152 Best Hotels in New York City, New York
There are more hotel rooms than ever in New York City, as exciting new properties continue to open their doors not only in Manhattan but in Brooklyn and the outer boroughs as well. But does that mean that New York is cheap? Well, we wouldn’t say cheap, but you can still find some deals, especially if you’re not set on a specific property or neighborhood, and if you don’t mind a few extra minutes of commuting time.
Hotels continue to slash rates based on market sensitivity—especially if you and all of those other Internet-savvy shoppers are willing to wait until the last minute. That said, if you want to stay in a specific place and the rate seems reasonable, book it—it's just as likely to go up, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall).
How to choose? The first thing to consider is location. Many New York City visitors insist on staying in the hectic Midtown area—and options are improving there—but other neighborhoods are often just as convenient. Less touristy areas, such as Gramercy, the Lower East Side, the Upper West Side—even Brooklyn—provide a more realistic sense of New York life, too.
Also consider timing: the least expensive months to book rooms in the city are January and February. If you're flexible on dates, ask the reservationist if there's a cheaper time to stay during your preferred traveling month—that way you can avoid peak dates, like Fashion Week and the New York City Marathon. Be sure to ask about possible weekend packages that could include a third night free. (The Financial District in particular can be a discount gold mine on weekends.)
Another source of bargains? Chain hotels. Many have moved into the city and charge reasonable room rates. In addition to favorites like the Sheraton, Hilton, and Hyatt brands, there are Best Westerns, Days Inns, and Comfort Inns. These rates aren't as low as you find outside Manhattan, but they're certainly getting closer.
The Greenwich Hotel
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
Surrounded by the trendy lofts and cobblestone streets of TriBeCa, this Robert De Niro-backed boutique hotel contains 86 rooms and suites – including two duplexes and a sprawling penthouse – each one with its own unique character and decor. An excellent Japan-inspired spa, serene underground pool, private dining areas for guests, faultless service, and delightful in-room amenities make The Greenwich Hotel one of NYC’s most quietly luxurious stays.
Lotte New York Palace
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
This historic Midtown hotel unfolds across a 19th-century mansion (The Palace) and a soaring glass tower (The Towers). Between the extravagant lobby, ornate drinking and dining venues, postcard-worthy views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and upmarket address on Madison Avenue, the hotel delivers old-school New York glamour with just enough contemporary edge.
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Mandarin Oriental, New York
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
Towering over busy Columbus Circus, the Mandarin Oriental brings Eastern-inspired elegance and tranquility to one of the city’s busiest crossroads. Sophisticated decor, unmatched hospitality, and a stand-out spa and swimming pool make this sanctuary in the sky a welcome respite after a busy day of exploring NYC.
The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
This Upper East Side hideaway is in the thick of Manhattan’s high-culture enclave, one block from Central Park and Museum Mile (home to the Guggenheim, the Met, and the Frick Collection, to name a few), and a 15-minute taxi ride to the theater district. Inside, The Surrey feels like a peaceful retreat, with a chic lounge and buzzy restaurant, elegant and spacious suites, and a restorative spa, all complemented by attentive service that makes guests feel at home.
Waldorf-Astoria
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
Following a mammoth $2 billion restoration project, the beloved Waldorf Astoria is reemerging as one of the city’s most glitzy locations. Commanding an entire Midtown block between Park and Lexington Avenues, the hotel contains 375 brand new guest rooms and suites, a glamorous bar, two destination restaurants, a 20,000 sq. ft. Wellness Center and spa, and even a grand ballroom that’s hosted everyone from U.S. presidents to European royalty.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
On the well-heeled corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street, the Carlyle fuses elegance with Manhattan swank, and calls for the aplomb of entering a Chanel boutique: walk in chin high, ready to impress (and be impressed). Everything about this Upper East Side landmark suggests cultivated refinement: some rooms remain decorated with fine antique furniture, while many of the accommodations underwent an update in 2021. Its famed black and white marble lobby remains, and dining and entertainment options captivate guests, especially when cabaret luminaries hold court at the Café Carlyle. Bemelmans Bar is one of the great old-school local cocktail spots; and Dowling's at Carlyle, opened in fall 2021, can give the brunch crowd something to chew on with a decadent menu. For pampering, the Valmont Spa and/or Yves Durif Salon can buff, polish, and glow you up for a fancy night out. If you want the fragrance of timeless uptown elegance to go; look for Brooklyn-based perfumer, D.S. & Durga's The Carlyle, a scent created for the hotel's guests.
Graduate by Hilton New York
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
Upon arrival to this sustainably built, LEED-certified hotel, guests are greeted by a 12-foot-high sculpture of Fly Boy, a comic character, creating a sense of whimsy. But the Graduate, which is adjacent to the impressive Cornell Tech campus, also nods to the school, with a lobby lined by 5,000 square feet of bookshelves, campus colors, and communal seating to invite congregating. Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling views of Manhattan, Roosevelt-Island-themed art, and cool wallpapered bathrooms. You'll also find hallway portraits of FDR and his "Four Freedoms Speech" hanging in every guest room, which is good to read before visiting the nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Panorama Room, the sexy rooftop bar and lounge is the main win here: it offers wrap-around views, an art deco-inspired bar, and a mirrored DJ booth. The ground-floor restaurant, Anything At All, serves seasonal American food in a bright modern space, or on the patio, for all three meals.
Ace Hotel New York
The Ace is not your ordinary boutique hotel; the lively lobby melds the look of an Ivy League library with the concept of a curiosity cabinet—eclectic artwork, mosaic tile floors, wooden bookcases, antique sofas, a photo booth—and the vibe is laid-back, making it a popular hangout for freelancers and creatives. The rooms run from "Small," "Large," "Medium Queen," "Medium King," and "Bunk" (traditional bunk bed, sleeps 2) to "Loft Suite," indicative of the hotel's inclusive high/low ethos. No two rooms are alike, with original artwork and curated furnishings like turntables, Gibson guitars, and exclusive Pendleton wool blankets. The Lobby bar has good food and quality drinks though there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. A Stumptown coffee bar on-site will keep you caffeinated.
The Bowery Hotel
Warmed by rich tapestries and fireplaces, the Bowery Hotel is like an English hunting lodge in Manhattan, and the red-coated doormen, clubby bar, and trendy address makes this a hot property. Upstairs, the rooms lack the richness of the lobby but make the most of the space with unfussy furnishings and floor-to-ceiling industrial-style "factory windows" offering a variety of Manhattan views. Downstairs, Italian-accented Gemma restaurant, which fronts the hotel, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has pleasant tables outside on the sidewalk when the weather's nice.
Hyatt Union Square New York
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more conveniently located hotel than this hip Hyatt a block south of Union Square, near New York University and at the hub of major subway lines. All rooms are pet-friendly and have signature Hyatt Grand beds, flat-screen TVs that link to an online concierge, work desks, and the required tech amenities; higher categories enjoy upgraded views and separate living areas. The muted design includes wide-plank oak floors, wood-and-stone baths, and an open bathroom with double-wide shower. Best of all, the windows actually open. There's a 24-hour fitness room, too, for those who need to get their exercise in.
The NoMad Hotel
Named for the small, charming "North of Madison" (as in, Madison Square Park) neighborhood in which it's located, this upscale-bohemian property features a gorgeous design by Jacques Garcia, a restaurant by award-winning chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park fame, and a destination cocktail bar. The Beaux Arts–style hotel has lovely guest rooms and suites furnished with a selection of quirky original artwork (pieces are unique to each room), damask-printed velvet partitions, claw-foot tubs, reclaimed maple hardwood floors, leather headboards, and vintage area rugs. Guests can gather in the clubby atrium restaurant, or linger with a good read and creative cocktails in the wood-paneled library, surrounded by book-lined shelves and a spiral staircase from France.
Refinery Hotel
Set in a former hat factory, this hotel has a gorgeous year-round rooftop with skyline views, impressively spacious rooms, and several buzzing bars and restaurants. Rooms have oak floors, 12-foot loft-style ceilings, and custom writing desks inspired by early-1900s sewing machines. Winnie's, the lobby bar, is named after a New York figure who ran a bustling "tea" salon during Prohibition—expect live jazz and piano performances here on weeknights. The Refinery Rooftop has three fun, distinct spaces open regardless of the weather: a terrace, a patio with a retractable glass roof, and an indoor lounge with fireplace—all under the shadow of the Empire State Building. Parker & Quinn, on the ground floor, is a retro-inspired restaurant with Prohibition-era cocktails and hearty meals.
The St. Regis New York
World-class from head to toe, this 5th Avenue Beaux-Arts landmark comes as close to flawless as any hotel in New York, with tech-savvy rooms, historic touches, and the iconic and newly renovated King Cole Bar. Butlers have been catering to the whims of each and every guest since the St. Regis first opened its doors in 1904, a touch no other New York hotel can match. Rooms have high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, vivid fabrics, and crown moldings—along with easy-to-use bedside consoles for controlling lighting, audio, climate, and huge flat-screen TVs that rise from the foot of your bed. Even at these prices, though, you're not guaranteed a stellar view or a separate tub in the more basic rooms. Still, if you require the best, the St. Regis delivers. The "designer suites" are outfitted in one-of-a-kind style by Dior and Bentley and have fabulous views. Dine in the legendary King Cole Bar, a dimly lit institution with the famously playful Maxfield Parrish mural, and keep your eye out for historic touches throughout the property, like an original mail chute in the lobby.
The Standard, High Line
This modern architectural statement is perpetually one of New York's hottest hotels, with the High Line running underneath it, a lobby full of glamorous types, an authentic beer garden (open year-round; dig the table tennis), and an 18th-floor nightclub that is one of the toughest doors in town. Rooms, with low platform beds, are on the small side (even by New York standards) but floor-to-ceiling windows add a sense of space. Some rooms have showers separated from the bedroom by little more than a glass partition. As you'd expect in a space (and neighborhood) that's so sceney, it can get loud at night. The Standard Grill restaurant, which is almost always packed, handles room service.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
A sustainable ethos drives this hip outpost of the 1 Hotels brand, as evidenced by the beautiful 20-foot plant wall in the Brooklyn-inspired lobby, and filtered water bottle-filling stations in many guest rooms. Breakfast and light fare is served at Neighbors café until 5 pm, while upscale restaurant The Osprey serves American Southern-Italian fusion, including osso buco with grits. Cocktails pair with Asian bites and the spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline at rooftop Harriet's, which occasionally hosts live jazz.
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection
One of Manhattan's most historic properties, the Algonquin is a landmark of literary history made famous by the luminaries of the famed Round Table (now the hotel restaurant's moniker). Although vintage vibes pervade all corners of this Midtown legend—think oak details and carved pillars in the lobby—today's hotel offers modernized rooms and contemporary comforts, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfy in-room accommodations. Make time for dinner or drinks in the famed literary lobby, where you might spot the hotel's famous Hamlet the cat roaming about. Channel the brilliance of Dorothy Parker, whose inimitable quotes are displayed throughout the property. The Round Table restaurant serves three meals daily, with plenty of space for animated conversation, while the Blue Bar has a chic atmosphere perfect for a date over martinis.
Andaz 5th Avenue
The name of this Hyatt brand means "personal style" in Hindi, and the serene and spacious modern rooms evoke that coveted New York loft feel, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 5th Avenue and the New York Public Library. Elevator bays on each floor feature artwork from local high school students, while the robust artists-in-residence program showcases works by emerging local artists. The minimalist, contemporary guest rooms come with king beds, marble bathrooms with porcelain foot baths and walk-in rain showers, closets made of glass to display shopping purchases, and notable freebies—Wi-Fi, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks. A significant portion of the rooms are suites, which offer guests upgrades that include private balconies or landscaped terraces. Wellness Suites have freestanding bathtubs, weights, yoga mats, the Mirror virtual fitness service, and healthier snacks. The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen is a candlelit, wood-filled space ideal for a classic cocktail and farm-to-table dishes.
Arthouse Hotel New York City
A charming but modern boutique hotel for visitors looking to experience living on the Upper West Side, this century-old building welcomes you home with a lobby bar that transitions from a lively café during the day to a lively speakeasy-style bar by night. It has a comfortable living room feel with contemporary artwork and an original antique fireplace, a vintage 1920s French elevator, and a bakery and tempting restaurants that are popular with locals. Compact but bright rooms have wood floors, exposed brick, and tall windows with views of Manhattan's iconic water towers are streamlined and cozy. Some rooms have have Juliet balconies or huge furnished terraces. There's live music six days a week in the lobby, and the seasonal rooftop on the 16th floor features a variety of pop-ups throughout the year.
The Beekman
After sitting abandoned for years, a historic, late-19th-century office building was transformed into a chic hotel that channels old New York, home to the gorgeous lobby's Bar Room and atmospheric Temple Court restaurant, by award-winning chef Tom Colicchio; and Le Gratin, helmed by chef Daniel Boulud. The original nine-story atrium with ornate balustrades soars above the lobby, providing a dramatic photo op for guests. Operated as a Thompson Hotel (part of Hyatt), rooms and suites feature beds with leather headboards, oak floors, and whimsical touches like beaded lamps. This place draws a sophisticated downtown crowd and is especially popular with magazine editors who work nearby.
The Chatwal, New York
A lavish reincarnation of a classic Manhattan theater club, the Chatwal delivers a stylish, luxury experience with a matching price tag. The lobby, saturated in red leather and marble, with gilded touches, plays on the property's art deco legacy. Its ground-floor restaurant, the Lambs Club, extends the grand atmosphere and serves fine American cuisine. Guest rooms and suites—some with terraces—are opulent yet understated, with faux-leather cabinets designed to resemble classic luggage; Shifman mattresses and Frette linens; and interactive bedside consoles that control lighting, television, and curtains.
citizenM New York Bowery Hotel
Rising 21 floors into the sky, the citizenM makes an outsized statement that starts at ground level, with the fabulous lobby “living room,” and reaches all the way to its rooftop bar and terrace. The living room has desk space for working, counter and bar space for dining, and couch space for lounging. Upstairs, the chicly minimal guest rooms are all identical: small but with XL king-size beds and huge windows—in fact, they were all prefabricated in Poland and shipped to the United States by boat to keep construction prices down.
citizenM New York Times Square Hotel
Part of a modern European chain, citizenM prizes a more eclectic, youthful style that puts technology and art at the forefront. Expect self-serve check-in, cashless dining and snackbar, free Wi-Fi, and an in-room iPad to control everything from lights and blinds, to climate and TV channels (with mixed results). Rooms are tight and have one king bed only, but the prime location just north of Times Square may be worth it, especially for solo travelers or shorter stays. The lobby is designed like a living room with comfy seating, which extends to the hotel highlight: the 22nd-floor cloudM rooftop bar, featuring a wraparound open-air terrace. Bonus: the 21st-floor gym also has awesome skyline views.
Crosby Street Hotel
This whimsically designed boutique hotel has an eclectic aesthetic, with colorful furnishings and large, sun-filled rooms that have floor-to-ceiling windows. The Crosby Bar, with oak floors and a long pewter bar, has a lovely garden and superb cocktails. On the other side of the lobby are comfortable guest-only drawing rooms; there's also a sculpture garden reserved for guests. The hotel is LEED Gold–certified and even raises chickens alongside its rooftop garden.
High Line Hotel
A late-19th-century, redbrick, Gothic-style building on the landscaped grounds of a seminary was transformed into this lovely hotel that's full of original architectural details like stained-glass windows and pine floors. This retreat, with views of the High Line, has rooms filled with natural light, vintage-inspired furniture, and pretty rugs over hardwood floors. Intimate and inviting, this is one New York hotel where you will want to spend some time. The private garden is an ideal spot to relax with a pour-over coffee (from Intelligentsia) or a glass of wine. The little details make this property special, from the free Wi-Fi and flower arrangements to the decorative fireplaces in some of the rooms.
Hotel Beacon
It's all about location at this Upper West Side hotel, situated three blocks from Central Park, 10 blocks from Lincoln Center, next door to the Beacon Theatre, and steps from both the American Museum of Natural History and Zabar's, the iconic gourmet grocery store. All of the generously sized rooms and suites (which have a sofa bed in the living room) have full kitchenettes (stocked with coffeemakers, pots and pans, and toasters) and marble bathrooms. Closets are huge, and high floors have views of Central Park, the Hudson River, or the Midtown skyline. A small fitness center has modern equipment, though you might prefer to go jogging in the nearby park. The lobby and the Beacon Bar, a contemporary and dimly lit watering hole with small plates and classic cocktails, bring a modern polish to this Beaux-Arts destination, which has been welcoming guests since 1908. The staff here are especially friendly and helpful.
Hotel Giraffe by Library Hotel Collection
Friendly service, large rooms, a convenient but peaceful location, and nice extras, such as a complimentary continental breakfast until 10 am, draws lots of repeat customers (particularly business travelers) to the Hotel Giraffe. The style is art deco, right down to the balcony rooms' red-velvet armchairs and French doors, which open onto private Juliet balconies from which you can survey Park Avenue. Be sure to take time to relax at the open-air Rooftop Garden bar, which offers drinks in the warmer months. The civilized service here includes all-day coffee, other refreshments, and snacks.
The James New York – SoHo
This hotel on the edge of SoHo never sacrifices comfort for style, so it's no wonder there's a high percentage of return customers—creative types, businesspeople, fashionistas, and anyone else with deep pockets. The lobby has fabulous double-height windows from which to appreciate unobstructed views—plus fresh-baked cookies, coffee, wine, and fresh fruit. Guest rooms are swanky and simple, with dark-wood floors, floor-to-ceiling murals, and more huge windows facing south and west. A plant in every room (ostensibly a carbon-offsetting touch) and triple-house-filtered bottled water all contribute to an environmentally friendly ethos. Jimmy, the rooftop bar next to the outdoor pool, is always a winner. Bring your fashion A-game: the James attracts a well-dressed crowd.
Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
Bookishly handsome, this stately landmark brownstone is inspired by the nearby New York Public Library, using books as a theme. Each of its 10 guest floors is dedicated to one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal System and is stocked with art and books relevant to subtopics such as philosophy, astronomy, or biography. The staff is hospitable, and the whole property is old-leather-armchair comfortable, whether you're unwinding in front of the library fireplace or relaxing in the roof garden or the second floor reading room. Madison & Vine, a bistro and wine bar, is the hotel's restaurant.
The Ludlow Hotel
Embodying the effortlessly cool attitude of the surrounding neighborhood, this stylish hotel pleases guests with everything from the cozy first-floor lounge with a limestone fireplace to the romantic trellis-covered garden out back. People stay here for the scene and the solicitous service—the popular in-house restaurant, Dirty French, draws locals as well as visitors, as much for the food as for the people-watching and signature cocktails. The terrace rooms are worth a splurge for a bit of private outdoor space and sweeping views.