an outdoor landscaped terrace, and glass chandeliers, as well as resident DJ Big Ben spinning every Tuesday and other music makers on other nights.

On the hotel's lower level, the mellower Cool Britannia and Gothic-inspired Electronic Room serve craft cocktails and spirits. If you get hungry, there are three restaurants on-site to choose from: Descend the infinity-mirror staircase to the subterranean, speakeasy-esque Megu for Japanese fare. Tao Group's Bodega Negra serves elevated Mexican fare and an impressive collection of mescal, and its café serves a similar menu as well as pastries baked in-house each morning.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 355 W 16th StNew York10011
Contact: 212-229-2559
Website: dreamhotels.com/downtown

West 8th Street, once a parade of piercing parlors, poster stores, and shoe stores, has been undergoing a transformation since the arrival of cult spots like Stumptown Coffee Roasters and an offshoot of Parker Meridien's Burger Joint. The Marlton, the first solo property from trendsetting hotelier Sean MacPherson, who also owns the Bowery, the Maritime, and the Jane, has joined the newly desirable enclave. The 1900 building has a lot of local history—Beat icon Jack Kerouac wrote a couple of novellas while staying there, and would-be Andy Warhol assassin Valerie Solanas stayed there—but the deceptively lived-in-looking interior, including the lobby's cunningly retro oak paneling, was mostly designed from scratch.

You can relax in a worn-in leather armchair while sipping a cup of house-roasted Ferndell coffee and flipping through books on NYC history or local artists. The bedrooms are miniaturized versions of a Paris grand hotel, measuring only 150 square feet each, with gilt-edged velvet headboards, crown moldings, and shaded sconces held by brass hands. The bathrooms have petite marble sinks, antiquey brass rain showerheads, and Côté Bastide products. The classic decor is offset by midcentury touches, including art by Berlin-based artist Stefano Castronovo, who was inspired by Abstract Expressionists like Franz Kline and Robert Motherwell, and Serge Mouille chandeliers that resemble Anglepoise lamps on steroids. A restaurant and bar are being planned.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: 355 W 16th StNew York10011

Contact: 212-229-2559

Website: dreamhotels.com/downtown

The Roxy Hotel ranks 4th in the list of best date hotels in NYC. The true litmus test for determining whether a New York hotel is cool? Whether or not actual New Yorkers want to visit! That test is easily passed by the Roxy. It's more than just a place to stay in Tribeca—one that manages to be swanky without being pretentious or intimidating. At any given time, there are genuine New Yorkers hanging out in the lobby (or at least chic tourists who pass for them). Speaking of chic, super-stylish celebs with rock-star cred frequent The Roxy; Haim, the 2016 Costume Institute Gala's fashion darlings, hung their hat at The Roxy after spending all night with their bestie Taylor Swift.

The interior of the hotel has one of those perimeter balcony setups that are more reminiscent of a convention-center Marriott than a downtown boutique hotel, but the Roxy lives up to its Tribeca Grand roots: The lounge is dotted with comfortable eclectic couches, and a pool table sits invitingly off to the side. Everything is brown, gold, and white—nothing shouts, everything soothes. Most importantly, when you retire to your room and collapse into one of the most comfortable beds you've ever slept in, the windows and doors are amazingly soundproof, which is critical given the all-night hustle and bustle on the street and downstairs in the hotel.

Concerning the commotion: The entertainment is the main draw of this location. Skip the hotel restaurant (you can eat better elsewhere in the nabe, such as Odeon or Locanda Verde), but make sure to enjoy all of the real-deal entertainment the place has to offer: During their stay, the Late Show's Eddie Barbash was in the Roxy Lounge with his band, and Cuban music was playing downstairs at the speakeasy-style Django.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 2 Ave of the AmericasNew York10013
Contact: 212-519-6600
Website: www.roxyhotelnyc.com

If you're looking for a luxurious modern hotel in the heart of New York City, the New York EDITION is the place to be. The EDITION is housed within the historic Metropolitan Life Insurance building, directly across the street from Madison Square Park and steps away from the Flatiron Building. With such a rich history and an exceptionally traditional New York background, your stay (however brief) will leave an indelible mark.

The furnishings are simple, but they fill the entire room. Natural colors (greens, whites, and browns) allow guests to unwind quickly after they've settled in. Don't worry, all rooms have Smart TVs, so you can pick up right where you left off on your Stranger Things binge. Guests can also book in-room spa services if they want to pamper themselves while working from their hotel room. With everything at your fingertips, it's easy to forget that the vast city of New York is just outside your door.

Gotham is home to some of the world's best lounges. It's no surprise that one can be found in the EDITION. The Lobby Bar is well-known for being one of the few bars with fireplaces (ideal for escaping New York winters) where guests can enjoy decadent cocktails after a long day of sightseeing in Manhattan. Wrap yourself in faux fur blankets as you walk through the bar, sipping specialty cocktails like the Stiff Welcome and Your Next Ex. If you want to drink for a good cause, order the EDITION Owl; $1 from every drink sold will be donated to the Wild Bird Fund.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 5 Madison AveNew York10010
Contact: 212-413-4200
Website: editionhotels.com/new-york

Nu Hotel ranks 6th in the list of best date hotels in NYC. Nu Hotel, which is conveniently located near the shops and restaurants of BoCoCa, has bundled quirky niceties into a classy, eco-friendly package. Cork flooring, organic linens, and recycled teak furniture coexist with 32-inch flat-screen TVs and Sangean audio systems, free Wi-Fi, and multi­media device AV docks. The standard rooms are comfortable, but the Friends Suites have bunk beds and the lofty Urban Suites have hammocks and a padded-leather sleeping alcove. Cyclists can use the hotel's loaner bikes to explore Brooklyn, and iPads are available for use by guests. In the warmer months, the lobby bar, which has outdoor tables, serves a tapas menu designed by Next Iron Chef runner-up Jehangir Mehta. Rooms: 93

NU Hotel is much more than just the best boutique hotel in downtown Brooklyn. They're a vibrant thread in the tapestry of the city's organic story, a community-driven gathering spot that connects visitors with local artists, businesses, and events. Celebrate Brooklyn's world-renowned reputation as a global center of art, culture, and dynamic energy by staying in the heart of it all, just steps from museums, public transportation, delicious dining options, shopping, and more.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: 85 Smith StBrooklyn11201

Contact: 718-852-8585

Website: nuhotelbrooklyn.com

The Bowery Hotel embodies the neighborhood's ethos: classic, stylish, and a little bit cooler than you. The Bowery Hotel, swathed in rich velvets and crisp white linens, with complimentary bicycles and bellboys in topcoats, rivals the old stalwart hotels of uptown, but in a much younger, trendier hood. Take in the breathtaking view from any room and relax in the courtyard before exploring the historic neighborhood, and don't miss Gemma for brunch or dinner. The after-dark scene at the lobby bar is also not to be missed.

The Bowery Hotel is located at the crossroads of the East Village and the Lower East Side, just steps away from popular restaurants such as Momofuku Ko and Bar Primi. It's the ideal starting point for discovering hip downtown hangouts. The Bowery Mural Wall is home to some of the neighborhood's most exciting contemporary art, rather than the New Museum (though that is also a good place to spend an afternoon). The outdoor gallery on Houston Street and Bowery features new artists on a regular basis, so you never know what you'll find.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 335 BoweryNew York10003
Contact: 212-505-9100
Website: theboweryhotel.com

The funky boutique hotel group's New York City headquarters is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Madison Square Garden while remaining away from the chaos of Penn Station. The Ace, a renovated 20th century office building in Midtown Manhattan, has a historic past that is reflected in its retro-modern design. The lobby is a cultural hub, with rows of long wood tables and plush leather couches filled with freelancers working on laptops during the day and travelers imbibing on housemade martinis in the evenings.

The lobby, as well as the rooms, are adorned with hand-picked art and furnished with vintage-inspired furnishings. The hotel's dining options, particularly the April Bloomfield-helmed Breslin Bar and Dining Room, are inspiring and must-try. Stumptown Coffee, which serves artisanal concoctions, and a trendy oyster bar with killer cocktails are also on-site. Opening Ceremony, based in New York, also has a location in the hotel and sells one-of-a-kind designer clothing at a high price.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0
Address: 20 W 29th StNew York10012
Contact: 212-679-2222
Website: acehotel.com

The Mark, known for its impressive celebrity clientele, entices the fashion-conscious with almost tangible magnetism. Why? Because ostentatious design elements are combined with more modern and zealous aesthetic choices. Yes, there is black-and-white decor and marble features, but it is all punctuated by vibrant orange hues in the form of flora, wallpapers, and soft furnishings. In a nutshell, it looks fantastic.

From the quick check-in to the simple check-out, the entire operation is slick and polished. The bath in the suites is luxuriously deep, and the wifi is fast. Furthermore, the fine dining restaurant and bar offerings are overseen by culinary wonderboy Jean-Georges Vongerichten, so expect an eclectic menu with dishes like hamachi sashimi, Scottish salmon, and parmesan-crusted chicken with artichokes and lemon-basil butter. Delicious.

You're only a five-minute walk from Central Park and close to the Guggenheim, The Met, and the rest of Museum Mile, making it ideal for a few days of culture. While the Upper East Side's gleaming streets attract tourists and out-of-town visitors, it's The Mark's flamboyance that keeps them coming back.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0
Address: 25 E 77th StNew York10075
Contact: 212-744-4300
Website: www.themarkhotel.com

Hotel on Rivington took a step up in style after a multi-year renovation, much like the surrounding Lower East Side neighborhood. This luxury boutique hotel lives up to its unique category, with chic interiors, creative artists-in-residence, and new, upscale dining and drinking experiences. The structure itself is stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing illuminating views of the city stretching from One World Trade to the Chrysler Building. The lounge-like lobby area of the hotel is painted with original work by artist-in-residence Domingo Zapata—each piece is for sale, and featured artists will change over time. The lobby scene, while quiet on a Friday night, is set to change in 2017 with the opening of a bar.

For the time being, head to the floor level to Cafe Medi for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The spacious space, which opened in the summer of 2016, has high ceilings and tiled walls adorned with what appear to be ancient Greek drawn figures of humans and birds. Begin with creamy burrata and cast iron skillet bread, then dip into truffle polenta with mushrooms and perfectly runny eggs. Continue the party next door at the newly opened (hotel-owned) Jia Lounge, a cocktail lounge that looks like your stylish grandmother's dressed-up living room (in a good way), complete with plush furniture and walls covered in varying velvet floral patterns.

Back in your hotel room, you'll find wall-to-wall windows through which to observe the bustling New Yorkers below. If you stay in a one-of-a-kind king room, like I did, you'll find a 15-foot-long tiled shower with three showerheads that also serves as a personal steam room—ideal for inviting new friends over for a nightcap or three. Take another look through those looming windows at sunrise if you can wake yourself up in time.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: 107 Rivington StNew York10002
Contact: 212-475-2600
Website: hotelonrivington.com