The 22 best luxury hotels in NYC from Midtown to Time’s Square

Soaring with 36-foot-high ceilings, the large-scale lobby features crushed-velvet sofas, contemporary artworks, and colossal statement chandeliers, as well as two of the hotel’s stellar food-and-drink options: the jazzy all-day lounge Parker’s, which serves up live tunes, a solid Cosmo ($25) and New York-y plates like a Wagyu chopped cheese ($27) and a truffle-sauced “dirty water” dog ($23); and patty “speakeasy” Burger Joint, a Le Parker Meridien leftover that’s been serving one of the city’s most famed hamburgers for the past two decades. (The fine-dining restaurant Indian Accent—which I awarded four stars when it debuted back in 2016—is also located right next door.) Unsurprisingly, the rooms’ swankiness increases the higher up you go: set between floors 26 and 33, the so-called Upper Stories abodes are a decidedly upgraded guest experience, one that I found completely worth it during my stay. 

Mood? Classy and modern

Location perks? Enviably close to Carnegie Hall and MoMA.

Budget range: On the luxe end of the bargain

After my stay here, I can see why it’s been featured in films like First Wives Club, Meet Joe Black and Oceans 8. Opened in 1930, the 41-story hotel with 189 small dog-friendly rooms and 76 apartments was modeled after Versailles by famed architects Schultze and Weaver (who also designed the Waldorf-Astoria) and boasts neo-Georgian accents, checkered marble floors, incredible ballroom spaces with grand staircases and a rotunda with murals hand-painted by American artist Edward Melcarth in 1976—one of the most romantic rooms I’ve seen in NYC.

Mood? Boujie delights.

Location perks? Shopping galore on your doorstep. 

Budget range? Got the credit card ready?

Sitting squarely in one of the city’s most popular areas to visit, this classic hotel entered a new area of excellence after a renovation in 2015. Indulgence comes in all forms: from the opulent lobby to the spectacular in-room views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Catching a show on Broadway? Ask the concierge to arrange a private driver so you can arrive on the Great White Way in style.

Mood? Grand on grand.

Location perks? In the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Budget range? Spenny.

If you're looking for a bit of peace – and space – in Manhattan, look no further. The Conrad offers 15 floors of beautifully designed rooms and suites, 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 on-site restaurant for a cozy evening of tasty delights. Cheers.

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 futuristic W Times Square literally puts luxury at your fingertips with its signature Whatever/Whenever button. One push on your phone is all it takes to be granted anything from late-night food orders (Blue Fin and Dos Caminos are right downstairs) to sunset helicopter rides. And if that wasn't enough, the decor is very rock 'n' roll, with decadent colors and fabrics all over the place, like purple velvet and shiny black leather.

Mood? NYC living.

Location perks? Times Square – need we say anymore?

Budget range? Well-priced for what's on offer.

Despite being sat right in the middle of bustling Midtown West, the Iroquois feels a world away from the manic, flustered outside. Enter its marble lobby and you’ll be transported into the swish 1930s, surrounded by antique grandfather clocks, luxurious dark wood observatories, and piles of leather-bound literary classics. It’s a perfect retreat for recuperation following an exhausting day out in the city – an intimate and plush boutique classic.

Mood? Opulent grandeur. 

Location perks? Walking distance from Times Square, the Iroquois is nestled in Midtown Manhattan.

Budget range? Pretty pricey.

The views from the Mandarin Oriental are, put simply, without equal. The best rooms offer sights out over NYC’s most iconic central attractions, from Central Park and Columbus Circle to the Hudson River and, of course, the skyline itself. The rooms make full use of those views with huge floor-to-ceiling windows – and the inside is pretty swanky, too. Smartly and tastefully decorated, the Mandarin has its own selection of top-tier lounges, restaurants, and bars.

Mood? Living your best life. 

Location perks? Killer river views and a whole lotta luxury to add in for good measure. 

Budget range? Spenny AF.

The Baccarat gets its influence from Paris rather than Manhattan. As soon as you step inside the opulent lobby, you're struck by the extraordinary art collections, Baccarat-crystal decor, pleated silk walls, and overall sophistication. The extravagance continues in the suites: guests can order bottles of Champagne at the press of a button, revel in soft Italian robes, and make use of the exquisite Baccarat crystal stemware. Top off your stay with a visit to Spa De La Mer for a 90-minute 'Miracle Broth' facial to officially enter a state of nirvana.

Mood? Crystal clear luxury.

Location perks? With Baccarat crystals in every room, does location really matter? Okay, if it does, the MOMA is around the corner. 

Budget range? As expensive as you'd expect.

Tucked away on a cozy, tree-lined street in the swanky Upper East Side, The Lowell embraces comfort and relaxation like no other. The 74 guest rooms and suites are reminiscent of apartments, outfitted with cushy sofas, fireplaces, stocked bookshelves, and private terraces. During the fall and winter, take advantage of the fireside package that allows couples to snuggle by a wood-burning fire with a bottle of wine. 

Mood? Indulgent from start to finish. 

Location perks? Walking distance from Central Park. Winning.

Budget range? Suuuuper pricey.

Modern amenities complement the opulent decor and old-world charm of this iconic hotel at the base of Central Park. Here, all that glitters is gold – literally. From chair legs and mirror frames to the bathrooms of each guest room and suite, the details are gilded with 24-carat gold plating. Sip a welcome cocktail at the Rose Club lounge, lobby-adjacent Champagne Bar, or Palm Court for an even more luxurious experience.

Mood? Extravagance at every turn.

Location perks? On Fifth Avenue. It doesn't get better really. 

Budget range? Time to splash the cash. 

As one of the few buildings in Manhattan covered in plants, this eco-friendly hotel is the definition of natural elegance. Each of the 229 guest rooms offsets its rustic decor of reclaimed wood ceilings, potted plants, and English ivy with modern accents like wrought iron and wood chairs, glass showers, and leather headboards. Chef Jonathan Waxman plates authentic farm-to-table fare – what else!? – at on-site Jams restaurant.

Mood? Green goddess vibes.

Location perks? Super central, so much to explore on foot. 

Budget range? Surprisingly good value. 

This darling luxury oasis is just close enough to Times Square to be part of the action but far enough away to maintain the calm, cool and collected atmosphere for which the Langham name is known and revered. It’s just as chic as its London counterpart, and each room has a marble bathroom and floor-to-ceiling windows – perfect for taking the city in fully. Plus, if you get peckish, don’t miss out on chef Michael White’s gourmet French dining at Ai Fiori.

Mood? Heavy on style and elegance.

Location perks? Within the mecca of Fifth Avenue shopping.

Budget range? Pricey.

In 2019 the Viceroy on West 57th had a somewhat European makeover and came out strutting as Le Méridien New York. The decor compliments the building's midcentury architecture, with a nod to the 1960s glamour of the French Riviera. Each of the 240 rooms is decked out in splashes of gold, warm wood paneling and marble bathrooms. There are smart TVs and coffee machines too, but you won't want to spend too much time holed up in your room when the rooftop terrace provides such stellar views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Mood? Inexpensive luxury.

Location perks? The rooftop bar with its NYC skyline to soak up at sundown. 

Budget range? Very affordable for what's on offer. 

The 235 guestrooms in this grand hotel just south of Central Park feature plenty of modern amenities, including an electronic system that allows visitors to control the temperature, lighting, television, and more. Ascend to the spa on the 21st floor to enter a zen-like state: the Himalayan Salt Scrub or aromatherapy massage will wash all your worries away. The earth tones, wooden accents, and lush overall feel don't hurt, either. 

Mood? A real taste of the good life. 

Location perks? Steps away from Fifth Ave, and all it has to offer.

Budget range? An indulgent affair.

Built in 1881, the Beekman was one of the city's first skyscrapers. After a thorough renovation in 2016, the building reopened as a high-end hotel. The breathtaking nine-story Victorian atrium in the Temple Court is nothing short of an architectural treasure – it's worth staying for this reason alone. Although every corner of the property is chock full of historic details and antiques, the addition of contemporary art and surreal motifs keeps the hotel from feeling like a museum.

Mood? Interior dreams.

Location perks? Walking distance from Brooklyn Bridge.

Budget range? Surprisingly well-priced.  

The Ritz-Carlton, New York 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.

Mood? Opulent design. 

Location perks? North of Madison Square Park and a whole lot to explore nearby. 

Budget range? A treat.

Bryant Park Hotel is a slice of classic NYC: a destination for the cosmopolitan traveler with an appreciation for minimalist design and a touch of romanticism. Plus, it’s just steps from the seasonally styled Bryant Park and mere blocks from Times Square, so there’s never a shortage of energy or activity.

Mood? An NYC dream.

Location perks? Close to green space and the spoils of the city.

Budget range? Mid-range.

This iconic five-star establishment has been a firm staple in the very fashionable Manhattan since 1904 and never fails to deliver on all the ritz and glamour you'd expect from any residence on Fifth Avenue. A stay here feels pretty much like a golden ticket – picture elegantly dressed rooms with marble flooring, impeccable upholstery, crystal chandeliers, and stunning city views. After hitting the luxury department stores, it's customary to hang out at the iconic King Cole Bar for an extra dry martini.

Mood? The lap of luxury.

Location perks? A 24-hour butler service, shoe sines, florist shop, and childcare are just a few of the luxury perks you can expect at the St Regis. 

Budget range? We're talking some serious Benjamins. 

Location-wise, this place has it all. Sandwiched in between Times Square and Bryant Park, The Knickerbocker is the perfect base to explore these mean (but like mean in a good way)  streets, while feeling like your own secluded little hideaway from the hustle of the streets below. The decor here can be summarised in about three syllables: modern chic, with interiors consisting of warm neutrals accompanied by mood lighting and cream walls. Stylish yes, but also practical – business travelers can make use of the laptop and mini fridge for cool drinks, midnight cravings, and day-old pizza – hey, no judgment. When it's time to ditch the V-Lookup, you can head up to the rooftop terrace for cocktails and insane skyline views of NYC. For dine-in options, there's Charlie Palmer Lounge which boasts hand-crafted menus and an elegant backdrop. Cozy luxury in the Big Apple. Now that's our kind of stay. 

Mood? Contemporary oasis. 

Location perks? All the benefits of being close to everything minus the chaos. Rockefeller Centre, MoMA, Central Park, and more all on your doorstep. 

Budget range? Not bad for a couple of nights in one of the most happening areas of NYC and stunning rooftop views. 

A fossil’s throw from the American Museum of Natural History, the 124-room Upper West Side property opened in October 2020, bringing with it boutique-style sophistication to the largely residential neighborhood. That luxuriousness starts in the chicly dressed lobby, where you’re greeted by geometric black-and-white tiled floors, a kinetic clock sculpture by Per Emanuelsson and a large marble reception desk manned by an exceedingly attentive staff. 

Mood? Chic but cozy luxury

Location perks? Short walk to Central Park with iconic Upper West Side stops along the way

Budget range: Mid-range

The FiDi Hotel 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. (Though there’s little in the way of seating downstairs, but more on that in a bit.) Designed by the New York-based firm Kroesser + Strat Design, the Stone Street building itself features a multi-colored, Piet Mondrian-inspired glass façade, hinting at the modern sleekness highlighted within. 

Mood? Funky but sleek.

Location perks? Surround by historic New York and an easy walk to The Seaport.

Budget range: low- to mid-range

Not that the boutique hotel has fully turned its back on the neighborhood’s banking bonafides: 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.) Where stockbrokers once met to talk trade and transactions 200 years ago, now stylish travelers gather in the double-height, lobby-level Lounge on Pearl to gab over equally well-dressed oysters and brine-splashed martinis. 

Mood? Plush and lush.

Location perks? The Seaport has a lot to do around the year.

Budget range: High-end