The best 5-star hotels in NYC

Nestled between beautiful Bryant Park and the iconic Empire State Building, this hotel is smack dab in the center of everything happening in NYC. Just steps from where you’ll sleep are some the best shopping spots and fine dining at Michelin-starred Ai Fiori is just an elevator ride down to the lobby. The Italian-inspired decor is cozy yet supremely luxurious—just wait until you see the opulent marble bathrooms.

The mood? Hint of midcentury-modern.
Location perks? A multi-million dollar permanent art collection featuring the works of Alex Katz.
Budget range? High-end.

Whether you enjoy Central Park strolls or walkable access to the Museum of Modern Art, 1 Hotel offers a luxurious stay and the perfect location for NYC's most sought-after attractions. As for the hotel itself, creature comforts ooze throughout, from the Nespresso machines to the yoga mats and cotton slipper socks—not to mention the exquisite park views from each room.

The mood? At one with nature.
Location perks? It's perfect for visits to Carnegie Hall, which is only a block away.
Budget range? Top end of mid-range.

From the stunning rooftop lounge to its decadent onsite eateries, The Knickerbocker will keep you so satisfied with your Times Square stay that it’s possible you'll never leave the iconic premises (with iconic views to match!). Guestrooms come with complimentary wifi, a flat-screen cable TV, mini fridge, luxury toiletries and a hairdryer.

The mood? Scandi homely.
Location perks? Bryant Park and the New York Public Library are less than 1,000 feet away.
Budget range? Mid-range.

Located in a landmark 1905 Beaux Arts building, The Peninsula Hotel somehow makes unwinding in the middle of bustling Midtown possible. After a major revamp, the historic hotel is now equipped with high-tech amenities including bedside music, temperature and lighting control, marble bathrooms with hands-free phones by the tubs, as well as sundeck, spa and rooftop bar—all steps from the Theater District.

The mood? So damn glamorous.
Location perks? It's literally on Fifth Avenue.
Budget range? As luxe as it gets.

As nice as they undeniably are, a lot of the highest-end hotels have the dimensions to match the price tag. Meaning: they are huge. If something a little more intimate is what you crave, try out The Evelyn in NoMad. It’s not tiny by any means, but it’s a boutique hotel for sure. Our favorite thing about it is how it delivers impeccable Art Deco heritage style with a contemporary twist. It has two utter winners for when it comes to refreshment time: One is BRASS, their Jazz Era brasserie with a French-ish menu, and the other is the Tusk Bar, a visually splendid venue offering martinis to die for and big flavour snacks.

The mood? Art Deco for a new era.  
Location perks? Just between Madison Square Park and Bryant Park: two little cubes of greenery.
Budget range? Much cheaper than other five-star joints.

If you're looking for a bit of peace in Manhattan, look no further. The Conrad offers 15 floors of beautifully designed accommodations, with views spanning the Hudson and a lobby that looks like something out of Star Trek. From the moment you walk inside, the chaos of the NYC streets is long forgotten. Take some time to stroll through its vast art collection—some 2,000 pieces—in the atrium, before settling down with a glass of cab sauv at the wine bar. Dinner plans fell through? No worries. Join the onsite restaurant for a cozy evening of tasty delights.

The mood? Modern luxe.
Location perks? Brookfield Place sits across the street from the hotel – ideal for getting some serious NYC shopping done.
Budget range? Mid-range to high-end.

The Kimpton Theta’s ethos is to provide a nice bit of respite away from the mania of the city (while still, you know, being bang in the middle of NYC). There’s a calming palette of neutral tones punctuated with soft terracotta and gentle navy, interrupted with some quirkier design-focused choices on the walls. We love the fun drinks and inventive cicchetti at Bar Sprezzatura, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant. Fun fact: this very glamorous hotel is also super welcoming to babies, dogs and house plants. How charming!

The mood? Contemporary zen.
Location perks? Rediscover your inner kid with a trip to Central Park Zoo (just 14 mins away on foot)
Budget range? Excellent rates to be snapped up here.

A short walk from Central Park and brimming with New York history, this hotel was built in 1926 by William Randolph Hearst and accommodated such guests and residents as The Beatles, Elvis and Cary Grant. The rich history is kept alive through inspirational, neoclassic style including 1930s wall art, fireplaces and marble bathrooms. Sip a cocktail at Randolph's Bar & Lounge or opt for sophisticated dining in the aptly-named Murals at 54 restaurant.

The mood? A refined jewel.
Location perks? The On the Avenue Suites are located on the corner of 54th Street and 6th Avenue, with views of New York City that'll make you feel like you've truly arrived.
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable if you're flexible.

Settling into the stylish SoHo scene couldn't be simpler than with a stay at The Mercer. André Balazs’ stunning downtown hotel neighbors must-visit sites like Little Italy's Mulberry Street and Washington Square Park, not to mention the best shopping the city has to offer. Inside, guests enjoy high ceilings, a plush, designer furniture-lined lobby as well as luxurious toiletries from Face Stockholm. And no visit is complete without dinner and drinks at The Mercer Kitchen—make sure to pick a seat near the windows to take in SoHo’s chic streets while you eat.

The mood? Warehouse loft.
Location perks? If you've got the cash to splash, take advantage of the private exercise trainers, massage therapists and yoga lessons.
Budget range? Spenny.

Pampering begins the moment you check-in at The Quin, which takes up residency in the former grounds of the 1920s Hotel Buckingham. The understated, yet rich decor is equipped with ultra-modern amenities, including blinds that raise when you enter the door, a Bergdorf Goodman personal shopper on speed dial, and the ultra plush Duxiana bed—ensuring you catch plenty of blissful Z’s in the city that never sleeps.

The mood? Designer living.
Location perks? You'll be sandwiched between Carnegie Hall and Central Park.
Budget range? If you're flexible, you can find a relatively affordable room.