Welcome to the second edition of Curbed's guide to NYC's need-to-know hotels. Its intention? Provide the ultimate answer to the question that burns in the breast of every visitor: "Where should I stay in New York City?" We've combined reader and expert recommendations to compile the following list of the city's most essential hotels right now. They range from the new and trendy (Williamsburg's Wythe) to the older, ritzier, and more architecturally classic (The Pierre, naturellement) to the ones that are neighborhood gamechangers (the Standard's High Line-straddling outpost). We've only included hotels that have been open for more than a year, which means we'll have to wait a bit to see if aspirational newcomers like the Viceroy New York can crack the list.

Less is more, which is why we've pared the selection down to 18 from the initial list of the 38 most iconic hotels that debuted during Hotels Week in June. We won't sugar-coat this: that means each pick is pretty pricey. Hey, if it's not expensive, maybe it's not New York-y enough. Disagree? We'll be updating the map in a few months to account for changes in the hotel world. If you have a favorite that wasn't included?or it was axed, and you plan to beg for its reinstatement?please mention it in the comments or tip us for the next round. For more touristy goodness, do check out all of Racked NY's Travel Week coverage.



· What's the Cheapest Room in Manhattan's Priciest Hotels? [Curbed]

· Inside 13 of New York City's Best Hotel Penthouses [Curbed]

· The 23 Best Rooftops—And Views—At New York City's Hotels [Curbed]

· Pets and Pillow Menus: New York's Quirkiest Hotel Amenities [Curbed]

· From Moroccan to Maritime, 10 Themed New York City Hotels [Curbed]

· The Most Luxurious Hotels of New York City's Past [Curbed]

· All Hotels Week 2013 coverage [Curbed]