On the outside, with its cheery pink brick facade, the SoHo Grand resembles a brand-new shopping complex. But inside is a different story. Cast iron dogs stand guard at industrial design central — square lights, molded concrete walls, a coffee table the size of a grand piano. There's mesh wire glass everywhere, including on the writing desks in the rooms. The floors are the same stuff you see on New York sidewalks — corrugated steel for the elevators, and cast iron and glass for the stairs.

When it opened in 1996, the Grand was the first big SoHo hotel, and its downtown location has continued to be a major factor in its identity. Take the concierges, who can get you a reservation at the hottest underground restaurant and fill you in on the hippest goings-on. Here's where you'll find Tokyo urbanites in platforms, tough-talking London businessmen on their cells, lanky Nigerian models, many rock and roll musicians, and a lot of crazy hair.

It's easy for that much hipness to be intimidating, but the Grand, despite its name, is warm and happy. Maybe it's the pet friendly atmosphere — Fifi can munch on a biscuit at the bar while you drink your Tartini and you can even borrow a goldfish to keep you company through those long Manhattan nights. Or perhaps the fact that while it's undisputedly cool, the Grand is also curiously reminiscent of dormitory days, with its reupholstered sofas and signature dish of macaroni and cheese at the restaurant, Upstairs at The Gr... more