455 Madison Ave.
800/697-2522 or 212/888-7000
www.newyorkpalace.com

19th-century mansion and modern 55-story tower, set around a courtyard, convenient to midtown businesses and shopping.
 

ROOMS 896, some traditionally done, others more modern, all with high-speed Internet. Rooms in the tower have extra amenities and the best views.
SERVICE Staff-to-guest ratio of 0.5 to 1.
FOOD Sirio Maccioni's Le Cirque 2000, for creative French; Istana (New American, off the lobby). Also the opulent Villard Bar.
FACILITIES 7,000-square-foot gym with views.
COST Doubles from $595.