Taking Manhattan? Choose one of these new hotels

The past year has seen a spate of new hotels open in Manhattan, many of them perfect for a winter weekend getaway. We've picked a handful of favorites with something for every taste, from the racy Ace to the classic Surrey.

 The Andaz Wall Street, 75 Wall St., 212-590-1234, andaz.com

RATES Doubles from $220

THE VIBE The Andaz Wall Street, which opened in January, is the third property in this new boutique hotel group from Hyatt. Each hotel seeks inspiration from its location; here, Andaz turned to designer David Rockwell to create common areas that play with the motifs of U.S. currency. The Wall & Water restaurant features fare from the Hudson Valley. The rooms are contemporary, restrained and relatively spacious (at 345 square feet) by New York standards. It's an ideal base if the Statue of Liberty, the South Street Seaport or TriBeCa dining are on your must-do list.

DEALS The Wall Street location means weekend discounts.

 Thompson LES, 190 Allen St., 877-460-8888, thompsonhotels.com

RATES Doubles from $179

THE VIBE The fourth New York outpost of Thompson Hotels, the Thompson LES (that's short for Lower East Side) has an appropriately gritty edge. The poured-concrete walls and industrial-inspired light fixtures can't compete, however, with the rooms' principal attraction: floor-to-ceiling windows with postcard views of lower Manhattan. This is a hotel that feels as much like a club as a place to sleep, so make sure to have a drink at Above Allen (on the seventh floor) or a Chinese meal at Shang for excellent people-watching opportunities.

DEALS Call and ask for the "LES Winter Special'' to get a Queen-Superior room for $249, with free upgrade (when available). Reserve by Feb. 28 for stays no later than March 31.

The Standard, 848 Washington St., 212-645-4646, standardhotels.com

RATES Doubles from $195

THE VIBE Even if you haven't stayed at the Standard, you've probably marveled at it from the West Side Highway. The building, designed by Todd Schliemann of Polshek Partnership, has been lauded by architecture critics as one of the most elegant additions to the New York skyline in years. Straddling the new Highline Park, it's a glass-and-steel homage to International Style. Stay here if your weekend plans are all about hitting the galleries, bars, clubs and restaurants of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District.

DEALS Reserve a room at least seven days in advance for a discount of about 15 percent (but cancel with less than seven days' notice, and you forfeit half the room rate).

Ace Hotel, 20 W. 29th St., 212-679-2222, acehotel.com

RATES Doubles from $169 (bunk beds) or $189 (full-size)

THE VIBE This Portland import has a Northwest attitude toward hipness. The lobby has vintage furniture and recycled wood panels - a space that feels more like a favorite cardigan than Prada couture. At the Breslin restaurant, chef April Bloomfield (of Spotted Pig fame) has a menu that's perfect for winter with its butter- and pork-centric emphasis.

DEALS Through Feb. 28, the "Ace of Hearts" package includes two tickets to the nearby Museum of Sex and a gift box valued at $75.

Distrikt Hotel, 342 W. 40th St., 212-706-6100, distrikthotel.com

RATES Doubles from $139

THE VIBE The new Distrikt Hotel opened at the beginning of February and is the logical option if your weekend is heavy on Times Square. It's on the south side of West 40th Street with, unfortunately, the Port Authority across the street. But once you're inside, airport-thick windows create a calm oasis that celebrates New York City in its decor (a carved map of Manhattan behind reception, themed neighborhood collages on each floor) and amenities (soaps, chocolates and, soon, bottled water all sourced from local purveyors).

DEALS Book two nights with the "Travel & Leisure" package, available through March 31, and the third night is free.

The Surrey, 20 E. 76th St., 212-288-3700, thesurrey.com

RATES Doubles from $449

THE VIBE Like its staid Upper East Side neighbor, the Carlyle, the Surrey (which opened in November) doesn't compete with its downtown counterparts in hipness; it offers classic NYC style with contemporary touches. Interior designer Lauren Rottet created a hotel in a subdued palette of cream, and peppered the suites with work by design team Jimmie Martin and artists Jenny Holzer and Gabi Trinkaus. The Surrey boasts one of the city's most distinguished hotel restaurants, Café Boulud.

DEALS Receive a free night when booking two with the "Complimentary Night of Luxury" package. Reserve by Feb. 28 for stays no later than March 31.