Hyatt Union Square New York

With the advent of the Hyatt Union Square New York, this neighborhood has suddenly taken a leap toward the upscale. It’s most apparent, perhaps, in the quiet architectural confidence of the building, a clean modern structure rising above an unostentatious street-level facade — but really the hotel’s ambition shines throughout.

Of course at this moment, even in New York, straight-up ostentation is quite out of style. Here the cavernous, colorful lobby bar is where the (subtle) fireworks really begin. Modern furniture, modern art, modern design — needless to say, this isn’t the typical Hyatt. What it is is perfectly suited to this particular corner of New York, at this particular moment, and if that’s not quite all that matters in choosing a hotel, it’s isn’t nothing, either.

Also pretty far from nothing are the rooms. In fact, “substantial” would be a better way of putting it. They’re a lively mix of uptown marble and downtown industrial, with king beds, colorful accents and plenty of natural light. Some have terraces, an almost unheard-of extravagance in this town, while the two signature suites have us regretting the fact that we already used the phrase “unheard-of extravagance.” Meanwhile Bowery Road, the restaurant, is joined by the Library of Distilled Spirits, a literary-themed cocktail bar and lounge.