The College Hotel

"The entire ground floor is public space: To the left of the entrance is the chic reception desk, made of leather and mother-of-pearl, and to the right high-ceilinged hallways lead to a colorful bar with patterned-velvet chairs and couches and, beyond, an airy white-brick-and-glass dining room that was once the gymnasium. The 40 rooms, with big TVs, glass showers, and black-lacquer doors and wardrobes, are sleek but cozy; the German manufacturer of their sensually soft sheets also makes shirts for Gucci and Prada. The service throughout is thoughtful and sincere."