The 18 best hotels in Midtown, NYC

This is the perfect hotel if you're coming to New York and plan to shop til' you drop. You'll be right on Fifth Avenue so you won't even have to travel too far to drop off your bags. Branded as 'Fifth Avenue's most glamorous address', you'll find 219 guest rooms, including 55 suites and three signature suites, a spa, their indoor pool and a rooftop bar serving beverages with an amazing view of the city. Oh, and don't forget to visit their Clement restaurant which serves up notable American cuisine.

Mood? Regal elegance. 
Budget range? A one-off. 
Time Out tip: From November to March, the Pen Top roof bar transforms into a winter wonderland with with heated igloos. 

Want your hotel to capture the city's reputation of never sleeping? You’ll find it in abundance at the W New York, home to a hip vibe and a vibrant cocktail bar in the Living Room Lounge.  When you've finally rolled out of bed with a cracking hangover, work it off in the fully-equipped 24/7 2,000-square-foot FIT gym.

Mood? Boldly modern – verging on futuristic. 
Budget range? Reasonable for a world-renowned hotel.
Time Out tip: Check out the on-site restaurant Blue Fin if you're a fan of sushi and epic seafood towers. Ideal for a pre or post-theatre meal. 

Overlooking Bryant Park – and just steps away from the New York Public Library and other local landmarks – the Park Terrace Hotel shifts effortlessly from a light-filled, daytime hangout to a chic evening cocktail venue-with-a-view. Wellness is king here, with yoga mats and resistance bands in each room, and a dedicated program of Peloton classes and off-site fitness classes. And when that’s all over, there’s the hotel’s sauna to visit too. We feel healthier just writing about it.

Mood? Contemporary chic. 
Budget range? Fairly standard.
Time Out tip: Bookings include access to the hotel's 6th-floor private members' club, Branch. Drop by for one of their fun weekly events or a crafted cocktail to elevate your evening. 

A slice of Japanese serenity in the midst of Midtown, The Prince Kitano is a neat and spotless but tremendously charming four-star spot. Japanese-style green tea, slippers and dressing gowns are included with each room, as well as bamboo furnishings. And it’s all within super easy reach of Grand Central Station and the Empire State.

Mood? Authentic Japanese flair. 
Budget range? Slightly above average. 
Time Out tip: Their rooftop bar on the 18th floor is a must-visit for cocktails with a view. 

Despite its location and amazing views across the city’s most popular park, you won’t want to leave once you arrive at the Ritz-Carlton’s Central Park hotel. Its luxurious rooms are fit for royalty (which is probably who you will be rubbing shoulders with in the lobby), while the La Prairie spa is one of the best in the city.

Mood? Minimalist and sophisticated. 
Budget range? One for a special occasion. 
Time Out tip: The Contour Bar Room hosts a daily 15-minute happy hour for guests to taste the hotel's iconic self-titled cocktail and take home a recipe card. 

Park Hyatt NYC is where you need to be if you’re looking for luxury and minimalism but with a taste of home too. Located in Manhattan, you’re in the perfect location to be amongst the buzz, with fabs of cool restaurants and bars. You only have to search the hotel on Instagram to see the endless amounts of celebrities who have stayed at Park Hyatt, they love it for its swimming pool, Living Room bar (serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and tapas-style appetizers) and even the spa treatments. A true 5-star hotel that won’t disappoint. 

Mood? Upmarket homey vibes. 
Budget range? The higher end of the spectrum. 
Time Out tip: Be sure to schedule in a spa visit, whether that's for a facial, their signature massage or LED light therapy.  

The Lotte New York Palace is a combines the landmark Villard Mansion with a 55-story tower and suites adorned with over-the-top touches. How 'over-the-top' we hear you ask? Like a complimentary microband ring when guests book the Jewel Suite by Martin Katz. Can’t quite afford a suite? The rest of the neo-Italian Renaissance-style hotel is just as luxurious and offers plenty of opportunities to splash the money you’ve saved on your room, such as drinks in the 25-seat salon called Rarities.

Mood? Dramatically ornate. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 
Time Out tip: Head to the hotel's Gold Room – a favorite of NYC socialites. Revamped classic cocktails and sharing plates are what's in store. 

Once you find out the Rockefellers used to live here, you know the Knickerbocker Hotel is going to be something special. There's a stately air to the place, with calming creams and earthy tones, not to mention the unbeatable views of the city. From its doorstep, it’s possible to explore Times Square, Bryant Park and the buzz of Broadway. It’s fair to say that, when it comes to location and style, you won't find much better than the Knickerbocker.

Mood? Contemporary sleekness. 
Budget range? A fair price for what's on offer. 
Time Out tip: St. Cloud is the dream rooftop bar, with DJs, signature cocktails and small bites to be had against a backdrop of the glowing cityscape.

The Baccarat doesn’t do understated, so stay away if shiny things give you migraines. Expect an exquisitely chic stay where extravagant chandeliers, crystal cut glasses and silk walls feature (yes you read right: silk walls). Even the smallest details are afforded the utmost care and attention, so if you’re looking to experience the world of the one percent, this is the hotel for you.

Mood? Glitzy Parisian. 
Budget range? One for those on a Champagne budget. 
Time Out tip: If you want to experience the artistry of Baccarat's afternoon tea, be sure to book in advance. 

Step inside 1 Hotel Central Park and you could easily mistake it for some hip spot straight out of Brooklyn—there’s an abundance of common workspace, a restaurant by noted New York chef Jonathan Waxman, a 24-hour gym, even access to a Tesla for local rides. But the vibe is never one that’s too-cool-for-school. You’ll feel right at home in the smartly-designed rooms with plenty of natural light, and all without leaving Midtown.

Mood? Simple yet stylish. 
Budget range? Middle of the road. 
Time Out tip: Don't miss award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman's masterful work at Jams, the home of farm-to-fork dining. 

A boutique hotel that really feels ‘boutique’, the Carnegie Hotel is – as the name hints – located a little over 100 metres from the famous hall it shares a name with. The swish Italianate interior design also nods to the musical venue, with lots of playful quirks based around, for example, musical instruments. In short, it’s an efficient, relaxing place to stay that also has a spoonful of fun thrown into the mix. And, of course, even if classical music isn’t your thing, there’s so much else to do in the immediate neighbourhood, including MoMA and Central Park Zoo.

Mood? Playfully themed. 
Budget range? Pretty standard. 
Time Out tip: There's a wine and cheese hour that takes place every night in the lounge area. 

The Plaza, with its famed Eloise story and idyllic location, has been the backdrop to plenty of movies and host of many VIPs. It may now have a lot of competition from other neighboring luxury hotels, but its still a classic, with tourists still flocking here for the afternoon tea, photos ops, and a visit to turn back time in the Palm Court. The rooms show off a classic elegance that fits this iconic New York hotel.

Mood? Classic to its core. The height of luxury. 
Budget range? What you'd expect to pay for such a legendary institution. 
Time Out tip: All suite bookings come with a white glove butler service, if that happens to sway your decision. 

Although it’s a chain hotel, don’t let that put you off staying at The Westin Times Square. Not only is it conveniently located for exploring the rest of the city, but it has also undergone a recent renovation, with perks now including custom-designed terry bathrobes, eco-friendly design, and views of the city that make you feel like you’re in the middle of it all.

Mood? Warm and inviting. 
Budget range? A low-cost option compared to others. 
Time Out tip: The in-house restaurant Foundry Kitchen is one of the finest breakfast spots in Times Square.

Although some boutique hotels might scrimp on space, you won’t have that issue at the Andaz 5th Avenue. Handsomely designed loft-style rooms and ensuite bathrooms are the order of the day and all are within easy reach of shopping on Fifth Avenue or the Bryant Park library across the street. Putting the 'luxury' in 'luxury boutique hotel', this hotel has all the ingredients for a perfect stay.

Mood? Urban cool. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 
Time Out tip: Make friends at the communal tables of the on-site neighborhood bar. 

Although its room rate might appear on the more ‘budget’ end of the spectrum, there are certainly no corners cut when it comes to The Time’s modern design and friendly service. It’s like finding a hipster hotel uptown where you assume all the creatives are staying because of the multimedia artwork adorning the walls and a glass elevator in the middle of the lobby. You’ll find rooms that are minimally decorated yet comfortable. And all just moments from Times Square.

Mood? Slick and atmospheric. 
Budget range? One of the cheap ones. 
Time Out tip: This one's pet friendly!

The Iroquois is a boutique hotel on a stretch of 44th Street filled with clubs, from the Ivy League to the New York Yacht Club, you’ll find The Iroquois in the middle of it all. So stay here, and you won't even have to worry about getting a taxi home at the end of the night. Come home from a long night of dancing to rooms outfitted with soft Frette linens, soundproof windows, and floor-to-ceiling marble in the bathroom.

Mood? Vintage kitsch. 
Budget range? Cheaper than you'd think. 
Time Out tip: Make the most of the overnight shoeshine service. 

Despite its early 20th century façade, The Marmara Park Avenue is the embodiment of a trendy, stylish modern hotel. Each room dazzles with a contemporary touch, from private terraces to airy open spaces. And the best bit? The wine bar, obviously. The Marmara Park Avenue’s bar is reclusive and calm – the perfect spot for relaxing, post-bustle downtime.

Mood? Dynamic and eclectic.
Budget range? In the middle. 
Time Out tip: A trip to rooftop bar Balcon is a sure-fire way to elevate your evening plans.

One of the best parts about staying in a reputable chain hotel is reliability. You know how your loyalty points work, how comfortable the beds feel, and sometimes even the scent. It’s no different at the Grand Hyatt New York located right next to Grand Central Station, which makes it especially convenient. Plus, with just under 1,300 rooms, there will be one that suits your travel plans and budget.

Mood? Stripped-back luxury. 
Budget range? Fairly cheap. 
Time Out tip: They have a market with high-end takeaway food if you need to grab a bite before heading out for the day.