The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York

Eight decades of Fifth Avenue history sit behind The Pierre's limestone facade at Two East 61st Street, where the Taj-run property overlooks Central Park's Grand Army Plaza corner. Bergdorf Goodman and the park's carriage entrance are both under a five-minute walk, suiting travelers who want Upper East Side quiet with Midtown shopping close at hand.

Rooms keep working fireplaces in select suites and hand-detailed moldings from the original 1930 build. The Rotunda serves afternoon tea beneath a hand-painted ceiling, a detail longtime New Yorkers book weeks ahead.

Concierge and car service handle Central Park South traffic so guests skip the avenue's taxi lines entirely.