Prepare for the invasion of the well-dressed, as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week descends upon New York City today-- making it the most high-density town of trend-setters in the world (if not already) for seven action-packed days of shows, parties, and flashing lights. With a flood of models, designers, editors, press, buyers, and party-crashing hopefuls, the question is, where will all the out-of-towners stay?

Fashion's elite are not checking into the Holiday Inn, but at strategic swanky pinpoints around the city. Whether chosen for their amenities or atmosphere, almost to a science, these industry insiders separate into their respective temporary residences, a hotel choice that could be used to define their distinct personalities. psychoPEDIA explores where fashion’s most fabulous are crashing for a week when New York becomes home-away-from-home:

While the younger fashion generation will no doubt opt for their trendier options, the established industry insiders and European fashion heavy-hitters will most likely seek out a more elegant atmosphere. Home to more high-society than hipper-than-thou, one particular staple of high-class for the past 70 years is the The Carlyle—an Upper East Side hotel nestled right on Madison Avenue. Not only has it been the choice amongst countless American presidents and European royalty like the late Princess Diana, but figures like Carine Roitfield also frequent the art-deco style establishment-- which includes 187 comfortably-sized rooms, views of Central Park, and the famed Bemelman’s Bar. And for the others wishing to venture downtown, the Mercer Hotel—an Andre Balazs counterpart to LA’s popular Chateau Marmont, also hosts heavy-hitters right in the heart of SoHo. Despite having a reputation for providing celebrity lovenests celebrities (like the now defunct Jessica Simpson and John Mayer) the guests still enjoy the Mercer for 75 cozy rooms and American Nouveau cuisine offered at its street-level eatery, Mercer Kitchen.

Setting their sights more on the downtown landscape, the younger crowd of starlets and models flock to two locales: The Bowery Hotel in the East Village and the Chelsea-situated The Maritime Hotel From supermodel Agyness Deyn, to actresses Lindsay Lohan and Gwyneth Paltrow, The Bowery brings in an A-list crowd that counts Anjelica Huston and Adrian Brody as regulars. Its patrons are no doubt attracted to its dynamic offerings, starting with a lobby that provides a cozy, private living room atmosphere, while the second floor buzzes with weekly parties and music events, including monthly residencies by different musicians. Similarly, the nautically-themed Maritime, also has the best of both worlds. By day, residents can enjoy views of the Hudson River from their quiet rooms, then party by night at the hotel’s popular Japanese-themed nightclub, Hiro Ballroom, where indie bands and DJs abound.

Needless to say, no-fuss Fashion Editors are fans of the conveniently-located gothic-exterior Bryant Park Hotel in midtown, directly across from the tents where most of the shows are held. Set in the center of all the action, and in close proximity to 5th Avenue Shopping, the 129-room hotel not only hosts many Fashion Week events, but has two bars-- the Cellar Bar and Lobby Bar— as well as five-star dining its in-house restaurant, Koi, where editors can review their notes from each collection. And down in Soho’s Thompson hotel, they don’t just appreciate each room’s Dean and Deluca stocked minibars, but luxuries like the VIP rooftop lounge and Kittichai, where they can dine on authentic Thai cuisine. Also just in time for this season’s Fashion Week, and sure to be another favorite post for editors, is the Thompson’s 140-room location on the Lower East Side.

For press and buyers, many start with one of the most affordable options, the Hudson Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen. This Philippe Starck-designed, 23-story building is set up capsule-style, packing in an almost inconceivable 1000 guest rooms. While rooms come more quaintly-sized than average, Hudson still provides the same comforts—and measures up in areas like their sky terrace on the 15th floor with views of the Hudson, and possibly most distinctive feature, a private indoor park. For those on a higher budget, writers and execs also book themselves into the Meatpacking District’s Hotel Gansevoort, to enjoy a heated rooftop pool, basement G Spa and Lounge, and Japanese restaurant, Ono. While the hotel plans to expand its name with future branches targeted in locations from Las Vegas to London, a sister site is slated to open on Park Avenue South as early as next year. And for final favorites, the sibling hotels of Soho Grand and Tribeca Grand, are two other choices, as these hotels provide ample amenities for the business-minded, and to boot, offer pet-friendly services.

If you’re looking to rub elbows with Hollywood’s movers and shakers, you’d be hard-pressed to not spot them at the Gramercy Park Hotel, or one of NYC’s newest hotspots, The Greenwich Hotel. A long-time favorite amongst Hollywood’s elite, Gramercy Park was not only the chosen site for J Lo and Marc Anthony’s rooftop baby shower, but is a staple for actors such as Sienna Miller, Eva Longoria, and Kate Hudson. Since its renovation in 2003 by hotelier Ian Schrager in collaboration with artist/filmmakerJulian Scnabel, its warm Bohemian décor and cozy Rose and Jade Bars have attracted plenty of A-listers through its doors. And as for the buzzworthy new venture in Tribeca by one of Hollywood’s biggest names, Robert Deniro, the Greenwich Hotel—having only opened in April—is already rumored to be booked solid for the next three years. In addition, the in-house restaurant, Ago, co-owned with film producer Harvey Weinstein, pulls in a crowd of its own to sample its Tuscan cuisine. Including a drawing room, arcade, and two-century old Japanese farmhouse (delivered from Kyoto and reconstructed on site for the hotel’s pool area), Greenwich’s 88-room hotel is especially unique for its usage of mostly reclaimed elements in its construction, an aspect partially attributed to its architect David Rockwell-- and sure to be a hit with the eco-friendly celebrities.



Fashion Week Room Rates:
The Carlyle- Classic Suite, $1135; Deluxe Suite, $1900
Mercer Hotel- Standard, $535
Bowery Hotel- King, $575; Suites, $725-$1200
Maritime Hotel- Standard, $435
Bryant Park Hotel- Standard, $672
60 Thompson- Standard, $702
Soho Grand- Standard, $582
Tribeca Grand- Standard, $556
Hudson Hotel- Standard, $469
Hotel Gansevoort- Standard, $601
Gramercy Park Hotel- Standard, $721
The Greenwich Hotel- Standard, $635; Suite, $1300