The Lenox was the latest thing when it opened in 1900, and in its second century, it echoes that fin-de-siècle splendor everywhere, from the ornate lobby to the spacious, luxurious accommodations. The high-ceilinged guest rooms are large enough to contain sitting areas, and custom-designed wood furnishings and marble bathrooms add to the anything-but-generic vibe. My favorites are the 12 corner units with wood-burning fireplaces; rooms on the top two floors of the 11-story building enjoy excellent views. The central location makes the hotel popular with business travelers, and its relatively small size and accommodating staff make it a welcome alternative to the huge convention hotels that dominate this neighborhood. As a rule, though, those larger competitors have more extensive fitness facilities.

Facilities:Well-regarded restaurant (contemporary American); bar; pub; small exercise room; bike rental; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; airport shuttle; business center; room service until 11pm; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning. Rooms for those w/limited mobility and wheelchair lift to the lobby are available