Waldorf Astoria New York

As you click across the sparkling marble floor of this 1931 hotel’s grandiose lobby, gracious staff will treat you like Princess Grace (a former guest). It’s worth visiting this art deco historic landmark just for the history (it’s been the accommodation of choice for numerous U.S. presidents; a temporary home to Marilyn Monroe in 1955; and, of course, it’s where the Waldorf salad was invented). However, you might find your room doesn’t quite live up to its gilded past: On a recent stay, our traditionally decorated room had lost a bit of its shine. A luxurious bathroom with water pressure to rival Niagara almost compensated, and total indulgence can be yours in the glamorous 19th-floor Guerlain spa, which has hydrotherapy suites, an iPad-equipped wellness lounge serving light dishes—and spectacular city views. Rooms: 1,413.