The evolution of New York's Bowery from once-gritty 'hood to hipster' playground reaches its zenith this month with the official opening of the Cooper Square Hotel. The 21-storey glassy edifice dominates the Lower East Side skyline, while inside it also makes a statement. Gone is the traditional check-in desk; guests are instead greeted by a host, informed electronically of their arrival at the front door. It's also bringing green space to the LES, with a tree-canopied back garden, landscaped dining patio and indoor-outdoor lounge. Throw in a signature scent by fragrence house red flower, sexy staff uniforms by NYC designer Steven Alan; and a range of indie films celebrating the Bowery's place in history in history in the minibar, and gritty never looked so good.