It's no secret New York is well endowed with mega-high skyscrapers, mammoth personalities and egos to match; it's the ultimate playground for the rich and famous, the go-getter, the jet-setter and, well, just about everyone in between. It’s also no secret that it takes money to live here. Fortunately, every good New Yorker knows how to spend a little for a lot more bang. And we’re here to help.

It’s August, summer's winding down, and we want everyone to take full advantage of the party before it's too late. Whether you're having a birthday party or just want to celebrate the last days of summer, there’s always a place to go. One of our favorite NYC secrets – hotels.

You don't have to be a guest to enjoy the benefits (celeb-like treatment, rooftop pools, chic lounges, and a seemingly endless supply of beachy drinks). The key is: act like you own the place (without throwing telephones or trashing—that never gets you anywhere).

Here are some of are favorite hotels with the best birthday get-away/party attributes.

Gansevoort Park Ave Hotel:  Freshly opened and extremely trendy with the right amount of quirky--just the way the guys and Gansevoort Inc. would have it. The G is  the new "young and hip". Case in point, when you walk in, you’re greeted by not one, but three massive MoMa-friendly/new-age-y chandeliers, granite floors, and did we mention the fireplace? That’s just the beginning. Yeah, they have the prerequite bar/sexy lounge area, which is well worth the visit. But the real crème de la crème is the rooftop pool and Plunge Bar.  It’s even heated in the winter, for those of you that like late night swims under a full moon.

Soho Grand Hotel: Classic boutique hotel in the heart of Soho with a heavy hipster/celeb vibe. The main attraction here is the Grand Bar and lounge. With floor-to-ceiling windows, doors draped in gigantic mirrors, and plenty of privacy, the Grand is perfect for throwing that birthday guy or gal a party away from the in your face club vibe of the Meatpacking district.

The Maritime Hotel: With 3,000+ square feet of sheer rooftop-lux, the Cabanas at the Maritime Hotel are no strangers to the party circuit. Plus, it’s the perfect party spot for those hot August nights. Of all the rooftop bars in the city, Maritime is one of the best. Cabana feels a like a little tropical oasis in the middle of Manhattan. On Sundays, after brunch, always expect a dance party with plenty to look at.

Thompson LES: Why? Because it's the latest in the design duo that made boutique hotels have a soul. Plus, it's got a pool (with Andy Warhol’s facing staring you dead in eyes). The TLES pool is a party in itself. And everything from the bathrooms to the professionally bedmaking is straight gorgeous in this establishment. Go Saturday nights to literally party the night away.

There are plenty more hidden hotspots to be found in NYC. It just takes a little bit of looking. You'll be surprised what you find.

We all know April Showers bring May flowers, but in NYC, May means  the Summer’s coming and with it comes plenty of reasons to party. After all, May is the unofficial start of summer in The City that Never Sleeps.

For the May birthday guy or gal, the only question is, where’s the party at come May?

Lower East Side Haunts

First of all, let’s get things straight, New Yorkers, May means easing in to things. No doubt, there’s still time to get that summer body straight, and to tenderly take to the newly sun-soaked streaks (we all know the feeling of too many nights spent with eyes pealed with science-like precision on sidewalk chinks and gum stain blemishes in the name of keeping warm – in other words, cold. Now’s the time to switch from Johnny Walker to daiquiris and caipirihnas. It’s your birthday, after all.

The May birthday bunch needs to get outside, and rediscover the City. Start off with a free and healthy Walking Tour of the Lower East Side. Every Sunday, you’ll  get to experience the LES (in daylight, no less) and learn its history and highlights. Meets every Sunday at 11 am in front of Katz’s Delicatessen.  And when you’ve had enough, head to these fine establishments:

May Madness veterans get started at the Russian Vodka Room. Name says it all. Part Odessa foodhall and part midtown Martini heaven (without the skinny sizes), the Russian Vodka Room offers everything and the kitchen sink. Go there to drink, but end up eating a plate of supersized herrings and potatoes with a side of hot peppered gravlax and loads of hefty, but oh-so-delicious) brown breads. Did we mention the flavored vodkas? A birthday party here is sure

Move aside, Beatrice, Chloe 81 (Bar Artisanal) is the next hipper-than-thou hotspot reserved for the trendsetter, jet-set artist, designer, industry and size 0 model types. It’s got a loungy, sexy bistro/ local neighborhood watering hole (if your local neighborhood happened to be the Soho Grand) sort of vibe. The drinks are strong, and the doorman, though picky, is nice. The crowd will definitely inspire you to renew that gym membership (seriously, you’ll be Googling the number for Equinox, barside). But, by far the best part is The Music. Chloe 81’s DJs spin sugary pop like nobody’s business.

Feeling the need to move? bOb bar is the place to be once the clock strikes 12. bOb bar turns from cozy, dimly lit little bar with a Rorschach-stained super-sized banquette and brick line walls to riotous dance floor pumping hiphop beats and reggae faves. Saturdays at bOb are always packed. Consider you spring training workout for the day.

Moving on up…

For a quirky alternative to the LES bar scene, and the ultimate Birthday party vehicle, check out the New York Trolley. You can bring your own beverages, bring your own party, and even your own music for a private shindig on wheels. The trolley goes where you go and stops where you stop. Consider it an urban safari – the perfect excuse to peep the streets of New York all the while enjoying a little May day libation. Plus, you get to party “outdoors” without while driving without having to abide by the rules.

Just because we’re in the midst of a recession, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get in the mood for romance – especially for Valentine’s Day. This Valentine’s Day simply calls for a little originality. After all, celebrating Valentine’s Day in New York is like being a kid in a candy store – full of sugary sweet possibilities. This V-day, go for the rock candy instead of the jelly beans. You might like it.

Fortunately, whether you are a single Party Girl or Playboy, married, divorced, or in between, the Big Apple has something to offer everyone. A good time in New York City is possible anywhere.

Get Started Early
Carnival has a great pre-Valentine’s Day Party on February 12th featuring contortionists, and sword swallowers as well as plenty of carnival-themed games (funhouse, anyone?).

NYC for Couples:
Get things heated with a little hotel room time. Romance needs creativity. To keep the spark going, treat yourself and take your special someone to a romantic stay at one of NYC’s finest hotels.
Located in the Meatpacking District 18 Ninth Ave. at W. 13th St., the Gansevoort Hotel is the perfect spot for any couple that wants to indulge. It’s a playground for the stylish jet setters and has a spectacular heated rooftop terrace and spacious guest rooms. Enjoy a couple’s massage in one of the luxurious suites.

For dinner, head downtown to Blue Water Grill, with its cozy downstairs jazz-filled lounge and its upstairs selection of sushi and other fine fusion cuisine. The crowd isn’t bad to look at either.

NYC for Singles: Hello Happy Hour
For the single folks, Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean curling up with a heart-shaped box of chocolates until it’s all over. Being single in the City has its advantages - like free booze. The Village Pourhouse scores extra points for throwing two singles celebrations. The first is aptly titled, the Black Hearts Party, and is akin to speed dating sans speed and with more drinks. The second is a classic Anti-Valentine bash (cleverly named Ex-orcism), which offers people the chance to let loose of their exes. Make sure to bring photos. Free Bud Light will be flowing.

Something for Everyone: Kingpin Ain’t Got Nothing on Me
That’s right. Bowling. Don’t the let the clichés fool you; bowling has made it into the noughties and is here to stay no matter what they say. The perfect place to rock your rose bowl is at 300 New York. It’s a bowling alley with edge. Think modern sexy with a full bar and night-club vibe. The food is nothing to ignore either. Casual and classic American cuisine comes piping hot straight from the grill. Indulge in the Pazookie, a giant chocolate chip cookie perfect for sharing. Take your friends, family, lovers, exes, and bring in Valentine’s with some good old fashioned competition.