The 28 best hotels in NYC, from midtown to NoMad and the Upper East Side

The 180-room accommodations stand on the site of the original Tontine Coffee House, the beaux-arts building that housed the O.G. New York Stock Exchange in the late 18th-century. (Hence the name of the hotel’s scenic rooftop, Bar Tontine.) For a stay that glamorously honors the New York neighborhood around it while feeling like a transportive respite set far from the economic hustle and bustle of FiDi, let the comforts of the Wall Street Hotel wash over you.

Time Out tip: Having sleep troubles? The teched-out Great Pearl Suite on the 14th floor offers a personalized, restorative sleep experience featuring the Bryte Balance mattress.

If you’re looking for a Gilded Age, old-money historic NYC experience, Lotte New York Palace on Madison Avenue is just the place. We stayed in a room on the 45th floor, which had a view looking over Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, right towards Rockefeller Center. Clearly aware that the devil is in the details, this hotel takes every step to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Its bar is dimly lit and incredibly romantic but it’s undoubtedly a luxury bar, with drinks costing upwards of $25 (and the rooms averaging around $650 a night). But that’s the price attached to living for the night like a Gilded Age billionaire.

Time Out tip: If you can grab tickets, make sure to check out Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic show in the hotels salon. 

The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, is everything you want in a classic New York City stay, from sweeping views of Central Park to top-notch service that makes you feel special. This classic, five-star hotel sits right on the southeastern edge of Central Park at Fifth Avenue and 61st Street and is by far the best hotel stay I’ve had in the city. Where The Pierre really shines is in the details, which make it feel like home.

Time Out Tip: The Pierre’s Two E Bar & Lounge is a great spot for grabbing drinks and taking in live jazz from Modern Martinis Music, every night, Tuesday through Saturday.

Nestled near a group of ultra-pricey pencil towers are several of the city’s most lavish hotels, from the Plaza to the Ritz Carlton to the Park Hyatt. But the Hyatt corp. has another property, the Thompson Central Park New York, right around the corner that, though a solid chunk of change cheaper than the Park Hyatt and its budget-unfriendly brethren, still packs in plenty of five-star polish and a panorama like that is priceless.

Time Out tip: If you want to take advantage of that park proximity, the Thompson offers a Picnic in the Park package!

From bottom to top, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has built in services, amenities, and a genuine sense of hospitality that makes you feel as though you never have to leave (or would want to leave). Starting at Level -1, the Bamford Wellness Spa offers a wide range of treatments, including a steam room and relaxation lounge. In addition to the co-working space, the first floor also houses The Osprey, a farm-to-table restaurant that does not lack East River views either. Floor 2 continues 1 Hotel’s theme of wellness with its state-of-the-art gyms, personal training services, and communal yoga classes. After 194 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, we reached Harriet’s Lounge on 10R, which boasts leather booths, creative cocktails, and seasonal apps. This is where the full skyline views hit, and your inner mermaid is released thanks to the pool. 

Time Out tip: Avoid the crowd at Harriet’s Rooftop on weekend nights and take a stroll on the waterfront instead. A ride on Jane’s Carousel is the definition of healing your inner child.

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel as of 2022, offers a cozy but stylish stay with 287 rooms to book out (from studios to Queen, Deluxe and King suites with and without terraces as well as two turret penthouses), a 24-hour gym and an incredibly comfortable lobby that greets you with its own luxurious branded scent, Beekman 1802! Fresh Air. It boasts two highly-rated restaurants—Le Gratin by Chef Daniel Boulud and Temple Court by Tom Collichio—and the stunning Bar Room under the atrium. The Beekman should be on your list of hotels to stay at in New York City or at the very least, one to go gawk at (and order a drink at the bar).

Time Out tip: Ask the concierge to get you a reservation to Le Gratin or Temple Court.

Modern amenities complement the opulent decor and old-world charm of this iconic hotel at the base of Central Park. Rooms and suites offer up ornate touches, oversized bathrooms, and 24-carat gold-plated fixtures. Though there is plenty to keep you busy within the Plaza's confines, cross 59th Street to find another New York landmark: Central Park. Explore the grounds, especially the nearby attractions of Wollman Rink for some ice skating and the Central Park Zoo.

This  131-room FiDi Hotel aiming to be “a welcome harbor for business travelers and holidaymakers in New York City’s Financial District” is immediately substantially cooler than the DoubleTree by Hilton rooted right across the street, with friendly, recommendation-ready staffers at the concierge desk and some rogue disco balls pepping up the industrial rawness of the lobby space.

Time Out tip: If it's your first time staying in the Financial District, the hotel offers a handy "Stay and Stroll" package for a three- or five-night stay, which includes a walking tour of Lower Manhattan hosted by Interboro Tours.

Michelin recently started awarding hotels with Michelin Keys, awarding one Key to this East Village spot. Just south of busy Houston Street, The Ludlow Hotel, is a trendy spot to spend a night (or a few.) My room was on the smaller side, which made it feel a bit cramped at times, but that’s to be expected in most New York City hotels. That being said, the large floor-to-ceiling windows next to the bed let in lots of natural light. The location of the hotel was the real selling point for me. No matter what direction you walk in, you’ll find an iconic NYC restaurant or bar!

Time Out tip: If grabbing a pastrami sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen is on your must-do list, head to the famous sandwich shop between 10am and 11am—after that, you’ll be spending a lot of time waiting on a long line

Finally open to the public after a decade or so of legal wrangling and redevelopment, the 155-room hotel has certainly been given a lick of fresh paint, but the dreamy, pleasantly ragged apartment-building style air remains. Like Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont before it, it feels upkept rather than updated; there are wooden floors throughout, ornate brass fixtures, and suites feel lived-in and homely, with mismatched furniture; velvet sofas, comfy cushions, leopard-print chairs and antique writing desks.

Time Out tip

If you’re dining at the hotel, eschew the new French bistro Café Chelsea in favor of the storied El Quijote, a camp-y Spanish spot on site that dates back to 1930 and was a favorite of Andy Warhol. 

Acclaimed drinks, dining, and decor combine in this stunning Flatiron hotel. Guests who like to push the envelope shouldn’t miss the nearby Museum of Sex, which boasts X-rated exhibits like The Sex Lives of Animals and a bounce house made out of breasts. Not sure you’re ready to go all the way? Grab a drink in the museum’s admission-free Disco Lounge bar lined with black and white portraits of the 70’s club scene.

The decor of this hotel might be sleek and modern, but nearby landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Madison Square Park give it the flavor of old New York. The 271 unique guest rooms and suites ooze class with oak floors, spacious layouts, and breathtaking views of Manhattan. If you're dining in, check out the elevated British fare from Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton at The Clocktower. You've also got some of Park Avenue's best restaurants a stone's throw away.

Along with the expected creature comforts—cozy robes and slippers, large rainfall showers and all—each room features a surprising amount of tech-driven amenities, including Chromecast-friendly flatscreens, electronic window shades and touch-controlled lighting throughout. (I was especially thankful for the handy nightlight option, which graciously meant I didn’t bash a hip into the marble bathroom counter in the wee hours of the night.) In a city full of soulless chain hotels, it’s those thoughtful details that will leave you asking, “Times Square who?”

Time Out tip: Sure, you can get a solid classic martini at the hotel lounge but why not upgrade your order with the Baiki Martini ($35), which crowns crisp Grey Goose with briny caviar pearls. 

Having opened its doors in October 2023, Kimpton Hotel Theta offers a calm, relaxing space just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The 364-room hotel is located on 8th Avenue and is walking distance from the Theater District, Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen and Central Park South—making it the perfect launch point for exploring all of midtown. Only a nine-minute walk from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, it’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting during the holiday season. 

Time Out tip: Plan your stay in the new year once Kimpton Hotel Theta opens its rooftop restaurant and bar which will be open all year long!

This hotel, located at the intersection of West Broadway and Chambers Street, merges a comfortable atmosphere with high-end design, making for a chic hideaway.  For travelers, the hotel is well located to visit Lower Manhattan attractions, like the Perelman Performing Arts Center, 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Oculus. Locals will find the location equally charming. In total, the hotel contains 100 rooms, including 12 suites, four corner king roomshot and a penthouse with a dining area and a spacious balcony. Guests can work out in the hotel’s small but equipped gym, which includes a Peloton bike.

Time Out tip: Call the hotel to inquire about the SleepMore at Smyth package. In addition discounted room rates, guests also enjoy breakfast in bed, along with a magnesium sleep spray, your choice of pillows, and a special tea to help promote a good night's sleep.

The Greenwich Hotel, an eight-story luxury abode near Tribeca that’s partly owned by actor Robert De Niro, is where you’ll want to stay while in town. Nestled on the corner of North Moore Street and Greenwich Street right by the West Side Highway, the building boasts 73 rooms, some of which overlook an interior courtyard, 11 suites and two duplex penthouses that are aptly named The Greenwich and The North Moore. On a recent visit while staying in a luxurious suite on the second floor, I was struck by one aspect of the experience: I forgot I was in New York.

Time Out tip: Make a reservation at Locanda Verde and book your treatment at Shibui Spa as soon as you call about your room. Both spots are extremely popular!

Exposed brick walls covered in local artwork, 13-foot ceilings sporting original wood beams, floor-to-ceiling factory windows offering panoramic skyline views—the Wythe Hotel is a Brooklyn real estate wet dream. Alas, unless you’re one of the tech bros who have transformed the Williamsburg waterfront into one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, you likely can’t afford those kind of industrial-chic digs full-time, but the Wythe allows you to at least pretend that this is your not-so-humble abode for a few days. 

Time Out tip: The Wythe doesn’t have a gym, but if you need to get a bench session in during your stay, guests are entitled to free access to Brooklyn Athletic Club, a five-minute walk away. 

Eclectic touches and top-notch entertainment draw tourists, celebrities and New Yorkers alike to this funky Tribeca hotel. This spot is influenced by Art Deco-realness and it shows as each of the 201 rooms are all about comfort, enjoyment and a splash of opulence. Downstairs, the Roxy Bars & Lounge serves up hearty American breakfasts, lunch and dinner. And by night, it'll keep you entertained with live DJs and performances.

Long Island City’s best lobby for working and using the free Wi-Fi is at the Boro Hotel. But it’s also the type of lodging ideal for couples and adult friends who might want to come to a space that feels big and airy after a long day of trudging through Manhattan. If you book a stay here, try to book a room with views of Manhattan—the sweeping views of the Queensboro Bridge and the Upper East Side are pretty difficult to match. Rooms and suites have a similar minimalist feel, thanks to mid-century modern furniture, stark white linens and hanging edison bulbs.

Time Out Tip: Don’t cross the East River into Manhattan without first checking out Socrates Sculpture Park, a city park that hosts large-scale sculpture exhibits year round. Views of the Manhattan skyline are just an added bonus.

Anchor’s away at this simple stationary vessel in bustling Manhattan that touts cozy decor, a nautical theme and a glitzy Italian trattoria, La Sirena. If you want to venture out from your cabin to the top decks, head to Gallow Green, the 1920s rooftop bar atop the McKittrick Hotel—which isn’t a hotel at all but the home of interactive mystery performance Sleep No More. Whether you just go for drinks or to partake in the show, you’ll get your breath of fresh air.

The Ritz-Carlton NoMad is a towering, 50-story beacon of luxury in the rapidly changing neighborhood just north of Madison Square Park. It offers gorgeously appointed rooms with stunning views, excellent dining options and the above-and-beyond hospitality that’s associated with the brand. It’s also, it should be noted, an entirely different vibe than NYC’s other Ritz-Carlton located on Central Park. While that hotel conveys a sense of Old New York tradition, this newer offering strikes a lighter note with a heavy dose of contemporary glamor. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, it also has another big thing going for it: an unbeatable location not far from many downtown and midtown hot spots. It’s a great home base for travelers who want to experience the exciting cultural vibrancy of New York City.

The Bowery Hotel in East Village was recently awarded one Key from Michelin, ranking it as a “Very Special Stay,” and the organization was right. Walking through the double doors of The Bowery Hotel felt like I was walking into a different period. The decor was classy and masculine—with antique couches and chairs placed throughout the large space. The attention to detail is evident in every corner of the hotel, from the lobby lounge and hotel restaurant to the room. The Bowery Hotel is the perfect place for a staycation or if you’re planning to visit Manhattan and want to explore downtown. 

Time Out tip: Fill out a room service card for breakfast the night before and leave it on your door for the next morning. In the morning, your breakfast will be delivered as well as the morning newspaper. Enjoy a slow morning reading and eating delicious food. 

You'll feel the spirit of Chelsea's nightlife at this hip 12-story hotel complete with a rooftop lounge, craft cocktail bar, and two restaurants. And if the sun is out? There is an outdoor pool and private cabanas. This one is a celeb favorite, with well-known faces often choosing Dream as their, you know, dream destination. Portholes around the exterior of the hotel are its signature, with nautical themes found all around the modern haven.

Located on the southwest corner of Soho, ModernHaus SoHo is a boutique hotel that blends art and design. Formerly The James New York - Soho, the 114-room property underwent an extensive year-and-a-half renovation in 2020, before reopening with a new name and new look. The rooms mirror the sophistication of Soho with an edge. Elements of dark wood, concrete and tan leather detail the interior, giving the rooms a modernist feel. But the crown jewel of the rooms go to the views themselves. Its the second-floor, all-day eatery is right out of a Mad Men set and is prime for a breakfast with family or a quiet working lunch. And if you stay until the evening hours, Jumpin’ Jacks draws the shades for an elevated evening of cocktails.

Time Out tip: Modernhaus is dog-friendly! So bring your pup and they’ll get a doggie bed and a bowl for water to sip water among the sky.

Some hotels are defined by their architecture, others by the type of scene they attract. Sofitel New York is a vision in limestone and glass, and has a lovely on-site restaurant, Gaby Brasserie Française. But the main thing that defines a stay here, and will probably convince you to return for a second or third time, is the excellent service. The experience manages to achieve a sense of luxury without a hint of snobbishness or pretension.

An island escape exists just a five-minute tram ride from Manhattan. Graduate New York, a hotel situated in the East River between Manhattan and Queens feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of midtown. It’s a place where you can admire the city’s skyline without hearing sirens, a spot where you can feel disconnected and yet connected at the same time.  With 224 rooms, Graduate New York offers a chance to stay overnight on the island and soak up the quiet luxury of this relaxing retreat. After a truly restful sleep in the quiet, comfortable room, I woke up the next morning and grabbed breakfast at Anything At All, the lobby-level all-day cafe, before heading back out onto the island. 

Time Out tip: Bring your walking shoes to stroll the island from end to end. In all, it's about a two-mile walk past apartments, recreation courts, restaurants and parks. 

Even put wellness front and center at their Times Square South hotel, so you can rejuvenate during a stay here. Take advantage of the fitness center or – and this would be our preference – the in-room workout gear, then tuck it into a nutrient-enriched meal in the restaurant/bar. If you're sightseeing, you've got Times Square right there, Macy's only a few hundred yards away and Madison Square Gardens on your doorstep if you want to catch a show.

Conrad New York is 15 stories of marble floors, plush suites, open views of the Hudson, and 2000 pieces of artwork on display. This Hilton offshoot makes for an ideal escape from the city, especially when you're up on the spectacular rooftop bar. You can chill up there for a cocktail or bite to eat and they even hand out complimentary selfie sticks to get that perfect pic with the view.