New York offers a lot to those with fat egos and an even fatter bank account. But even by New York’s decadent standards of luxury, Above 60 (A60), the rooftop lounge at the 60 Thompson hotel in SoHo (I still don’t get the fascination that NYC hoteliers have with numbers and streets…), is more than just an evening spent at an upscale lounge. It’s a place of quiet luxury for the discreetly rich, where you’ll find people who have everything and yet find no reason to flaunt it, if that makes any sense.

In fact, even if you can afford it, you still won’t be able to get into A60, because its a members only lounge, with hotel guests being allowed in for the duration of their stay. Thus, what I mean is that if you can get into A60, they’ll treat you like royalty, and the service is fantastic and the view glorious - Wouldn’t you like to spend the evening on a rooftop bar gazing out at the Manhattan skyline and the Empire State Building in all its glory?

Ever since it’s opening in 2001, the 60 Thompson, a 100 room boutique hotel designed by Thomas O’Brien, has become the hallmark of sophistication, along with an understated but ‘real’ luxury. I’m not one for splitting hairs, but as an example, compare Jennifer Connelly against Lindsay Lohan and you should be able to understand the difference between the 60 Thompson and the Times Square hotels offering posh rooms for over 300 dollars.

The 100 rooms at the 60 Thompson are quite spacious by New York standards, with a simple and comfortable decor, deep beds you can sink right into with leather headboards and pristine white sheets, flat screen television, full marble bathrooms, complimentary wi-fi and fresh amenities. Room rates start at $329 plus taxes, which comes to about $376.50 and the upwards upto $1420.69 (including taxes) for an 850 sq ft ’Thompson Suite’ with a King bed, sleeper sofa, two marble bathrooms, a seperate living room, smoked glass French windows, a balcony and seperate flat screen televisions.

Dining options at the 60 Thompson include the Kittichai restaurant, from Chef Ian Chalermkittichai, who serves up a modern and distinctly New Yorkish blend of Thai cuisine, and is well frequented by both visitors and New York residents.

While the colors and decor here at the Kittichai are vastly more psydelic than the hotel, it still reflects a quiet sense of taste and elegance with the bright yellow and orange shades tinted with dark tones and slightly somber lighting. Gorgeous hostesses who could as well be models greet you as you walk in, and the well-heeled clientele, the quiet hum and chatter, the exotic teak cabanas with Ottoman seats, the goldfish in the aquarium, and the exquisite delicacies cooked up by the chefs all combine to make this one of New York’s signature Thai restaurants.

Info: Sixty Thompson Hotel - 60 Thompson St New York NY 10012; (877) 431-0400; www.60thompson.com