UPPER WEST SIDE

THE LUCERNE HOTEL

Central Park, Hayden Planetarium, and the American Museum of Natural History are just two blocks from this classically restored landmark building. Just as important, it’s also near the Shake Shack with the least crazy line in NYC. 201 W. 79th St., 212-8751000; thelucernehotel.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

This Forbes five-star hotel at the Time Warner Center includes a 35th-floor lobby overlooking Central Park and a 14,500-square-foot spa with views of the Hudson River. INSIDER TIP: The private event space holds some of New York’s most glamorous fundraisers, such as New Yorkers for Children. 80 Columbus Circle, 212805-8800; mandarinoriental.com