Toy in the Hotel Gansevoort

In a city full of cool neighborhoods and bustling boroughs, New York City’s Meatpacking District continues to be one of Manhattan’s most fashionable spots. It’s a place where old meets new, savvy travelers meet locals, and shopping meets the city’s best dining and nightlife.

Hotel Gansevoort continues to be one the Meatpacking District’s best hotels and features an incredible new spot that’s sure to change the landscape of the area. TOY is the brainchild of legendary NYC party planners Daniel and Derek Koch. The twins have been throwing some of the Big Apple’s best bashes, and never do anything half-heartedly.

TOY’s cuisine is best described as modern Chinese with Japanese influences, and is already garnering rave reviews. Executive chef Doron Wong’s dishes reflect the incredible space itself―transition, adventure, and the spirit of New York City. The bi-level main dining room features a private room if needed, while there’s an indoor/outdoor raw bar right in the hotel lobby. But the best view of all is courtesy of the outdoor dining terrace that looks out over Hudson Street.

WHERE THE STARS STAY AND PLAY

 They know something, those stars and celebs. They know how to live, how to party and celebrate in style—and they know where to do it. Stars have a sonar for good living and luxury. Which is not to say they own the patent on living well, or have the last word on it. If celebrity is not within reach, celebrity living is.

For nearly 80 years, the The Jumeirah Essex House sign has soared above the Manhattan skyline. Nowadays it’s one of New York’s A-list go-to luxury hotels. Sheryl Crow frequents. Angelina Jolie owns a penthouse there. A 90 million dollar reno in 2007 brought this classic gem into the 21st century. Located near Broadway, Carnegie Hall, Columbus Circle and Lincoln Center. Take New York Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge or a steam bath at The Spa. Offers rooms with unobstructed views of Central Park.

Striking but mood-lit palatial rooms; three pools; and a prime ocean location make The Setai the best Miami offers. Performers from Jay-Z to Cat Power have laid down tracks at the Lenny Kravitz-designed on-site recording studio, and the hotel plays host to major fashion and entertainment events. Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Gisele, U2, and Madonna have stayed. Will Smith partied at The Setai with Trey Songz.

The Clift in San Francisco owes its dark and sexy design to Philippe Starck and draws a slick night-clubbing crowd to its famous Redwood Room bar. Notable patrons: Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lucinda Williams, Parker Posey, and Lily Tomlin.

Caesars in Las Vegas is the hotel of choice for the ultimate high roller, Barack Obama. The President reposed more than once among the imperial statues at Caesars Palace during his presidential campaign. More recently, the Obama family rented a 22,000-square-foot suite with its own private pool while in town for a fundraiser. But Caesars boasts plenty of regular celebrity: its Pure Nightclub has staged a slew of B-lister birthday celebrations (Khloe Kardashian, Perez Hilton and Nicky Hilton).

Where else would the stars wind up, in the end, except Hollywood? Smack dab on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was founded in the 1920s by Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo, but now hosts bad-boy parties (vide elite club Teddy’s). Jessica Biel threw Justin Timberlake a birthday bash there in 2009; Jay-Z and Beyonce partied there. Khloe Kardashian attended the 2009 Roosevelt Labor Day pool party. Jake Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Piven, Mischa Barton, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Orlando Bloom have been spotted skulking through its lobbies.

So whether you stay in the skyscraper hotels of Manhattan, or by the beach in Miami, you’ll never know when a celebrity may make an appearance. Keep your eyes peeled, and of course, make sure to share your stories and photos with us here.