I hesitated about putting Andaz Fifth Avenue (NYC) on my list. I think it was better when it first opened. Similarly, even Andaz Wall Street was very good (but not aspirational) in the beginning, but I refuse to go back after the flood (tried it once before and after, the second time was a big mistake). For an aspirational stay in NYC, I'd probably lean toward some of the former Starwoods or maybe an independent hotel not in LC.

I once was upgraded to a stunning corner suite at what was then called Hyatt atop the Bellevue (in Philadelphia), which later became a PH and later yet not. Other aspirational suites I've had include top floor presidential suites at Olives 8 (Seattle) and Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. My corner ocean and lagoon view suite at the Barra GH in Rio wasn't bad either, and I've had two very nice specialty suites at HR Minneapolis. These would be aspirational stays, not aspirational hotels. Unfortunately, too many TSU upgrades in PHs are just large rooms (junior suites) with sitting areas, so I wouldn't call these aspirational at all.