Hilton New York

Profile

With a shiny block-long lobby, a staggering 1,980 rooms, and 150,000 square feet of meeting space, the Hilton New York is the largest hotel in the city bar none. Christened in 1963 by Conrad Hilton himself, this mall of a hotel (with its 46 floors) has undergone numerous makeovers over the years: Tacky green floral carpeting and heavy curtains are out; floor-sensor night-lights and flat-screen TVs are in. Wi-Fi comes at a cost, but an expandable work area with an eye-level data port and an ergonomic chair make that expense forgivable. The fitness club (another addition to your bill) sports skylights and state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment. If your company’s covering the tab, take note: The nine executive floors are a hotel within a hotel and have their own check-in, concierge, and lounge. Though it’s doubtful that Paris would stay here, almost every president since JFK has. — Grace Bastidas

Pros
Great location for first-time visitors who can’t wait to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or to ice-skate at Rockefeller Center.

Cons
The lobby can feel like Grand Central Station.

Claim to Fame
The Beatles stayed in the penthouse suite in 1964, when they first performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. The same penthouse has been immortalized in movies like American Gangster.

Weddings
With the largest ballroom in New York City—and three more to boot—the Hilton is a good bet for oversize weddings (it holds anywhere from 500 to 2,800 guests). The team here specializes in kosher events. From $210 per person.