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.