Empire Hotel

Boutiquey reno of New York classic makes for the most mod lodgings on the UWS. Okay, so maybe that’s not saying much, but furnishings do tend to the dark and sexy. Sleek lobby lounge and second-floor steakhouse are modestly sized but well turned out. Rooms keep to the cool side of opulence. Some are wee indeed, but corner suites are knockouts. Rooftop bar with neon sign a neighborhood cynosure.