Where to Stay in New York City: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

As Truman Capote stated in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “New York is not a city, it’s a world.” And as you move from uptown to downtown, and from the east side to the west side, you can see how accurate that view is. Each neighborhood has a distinct vibe: the flashing lights of Times Square are a complete contrast to the quaint cobblestoned streets in the West Village. And the graffiti-laden Lower East Side could not be more different to the manicured avenues framing Central Park.

There are so many ways to experience this magical city, and with countless hotels across the five boroughs, there are accommodation options to suit a variety of travelers. Where to stay depends on how extravagant you want to be (because the five-star scene here is supreme) and how you intend to fill your itinerary.

“For first time guests looking to see New York and spend their time around the major slights like Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Broadway, and the Empire State Building, I would recommend a hotel in midtown,” explains Angela Malek, a Travel Consultant at Scott Dunn. Classics like The Plaza and The Carlyle are often recommended by New York City Tourism + Conventions, along with newer luxury properties, like the Aman and The Baccarat. And then there are unique boutique properties downtown for travelers seeking more of a residential vibe.

Whether you’re looking to cover all of the key attractions, or to experience life as a local, we have outlined the very best hotels in New York to stay across multiple neighborhoods, many of which have earned a place on Travel + Leisure’s prestigious World’s Best Awards and It List.

Where to Stay in Midtown / Central Park South

Midtown Manhattan is the bustling heart of New York City, with major cultural attractions, Broadway theaters, corporate offices, and, of course, Times Square, otherwise known as the “Crossroads of the World.” It is home to iconic skyscrapers such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building (best viewed from the Rockefeller Center’s observation deck on 53rd street), major department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, and legendary Michelin-starred restaurants that continue to define the fine dining scene, such as Le Bernardin and The Modern inside the MoMA.

The Plaza

Also available to book at Priceline.com

Located right on the edge of Central Park South, The Plaza is undoubtedly the most iconic hotel in the city with a storied legacy dating back over 100 years. It has featured in many films and TV series (it was the hotel in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”), and it has hosted everyone from The Beatles to Marilyn Monroe, and fictional characters such as Eloise from the 1950s children’s book, “Eloise at The Plaza” (the inspiration for the all-pink Eloise suite). It was even owned by Donald Trump for a period, before joining the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2005.

Cultural credentials aside, The Plaza is an architectural wonder, with a beautiful Beaux-Arts façade that resembles an oversized dollhouse. It is larger than most hotels in the city, with 282 rooms, including 102 spacious suites, dressed in classic interiors that complement the original style. Inside, the star of the show is The Palm Court, with a dramatic stained-glass dome, opulent marble pillars, and extravagant chandeliers that echo the grandeur of bygone eras. It is a destination for a refined afternoon tea or an evening aperitif. Coming here is a bucket list experience and everything about it feels authentically New York.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, MoMa, Rockefeller Center, Bergdorf Goodman
• Accessibility: It has an ADA lift and ADA rooms available.
• Rates: Starting at $795
• WiFi: Included

Baccarat Hotel

Also available to book at Expedia.com

You won’t find a typical lobby with couches and luggage carts at the Baccarat Hotel; instead, you’ll enter through a mysteriously dark room with an intoxicating fragrance and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling light installation. It’s an appropriate introduction to the luxurious world of Baccarat, where the brand’s meticulous attention to detail is on display.

Beyond the exhibition-style entrance, there are three main “wow factors” that attract both jetsetters and well-heeled Manhattanites alike: the opulent Grand Salon, renowned for its decadent high tea; the ornate bar; and the subterranean La Mer Spa with a pool framed with cabanas. Each of the 114 rooms and suites are outfitted in modern, monochrome interiors and accentuated with bold pops of crimson.

As you might expect, glittering crystals are featured throughout, with many museum-worthy chandeliers to beveled Champagne coupes that likely featured at Marie Antoinette’s fêtes (Baccarat was founded by King Louis XV, after all). Despite being in the heart of midtown (right opposite the MoMa on 53rd between Fifth and Sixth Avenue), it is a haven of serenity, where you can take refuge from the bustling streets outside.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, MoMa, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $895
• WiFi: Included

The St. Regis New York

Also available to book at Expedia.com

Founded by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, The St. Regis New York has been a bastion of luxury in Manhattan for over 100 years. It featured on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2023, and although it features relics from the Gilded Age, the spacious rooms (some of which extend up to 3,430 square feet) have all the contemporary comforts you could want, including state-of-the-art technology, comfortable beds, and Italian marble bathrooms. Should you need anything else, butler service is on offer.

The location is ideal, between Central Park and Fifth Avenue’s glossiest shopping lineup. And if you’re planning on exploring the city’s main midtown attractions, everything is accessible, and the friendly, white-gloved doormen do everything to ensure an enjoyable excursion.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, MoMa, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available
• Rates: Starting at $1,495
• WiFi: Included

Aman New York

Aman made its East Coast debut in 2022, marking its first urban outpost in the United States. And true to the brand’s ethos that has earned it such a loyal following, it is a haven of tranquility with a big emphasis on wellness, despite being located right in the heart of midtown Manhattan.

The spa has a 65-foot heated swimming pool, a cryotherapy chamber, a hammam, a dedicated infrared zone, Pilates studios complete with reformers, and a hair salon by John Barrett (one of the city’s most coveted hairstylists). In total, there are 83 suites, each with fireplaces, double vanities, marble rain showers, and sleek Scandinavian-style furniture rendered in the calming earthy tones that have become a hallmark of Aman’s properties.

Eastern and Western dining options are available to guests only (a rarity in the city, adding to its exclusivity): there’s a rustic Italian restaurant and a traditional Japanese omakase, where you can watch seasonal dishes being masterfully prepared. But the underground Jazz Club is open to the public, and it is exceptional.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, MoMa, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $1,488
• WiFi: Included

The Chatwal

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Featuring on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2021 and 2022, The Chatwal is ideal if you want to be right in the heart of Times Square. It’s also ideal if you want to be rubbing shoulders with Broadway stars, who can often be found here for post-show celebrations.

The five-star, 76-room hotel was restored and modernized by famed designer Thierry Despont, retaining its Art Deco charm and adding contemporary luxuries. Some of the rooms contain private terraces, which are hot tickets for New Year’s Eve when everyone’s waiting for the ball to drop. It also boasts the Theater District’s very best restaurant, The Lambs Club – an iconic establishment that is the place to be for a pre-theater dinner.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Times Square, Radio City, Madison Square Garden
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $825
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay on the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side established itself as New York’s most upscale neighborhood at the turn of the 20th century, and today, it remains a place where old-money crowds reside. Wander along its wide, leafy avenues, and you’ll see multimillion-dollar brownstones, Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, and markers of the finer things in life. It is also a great area for art aficionados, given it boasts many of the city’s most significant museums, including The Met, The Guggenheim, and The Frick.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Also available to book at Expedia.com

Where else would you find Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and Steve Jobs riding the same elevator? The Carlyle has hosted a revolving door of famous guests since it opened in 1930, and it continues to attract people who can afford to stay anywhere but continue to choose here (hence why it earned a place on our World’s Best Awards list in 2021, 2022, and 2023). It also inspired a documentary, an Assouline book, and dedicated a fashion collection by FRAME.

The 35-story hotel unveiled an extensive makeover in 2021, and reopened with refreshed interiors, a new Valmont Spa, and a new restaurant, Dowling’s, named in honor of its former owner. Rooms were modernized, but the original character that makes it so charming has been preserved: the walls in Bemelmans and Café Carlyle still feature whimsical illustrations by Ludwig Bemelmans and the gilded lobby is glossier than ever. As is the case with most hotels in the city, the rooms become better the higher the floor. A tip? Request a south- or west-facing room for the best views of the park and the Manhattan skyline.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, The Met, The Guggenheim, The Frick, Madison Avenue shopping
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $729
• WiFi: Included

The Mark Hotel

Also available to book at Agoda.com

This chic Upper East Side hotel is a celebrity favorite for good reason (you might recognize the entrance from the Met Gala paparazzi pictures). It feels like an elegant pied-à-terre, filled with markers of good taste that mirror the refined style of the neighborhood: interiors are by Jacques Grange; an Assouline boutique; a pedicab that transports guests to Bergdorf Goodman for shopping expeditions; and a Frederic Fekkai hair salon on-site, allowing guests to look immaculately coiffed without having to leave.

It also offers some of the best restaurants uptown, with three distinct dining options including a modern American restaurant by Jean-Georges, vegan fare at ABCV, and an outpost of the Parisian hotspot, Caviar Kaspia where a standard dinner often includes a caviar-topped potato and vodka martini or two. There are 106 rooms and 46 suites, each appointed with plush, modern furnishings, and Italian marble bathrooms with deep bathtubs. But the crowning jewel at The Mark is the 10,000-square-foot penthouse with a sprawling 2,500-square-foot terrace – the largest in the USA. It was featured on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2021 and 2023.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, The Met, The Guggenheim, The Frick, Madison Avenue shopping
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $795
• WiFi: Included

The Lowell

Also available to book at LHW.com

You can sense the air of class the moment you step into The Lowell; everyone is well-mannered and while the interiors are certainly opulent, nothing seems ostentatious. The hotel’s 74 rooms and suites are comfortable and beautifully decorated, designed to feel like private apartments, some with terraces, kitchens, and wood-burning fireplaces – a lovely feature if you’re visiting in the winter months.

Dining is a formal affair, with the beautiful French-Moroccan restaurant Majorelle serving seasonal dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and fine wines. This summer, it launched a high tea in collaboration with Dior, where guests and well-heeled locals enjoy English tea sandwiches and petit fours in the photogenic courtyard. It’s a lovely refuge from the bustling streets further south, and when you do want to step out, everything is easily accessible.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, The Frick, The Met, The Guggenheim, Madison Avenue shopping
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $956
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay in Tribeca

Tribeca – the triangle below Canal Street – is a stylish neighborhood adjacent to the Hudson River. It’s a lovely place where many young families and expats reside, with a strong sense of community. Here you will find a variety of luxury apartments, high-end restaurants, art galleries, and parks where local children congregate daily. It also has a big wellness scene, with holistic health pioneers like Erika Bloom and some of the city’s best workout studios including Tracy Anderson, SLT, and DanceBody. Virtually anything you need can be found within a 10-minute walk, and it’s home to some of the very best hotels in New York, where you can get a glimpse of life as a local.

The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

Also available to book at Expedia.com

Those familiar with the Four Seasons brand know that a certain level of service, style, and amenities are to be expected, and the downtown New York property does not disappoint. The 82-story tower is divided into residences and hotel accommodations, and the rooms on the higher floors boast some of the best views of the midtown skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Business travelers tend to book in here regularly, given its close proximity to FiDi (the Financial District) and corporate offices downtown. Those with tight schedules will appreciate the convenience of the new Moda Operandi styling suite, where guests can enjoy a personalized private shopping experience. Other offerings include a spa with views of the Oculus and the World Trade Center, a fitness center, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, and a classic American steakhouse by Wolfgang Puck.

Each of the 189 rooms and suites are as polished and luxurious as you would imagine, and last year, it unveiled six specialty suites designed by renowned interior designer, Bill Roony, which are moodier than the others, with midcentury furniture, vintage board games, and a library of books by Taschen. It featured in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2021.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: 1WTC, The Oculus, Wall Street, The Woolworth Building
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $845
• WiFi: Included

Fouquet’s New York

Also available to book at Expedia.com

Located on a quiet corner on the north side of Tribeca, Fouquet’s is a beautiful addition to the neighborhood. It is the sister property of the five-star hotel in Paris, and the polished interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki look like they’ve been transported out of the 16th arrondissement.  Look closer, though, and you’ll notice the Toile de Jouy wallpaper contains illustrations of New York: the Statue of Liberty, pizza by the slice, and women clutching Hermès Birkin bags.

Everything here could be described as a highlight from the Fouquet’s restaurant, which serves rich brasserie classics (Dover sole meunière, escargot, French onion soup), to the pastel-colored rooms with Art Deco furniture and indulgent marble bathrooms. But the stand-out features include the Le Vaux rooftop, open only to hotel guests and members, the Cannes Cinema, where films are regularly screened, and the spa complete with a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, and treatments using Biologique Recherche products. If you want something away from the bustle of midtown, this is a lovely option.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Hudson River Park, 1WTC, The Oculus
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $825
• WiFi: Included

The Warren Street Hotel

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

From the same UK-based hoteliers behind The Crosby Street Hotel, The Warren Street Hotel was a welcome addition to Tribeca’s hospitality scene when it opened last year (and subsequently earned a spot on Travel + Leisure’s It List for 2024). Step beyond the bold blue exterior and you’ll find a mosaic of color that looks like a scene from a Wes Anderson film: cheery and cartoonish with friendly staff members willing to help. There’s an artfully designed restaurant, unique sculptures, and a lovely private dining room.

Guests have access to a rooftop with views of the skyline and the Hudson River and some of the suites have private terraces with outdoor seating. Each of the 69 rooms and suites are unique, outfitted in Kit Kemp’s quintessentially Brit-chic furnishings, with contrasting textures and patterns – all very stylish and all very comfortable.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: 1WTC, The Oculus, Hudson River Park
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $925
• WiFi: Included

The Greenwich Hotel

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

The Greenwich Hotel is a beloved Tribeca establishment that is just as much for travelers as it is for locals. Its Italian restaurant, Locanda Verde is excellent, and if you were to ask anyone where to get the best massage in the city, chances are they would direct you to the Shibui Spa (and recommend the masterful lead therapist, Cynde). It opened in 2008, but it feels like it has been around forever, with a lived-in yet luxurious style. Guests can enjoy cocktails in the cozy drawing room, filled with books and a crackling fireplace, and can dine in an open-air courtyard filled with greenery. Rooms are designed with homey interiors that feel more like someone’s private apartment than cookie-cutter hotel rooms.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: 1WTC, Hudson River Park, The Oculus
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $1,075
• WiFi: Included

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

The Beekman was all the rage when it opened in 2016 – Valentino hosted a show in its vertigo-inducing atrium and there were fashion week parties galore. Nowadays, it’s still lively and the Bar Room is a popular spot for after-work drinks; come 5:00 p.m., you’ll find men dressed in suits and ladies in slip dresses and stilettos enjoying martinis. Rooms here are luxurious and well-appointed. There is also a dual-level fitness center and a hotel car available to guests. This hotel featured in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2022.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Wall Street, the Oculus, 1WTC, Pier 17
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $361
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay in SoHo

Once an artists’ enclave, SoHo (short for “South of Houston”) is its own mini grid lined with designer boutiques and cool cafes. It’s revered for its distinctive cast iron architecture, which draws Instagrammers and film crews to its cobblestoned streets daily. It is one of the city’s main shopping areas, where you can find virtually any major brand, along with a variety of zeitgeist-y workout studios, restaurants, pizza joints, and immersive museums including the Color Factory and the Museum of Ice Cream.

The Crosby Street Hotel

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Located right in the center of SoHo between Spring, Prince, and Lafayette Streets, The Crosby Street Hotel is a prime example of playful luxury, with contrasting pops of color and texture throughout. It has been a hit with creative crowds since it opened in 2009, and on any day of the week, The Crosby Bar is a fun place to drink, dine, and socialize. It’s tucked away from the bustle of Broadway, but it’s a stone’s throw from Balthazar, Bloomingdale’s, and the subway, so you can easily get around town.

There are 11 floors with 86 rooms and suites outfitted in bright furnishings, antiques, and marble bathrooms with heated towel racks. It featured on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards list in 2021 and it is an environmentally responsible hotel with Gold Leed certification.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: SoHo shopping, Washington Square Park, Tenement Museum, The Museum of Ice Cream
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $1,065
• WiFi: Included

11 Howard

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Still a popular spot for parties and previews during New York Fashion Week years after opening, The Howard is a cool downtown hotel that is as much for tourists as it is for locals. Le Coucou is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, as is the bar on the second floor, The Blond – both designed by famed interior architects from Roman and Williams.

It’s perfect for travelers that want luxury without any of the stuffiness, and on any given day you’ll find locals coworking in the ground floor café, La Rubia. It has a spa by HigherDOSE, where you can enjoy a restorative lymphatic drainage massage followed by a detoxifying full-body wrap. Rooms are minimalist and modern, with 11-foot ceilings, oak floors, Scandi décor, and bath amenities by Grown Alchemist.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: SoHo shopping, Washington Square Park, Tenement Museum, The Museum of Ice Cream.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $319
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay in Greenwich Village

The West Village (the westernmost part of Greenwich Village) is widely considered to be the most charming neighborhood in New York City, with brownstones lining cobblestoned streets, boutique shops, and a variety of stylish restaurants, bars, and cafes. New York City Tourism + Conventions CMO and Interim CEO, Nancy Mammana, emphasizes its rich cultural history: “It’s home to some of history’s most influential movements including experiential theater and literature, and the national LGBTQ+ rights movement,” she explains.

While there are few notable hotels in Greenwich Village, there are dozens of worthwhile restaurants, and it is indeed a must-see neighborhood for any New York itinerary, even just to wander along Bleecker Street’s boutiques and stop in for a coffee at Oslo.

The Marlton

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Just around the corner from Washington Square Park is the historic Marlton Hotel, an unpretentious enclave that draws creatives and travelers who want something simple yet charismatic. The most exciting feature is its restaurant, Margaux, where you can park up in a leather banquette and enjoy delicious seasonal fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Rooms are small but well appointed, with comfortable beds, marble bathrooms, brass fixtures, and colorful accents. If you want something larger, there are two penthouse suites available, with private terraces and bathtubs.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: The Comedy Cellar, Washington Square Park, Bleecker Street shopping
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $314
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay in The Lower East Side

The Lower East Side is arguably New York’s hippest neighborhood with a thriving art scene, an abundance of nightlife, cool organic cafes, and tenement-style buildings. It definitely draws younger crowds, and it is a great place for travelers who favor the less touristy side of the city and want something more affordable yet still stylish and accessible.

PUBLIC Hotel

Also available to book at Hotels.com

PUBLIC is a buzzy establishment where people go to party, so if you’re here to hit the town, this could be the place for you. Unlike your standard hotel setup, PUBLIC was modeled to rival Airbnb and focus on things that matter to modern travelers (such as design, experiences, and fast WiFi) while doing away with the typical hotel chain features that founder Ian Schrager viewed as outdated. “The only way that hotels can compete [with AirBnB] is by offering the socialization and communal aspect that Airbnb cannot,” Schrager told me back in 2018.

That communal aspect is evident the moment you walk in, with millennials coworking on their laptops and hip crowds ascending the neon-lit elevator to the rooftop bar. Sleek blonde wood and Scandi furniture adorn the rooms, many of which have stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. And while there is no gym or spa, fitness classes are hosted daily, and reputable wellness partners can come to your room for everything from chiropractic treatments to IV drips. It featured on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards list in 2023.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: SoHo shopping, Chinatown, Katz’s Deli, Tenement Museum
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $549
• WiFi: Included (and claims to be the fastest in the city)

The Ludlow Hotel

The Ludlow is a perfect representation of the Lower East Side, just across from the famed Katz’s Deli with hip crowds and an artsy, slightly rough edge. It has brilliant views of the midtown skyline and a great restaurant, Dirty French, where you’ll find a lively scene on any night of the week (and the best duck a l’orange in town). There are 175 guestrooms that have the same low-key luxe style you might expect to find at a SoHo House: hardwood floors, artisan lamps, brass rain showers, and deep soaking tubs.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: SoHo shopping, Chinatown, Katz’s Deli, Tenement Museum
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $764
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay in Flatiron

Bordering on NoMad and Union Square, Flatiron is brimming with Beaux-Arts architecture and old-world grandeur. Its focal point is the iconic Flatiron Building, once the tallest in New York, and today, it’s a destination for shopping and dining, plus it’s home to Madison Square Park.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Martin Brudnizki’s modern brand of glamor is on show at this historic hotel on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 28th Street. Upon entering, you’ll find a world of rich color, tapestries, and elegant decorative objects that pay homage to its former incarnation as the home of a Gilded Age socialite.

It has 153 guestrooms and suites featuring Murano glass chandeliers, antique furniture, and some with private terraces. The culinary scene is led by Andrew Carmellini (renowned for downtown favorites including Locanda Verde and Lafayette), and it has an ornate ballroom, sure to be a popular venue over the gala season. It featured on Travel + Leisure’s It List for 2024.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Madison Square Park, Flatiron Building, Empire State Building
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $803
• WiFi: Included

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

Also available to book at Hotels.com

For a heritage hotel brand, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad feels lively and modern, much like many of the hotels that have revamped the area over the past decade (such as The Ned and The Freehand). What’s different about this property, though, is it’s stunning, postcard views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. Naturally, the social spaces capitalize on the prime location, with its star restaurant, Nubelez, perched 500 feet above the streets with 270-degree views.

These are just some of the highlights that earned it a place on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards list in 2023. As for the accommodations, there are 219 guestrooms, 31 suites, and one- and two-bedroom penthouse residences with glossy, bespoke furnishings, and a sprawling 6,800-square-foot spa and fitness center.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Madison Square Park, Flatiron Building, Empire State Building
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $1,095
• WiFi: Included

The New York Edition

Housed in the historic Clock Tower building just steps away from Madison Square Park, The New York Edition blends downtown cool with uptown sophistication. It is an excellent option for business travelers who need to be close to midtown but want to be removed from the chaos of Times Square (for those who do want to be right in the thick of it, The Edition subsequently opened a Times Square location).

It featured on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards list in 2023 and is revered for its 360-degree views of Manhattan, sleek interiors, and its Billiards Room, perfect for a nightcap after dining at Jason Atherton’s British tavern-style restaurant. Each of its 271 rooms are decorated in calming neutral color palettes and have all the modern accouterments that you could need. There is also a fitness center and a spa on-site.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Flatiron Building, Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, Macy’s
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $725
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay in Chelsea

Chelsea is conveniently located between the West Village and Hudson Yards, and is full of upscale art galleries, restaurants, and luxury residences. It technically includes the Meatpacking District – one of the city’s main nightlife meccas, and has popular attractions including the High Line, the Whitney Museum, and more recently, Little Island.

The High Line Hotel

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Located in the more residential part of Chelsea, The Highline Hotel earned a place on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards list in 2021. It is surrounded by art galleries, restaurants, and is conveniently close to the High Line (as you may have guessed from the name).

Each of the 60-rooms are comfortable and have a vintage feel, with antiques and reproduced English wallpaper. Pick up a latte from the hotel’s café, Intelligentsia, and head out for a walk to Little Island and along the High Line for a lovely way to begin your day in the city.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: The Highline, Hudson Yards, Little Island
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $277
• WiFi: Included

The Hotel Chelsea

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Hotel Chelsea has a bohemian, rock and roll vibe, and many famous musicians have checked in over the years. After a long renovation led by the team behind The Bowery and The Jane Hotel, it reopened last spring with reimagined décor that honors its past.

Marshall Bluetooth speakers can be found in each of the 158 guest rooms, and original details and artworks remain. Down on the ground floor is Café Chelsea, which is one of the most exciting arrivals on New York’s dining scene, serving great cocktails and French-American bistro classics in a lively setting.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Union Square, the High Line, the Flower District
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $387
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay on the Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is home to major cultural institutions, including the Natural History Museum and the Lincoln Center, where the New York City Ballet and The Metropolitan Opera are on show. It has a strong performing arts influence, and the famed Juilliard School can be found here along with some of the city’s best professional dance studios, including Steps on Broadway, where a variety of open classes are held daily (ideal if you’re ready for your Center Stage moment). It is bordered by Riverside Park along the Hudson, Central Park, and Columbus Circle, and is a family-friendly neighborhood with great restaurants, shops, and galleries.

The Wallace

Also available to book at Expedia.com

The Wallace Hotel is exactly what you want from an Upper West Side hideaway: it’s luxurious, modern, and positioned on a centrally-located yet quiet street. Interiors are modern, with subtle Art Deco touches, and it has a lively lounge bar that seems more like something you would find in a trendy neighborhood downtown with live music, expertly crafted cocktails and a selection of small plates and caviars on offer. Guests have access to its fitness center and the 124 rooms have fresh interiors that feel (and are) brand new.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, Belvedere Castle, The American Museum of Natural History
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $525
• WiFi: Included

Mandarin Oriental

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Mandarin Oriental does luxury well, and its five-star New York location is no exception. It has a prime position bordering the Upper West Side and Columbus Circle with bird’s eye views of Central Park on one side and the Hudson River on the other. The hotel spans 20 floors in the north tower of the Deutsche Bank Center, and naturally, it attracts C-suite executives on business trips along with leisure travelers that are regulars at its locations around the world.

The spaces are adorned in the Asian-influenced interiors that are true to the brand’s eastern origins. Head to the MO lounge for American fare and a cocktail, or to rejuvenate, the west-facing spa is excellent, with a 75-foot lap pool. Fine dining aficionados will be pleased to find that it’s located within the same complex at Thomas Keller’s legendary Michelin-starred restaurant, Per Se.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Central Park, Columbus Circle, The American Museum of Natural History
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $895
• WiFi: Included

Where to Stay in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is enormous and contains many diverse neighborhoods, from Dumbo overlooking Lower Manhattan, to the hipster haven of Williamsburg, and the family-centric Park Slope. Mammana recommends Williamsburg as Brooklyn’s top neighborhood: “It is an exciting neighborhood for tourists to consider not just visiting but staying overnight, with incredible hotel options including the Wythe Hotel which exudes quiet luxury with its French restaurant Le Crocodile and rooftop Bar Blondeau; The Hoxton including its award-winning restaurant Laser Wolf; and The William Vale with remarkable pool deck and rooftop views at Westlight; plus several Michelin-star restaurants in the neighborhood.”

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

1 Hotels brought its unique brand of sustainable luxury to Brooklyn in 2017, and quickly became a destination for locals and travelers alike. It is revered for its iconic view of the Lower Manhattan skyline, located at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge overlooking the East River and the soaring towers of the Financial District.

Harriet’s rooftop lounge is especially popular during the summer months, where stylish crowds congregate for watermelon margaritas, and the farm-to-table restaurant, The Osprey, is a lovely place to enjoy healthy, delicious fare (order the rustic peach caprese and the miso cucumber salad for something refreshing) and international wines. Each of the 195 rooms are modern, light filled, and controlled by iPads.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Jane’s Carousel
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible 
• Rates: Starting at $370
• WiFi: Included

The Wythe

Also available to book at Expedia.com

Industrial-hip is how you would describe the Wythe, Williamsburg’s first hotel, occupying a factory building from 1901. Original details have been preserved: there are exposed brick, concrete floors, and cast-iron columns, fused with contemporary art and modern furnishings.

Each of the 69 guest rooms have custom-made reclaimed timber beds, heated floors (lovely in the winter months), and the bathrooms contain rain showers and Davines products. Bar Blondeau provides the very best vista of the midtown skyline (and as a result, it’s a coveted spot for weddings and special occasions), and its all-day brasserie Le Crocodile (Brooklyn’s answer to Pastis) provides a reason for Manhattanites to venture across the river.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Smorgasburg, Williamsburg Bridge, street art
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $356
• WiFi: Included

The William Vale

If you’re looking for a hip boutique hotel away from the bustle of Manhattan, the William Vale is an excellent option. Each of the 183 rooms have balconies and the hotel has its own elevated public park and 60-foot rooftop pool, the longest in Brooklyn.

Head to the 22nd floor bar, Westlight, for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline with Italian cuisine by Andrew Carmellini and delicious craft cocktails. Fun fact: all of the artworks featured in the hotel are by Brooklyn artists. Plus, it featured on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards list in 2023.

The Details:

• Nearby Attractions: Smorgasburg, Williamsburg Bridge, street art
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Starting at $610
• WiFi: Included

Neighborhood Recap

Where you decide to stay in New York is dependent on the experience that you’re hoping to have. Traveling as a family? Consider Fouquet’s or The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. Venturing with a group and planning on exploring the nightlife scene? Perhaps the Lower East Side would be a fit. Or if you want to go all out and experience the most glamorous version of New York, consider staying on the Upper East Side at The Mark, The Carlyle, or at one of the hotels around Central Park South, where you’ll have access to major museums and attractions. There are options to suit all travelers, from destinations that are known as the best hotels in New York to more under-the-radar properties.

Know Before You Go

Take the subway

The subway is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city (though you should also plan to do A LOT of walking, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes). While it may be confusing to navigate at first, once you’ve got the hang of it it’s easy as can be and extremely convenient.

Choose a neighborhood based on your planned activities

If you have a wedding on the Upper East Side, staying in SoHo probably isn’t a good idea. Likewise, if you want to knock out all the touristy things in Brooklyn, staying in Manhattan may not be ideal. Figure out what your ideal itinerary looks like and explore your neighborhood and hotel options from there. If you want a hotel room with a great view, there are plenty of great options to choose from in every neighborhood. Similarly, if you want an intimate atmosphere and more personalized service, a boutique hotel might be just what you're looking for.

Get on the water

“Don’t overlook the NYC Ferry as a great way to get around and between all five boroughs; it’s just $4 per trip and is an enticing way to see the city,” explains Mammana. Private boat charters are available, too, and if you want to do it in the most luxurious fashion, consider booking The Mark’s sailboat, which is available during the summer months.

Tick off the iconic attractions if it’s your first time visiting

“For first-time travelers, we of course recommend visiting iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Times Square, our five incredible observation decks – Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, the Edge and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt — the High Line, our iconic museums like the Met, MoMA, the Whitney, American Museum of Natural History and other points of interest,” Mammana advises.

How We Chose These Hotels

New York-based contributor Amy Louise Bailey used her in-depth knowledge of the city’s many neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants, and attractions to create this guide. She considered important factors, such as reputation, design, location, amenities, service, and unique features that can make a hotel stand out. Dining and wellness options were taken into account, as were winners of T+L’s World’s Best Awards and It List. She also consulted Angela Malek, a Travel Consultant at Scott Dunn, and Nancy Mammana, New York City Tourism + Conventions CMO and Interim CEO, for their expertise. Finally, all recommendations align with the T+L Hotel Values.