A fabulous, suburban-style eight-story atrium in the middle of one of New York's hippest hotels? All part of the wild fun. Movie- and music-industry celebs hang out at the Church Lounge—a bar, café, and dining room at the base of the atrium—well into the night, sometimes to the dismay of serenity-seeking guests (a white-noise filter in rooms helps keep the peace to some extent). Even if you're not a celeb, it's a great place to meet friends without straying too far from the twin glass elevators that whisk you up and away. Comfortable and stylish rooms with a retro nod have low platform beds and podlike bathrooms with aluminum consoles reminiscent of those in airplanes, complete with Malin + Goetz amenities. The special "iStudios" are premium rooms kitted with the latest gadgets from Apple. Pets are welcome with open arms; you can even request goldfish brought to your room. Pros: great dining and bar scene; iPods in each room; fun social atrium; pet-friendly. Cons: rooms get noise from restaurant below; bathroom has slightly cold design.
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