HOTELS

Airport hotels are no longer the dreary, impersonal stopover spots of yore --at least, if newcomers the Gateway and the Custom Hotel are any indication.

The Gateway - It's actually a Sheraton reflagged under the trendy Kor Group brand (and truly, Kor Group is everywhere you look lately, from Vail to Miami to the Riviera Maya). Under this shiny new auspice, Gateway debuts the "Fly Well Package," which includes a day room, access to the business center, and pool/spa/fitness center privileges complete with a spa meal. The only thing better would be...a good night's sleep?

Custom Hotel - This independent has décor that's a bit too trendy to be believed, especially given its road warrior clientele. Within the mod-furnished lobby bar, locals mingle with stopover customers and conventioneers--all looking equally confused at the surroundings, but mostly having fun. Dining takes place at newly opened Bistrotek, while the pool waits to welcome summertime antics. Rooms still feel like layover lodgings, but with free wireless Internet and flat-screen televisions, they're worth the price tag.

Elsewhere in town: With the soft launch of O Hotel, a downtown Deco building is re-imagined as a sleek, elegant design hotel. This 68-room boutique establishment should go on the radar, even though there are doubtless some kinks to iron out before the official launch. They Hyatt Century Plaza is ever so proud of its newly revamped Lobby Court & Patio -the latest in a slew of improvements made to this classic conventioneers' hotel over the past year. Though the lobby is glossy, the X Bar in back remains a preferred post-work cocktail haunt for Century City office crowds.