A guide to the best New York Hotels


With more than 270 hotels offering more than 75,000 rooms in one of the world’s most bustling cities, it’s a daunting task to try and find the best New York hotels.

The Big Apple offers endless options for hotels. Image credit: zxvisual/iStock
The Big Apple offers endless options for hotels. Image credit: zxvisual/iStock

From Times Square hotels in NYC to luxury hotels to boutique hotels to hotels with incredible rooftop bars in NYC, your first order of business when deciding where to stay should include your desired location.

Once you’ve decided on a location,  amenities you require, such as 24-hour gyms, or on-site meeting spaces or even fine-dining restaurants or upscale cocktail bars for business meetings should be taken into consideration.

With most of the best-known brands and hotels located in Manhattan, getting to and from places is easy, just be sure to book a reliable Blacklane limousine service in New York City to travel in style.

Midtown

Andaz 5th Avenue – hip atmosphere in a lofty style hotel

As you step through the doors of the Andaz, 5th Avenue, you will immediately see its oversized windows, which make up the unique loft-style hotel. Upstairs, the accommodations are spacious and feature deluxe amenities such as travertine marble bathrooms and minibars filled with complimentary snacks (a perk of staying at any Andaz property).

Since the Andaz is part of the Hyatt family, Hyatt Gold Passport holders may redeem privileges here, such as free nights. If you’re hungry and looking to stay on property, check out The Bar Downstairs for some great food and beverage options.

The Peninsula New York – one of the best hotels in NY with a stellar rooftop

Located just a few steps away from Central Park and Rockefeller Center, The Peninsula New York is a serene place to spend some restful moments before walking out the doors into the busy city outside.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an incredible rooftop terrace, and a top-notch spa and health club. The elegant property gives off relaxing vibes with its calming color palette.

The Peninsula Hotel also offers an array of food and beverage outlets including the Clement Restaurant and the Gotham Lounge.

St. Regis New York – traditional elegance blended with modern convenience

This landmark hotel located in midtown Manhattan sets high standards upon itself, which includes a sophisticated setting and the very best in customer service. The ambiance at St Regis New York is a touch of old-world glamor, complemented with the modern conveniences.

Expect to see opulent silk wall coverings, custom-made furnishings, and deep royal blue accents throughout each of its 238 guest rooms and suites.

In addition, each hotel room comes with Bose sound systems, Laboratoire Remède toiletries, and floor to ceiling windows. The hotel also has a popular cocktail bar, the King Cole Bar.

The St. Regis Hotel is part of the Marriott Rewards club so it’s possible to earn and redeem privileges at this property.

Located on West 56th Street, Parker New York makes for a great spot if you’re looking to explore Central Park, Fifth Avenue and the Museum of Modern Art, as all three are located within steps of the hotel.

Inside, the accommodations have everything one would expect from a luxury hotel in addition to a complimentary shoeshine service. Be sure to not skip out on breakfast at Norma’s inside the hotel as it has previously been rated as one of the city’s best breakfast joints by restaurant review site Zagat.

The London NYC – a bit of London in a luxury NY hotel

The London NYC provides a level of sophistication that’s expected in luxury New York hotels, although in a more relaxed atmosphere.

As the name suggests, the hotel has a very British tone within. Located in midtown on West 54th Street, The London NYC is an all suite hotel, with some of the premium accommodations up so high that guests are afforded the magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and even Central Park.

From the hotel, you are walking distance to Times Square and the storefronts that line Fifth Avenue. This hotel is part of Hilton’s Conrad brand, which allows Hilton Honors members to earn points and redeem here as well. The hotel expects to be rebranded to the Conrad New York Midtown in late 2019.

Refinery Hotel – a fashionable hotel in NY’s Garment District

Located in Manhattan’s Garment District, this stylish boutique hotel in New York features vintage furniture that sits alongside original artwork, which gives a nod to the hotel’s millinery factory past.

Guest rooms here are industrial chic with hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and antique bronze hinges and door handles. A popular draw to the Refinery Hotel is its Rooftop Bar and Lounge, which offers a great selection of cocktails and stunning views of downtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building.

In addition to the rooftop, the hotel is also home to Parker & Quinn, which serves nostalgia-inspired seasonal cuisine, and Winnie’s Jazz Lounge, a prohibition-era cocktail lounge.

The Refinery guest rooms offer unique, artistic flair. Image credit: The Refinery Hotel.
The Refinery guest rooms offer unique, artistic flair. Image credit: The Refinery Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel NY – one of the best New York Hotels on the market

With a lobby designed by the same artist who created the pyramidal work outside the Louvre, the Four Seasons Hotel New York also gives off Parisian museum vibes.

The 52-story, 368-room and suite hotel comes with all the incredible amenities and service one would expect from a Four Seasons hotel. Inside your accommodation, you will find luxury digs, plush robes, goose-down pillows and duvets, marble bathrooms, and incredible views of Central Park, or if facing the opposite direction, views of the Manhattan skyline.

Ty Bar is their upscale cocktail bar while The Garden, led by executive chef John Johnson, is one of the city’s top-rated restaurants.

Central Park

Park Hyatt New York – located in one of the tallest buildings in the city

Part of the sky-high One57 building, the Park Hyatt New York houses 210 spacious rooms, including 92 suites within the first 25 floors of the 90-story building.

Each space outfitted with natural stone floors, dual-sink bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and rainfall showers, and also features some super tech-friendly touches such as a television built into the bathroom mirror. Their spa, Spa Nalai, is top-rated in the city and features a hot tub, steam room, and indoor swimming pool.

The hotel is also home to Living Room, an intimate bar and restaurant. When booking here, ask to be booked into a room on a high floor, so you don’t miss out on the best views.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park – Central Park views that are picture perfect

Rising above Central Park’s south side, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers 259 recently redesigned elegant accommodations, which include 400-thread count linens, deep soaking tubs. and their signature Asprey bath products. Dining options include the upscale Auden Bistro & Bar and the Star Lounge, the perfect setting for afternoon tea (which they are known for).

Guests can also enjoy a lavish spa service at the in-house La Prairie.

This hotel is a member of the Marriott Rewards loyalty program, allowing guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points, such as complimentary nights.

The Plaza, a Fairmont Managed Hotel – a New York icon property

A landmark hotel, The Plaza has appeared in films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Home Alone 2.”

This luxury hotel comes with everything one would expect from some of the best hotels in the world, including white-gloved butlers that will unpack your luggage, draw your bath, launder your clothes and have your shoes shined, among other requests.

Inside, the Rose Club offers a sophisticated ambiance worth checking out. Additionally, the Champagne Bar is something to experience.

The guest rooms are fitted out in Beaux Arts decor, which include ornate floral motifs and spacious marble bathrooms.

JW Marriott Essex House – centrally located in Midtown

The JW Marriott Essex House comes with an art deco design blended with modern accents. Accommodations feature signature Marriott amenities, including pillow-top mattresses and iPod docking stations. But the best part about this property are the views, in addition to its easy access to iconic city attractions, including Central Park, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, SOUTHGATE Bar & Restaurant, offers tasty seasonal American cuisine.

Mandarin Oriental, New York – East meets West in a prime NY location

The lobby of this Asian-inspired luxury hotel is on the 35th floor of the Time Warner Building.

The Mandarin Oriental, New York has 244 rooms and suites, and is known for its impressive décor. Expect goose-down bedding, Italian linens, yoga mats to use during your stay, and bathroom TV’s to keep you up-to-date on the news while getting ready for your day.

Their spa covers 14,5000 square feet of space and includes a lap pool. The restaurants at the Mandarin Oriental include Asian-American fusion fare served at Asiate, and small plates paired with craft cocktails at The Aviary NYC. Inside The Aviary NYC’s Drink Kitchen, there is a speakeasy style bar, The Office NYC.

Cool off in The Mandarin Oriental's lap pool. Image credit: The Mandarin Oriental, New York
Cool off in The Mandarin Oriental’s lap pool. Image credit: The Mandarin Oriental, New York

Tribeca

Conrad New York – views of the Statue of Liberty

Located in Lower Manhattan’s scenic Battery Park City, Conrad New York is perfect for travelers looking for easy access to the city’s major landmarks and financial businesses, including the World Financial Center and City Hall.

Guest rooms feature luxury bed sheets sand feather pillows. The hotel also features an exciting rooftop bar with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.

ATRIO, the hotel’s signature restaurant offers New American cuisine.e. Conrad New York falls under the Hilton brand, which means you can earn points and rewards if you are a Hilton Honors member.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown – the epitome of luxury in the midst of banks

Opened in September of 2016, this Four Seasons hotel (a second location is in Midtown) is situated in Lower Manhattan and is widely regarding as one of the best New York hotels.

Its location puts guests near the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, in addition to offices in the Financial District, which makes it a popular choice for business travelers.

The 189 guest rooms and suites are situated on floors 7 through 24 of the building, all with large windows, which offer New York City views.

Each room includes spacious closets, smart TV’s, Bose stereo systems, and marble bathrooms, which include a separate tub and glass-enclosed shower.

The hotel also features a spa, an indoor lap pool, and a 24-hour fitness center, complete with a yoga studio, TRX equipment, and chilled towels and fruit.

When it’s time for dinner, head to CUT by Wolfgang Puck for one of the best steaks in the city.

W New York – Downtown – modern conveniences for busy travelers

With three W Hotels in Manhattan, this hip hotel is located in the heart of downtown, which means it’s next to some of the top attractions, like the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park.

Guest rooms here feature contemporary furnishings and red colored accents throughout. Also expect to find goose down comforters, signature Bliss spa products and iPod docking stations.

The property also features their modern FIT gym and a convenient W2Go gourmet meal service.

W New York is part of the Marriott Rewards loyalty program.

New York Marriott Downtown – business travelers will love the burgers

Located in New York’s financial district, New York Marriott Downtown is a favorite among business travelers, thanks to its full-service business center, large meeting spaces, and 24-hour fitness center.

The hotel also boasts the casual Bill’s Bar & Burger, known for its loaded burgers, fries, and shakes.

Inside the rooms, expect crisp 300-thread count linens and standard luxury amenities all thats expected of the best New York hotels.

Wall Street

AKA Wall Street – luxury long-term stay NY hotel

If you are in need of extended stay hotel accommodations, the AKA Wall Street is the brand’s first downtown location, located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan.

The luxury furnished accommodations and professional corporate apartments combine classic architecture with modern design.

The hotel specializes in weekly and monthly stays for domestic and international travelers and features 132 spacious luxury apartments that come with on-site luxuries, including its a.fitness center, a rooftop terrace lounge, private cinema, business and conference center, and Blue Ribbon Federal Grill.

Enjoy the sun-lit spaces offered at AKA Wall Street, one of the best New York Hotels. Image credit: AKA Wall Street
Enjoy the sun-lit spaces offered at AKA Wall Street. Image credit: AKA

Andaz Wall Street – complimentary wine hour to help wind down

At Andaz Wall Street, located in Lower Manhattan on Wall Street, travelers can expect comfortable, contemporary accommodations with a clean design aesthetic.

The New York hotel offers a complimentary wine hour and is home to Andaz Kitchen & Bar, which has a menu featuring a mix of traditional Italian, Caribbean, Asian, and American dishes.

The hotel also has a beer garden, which serves up New York City craft beers and international brews.

The beer garden is located in the courtyard and set against views of Lower Manhattan’s skyline.

As this is an Andaz property, each guest room comes with a complimentary non-alcoholic drink and snack bar.

Andaz Wall Street is a part of Hyatt Hotels, which means Gold Passport holders can earn and redeem points here.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Duran

David Duran is an award-winning travel writer who has been to all seven continents and more than 75 countries and counting. When not travel writing, David speaks about travel trends and changes to the travel industry at conferences and symposiums around the world.