The Alex

Most "modern" Midtown hotels have crowded lobbies thumping with techno; The Alex is all sleek white lines with minimal intrusion of the senses, the idea being you want to sleep and rest here and do your partying elsewhere. David Rockwell's work pays off in simple, brilliant detailing: candles, zen stones, rain showers, granite tubs in well-spaced bathrooms, the stuff that makes up for meeting-filled days. Zone out hundreds of feet above Manhattan, then retreat in-house to Riingo for overpriced—albeit high-quality—new-American dishes. Or better yet, have it brought upstairs.