The 20 most romantic hotels in NYC

One word: fireplace. Is there anything as romantic as some gently crackling tinder and a bedside bottle of champagne? Not likely, aside from a gigantic circular tub surrounded by disco ball–esque tiling. Yep, Midtown’s Royalton has it all, landing it in the top spot… Not surprising given its dreamy design and sultry lobby.

Mood? As royal as it sounds. 
Location perks? On 44th Street and minutes from Times Square.
Budget range? A great deal.

What could be more romantic than treating someone to the absolute heights of lavishness? The Pierre is a very traditionally classy spot, boasting a magnificent rotunda, gorgeously elegant rooms, and one of the city’s most coveted addresses. Overlooking Central Park (but with its own place in the Big Apple’s skyline), the Pierre has award-winning chefs and, obviously, the full white-glove staff service experience. It’s an ideal home for a particularly sophisticated kind of romantic.

Mood? All the opulence.
Location perks? Across the road from Central Park.
Budget range? Spenny but worth it. 

Situated in the heart of Soho—NYC’s creative hub—this modern hotel is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway with all they need at the drop of a hat—or robe. Decor-wise, think polished wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows complete with city skyline views while amenities include 42-inch SmartTVs, a Nespresso coffee machine, speedy Wi-Fi, and Le Labo toiletries. On-site, there’s Jumpin Jacks for craft coffee to start your day and cocktails at sunset – before heading up to Jimmy, the rooftop lounge, to soak in the outdoor pool with your S.O. in style. 

Mood? Contemporary chic.
Location perks? In the heart of Soho
Budget range? Mid-range

Get out of town (sort of) and experience Williamsburg’s awe-inspiring urban utopia. A breezy concrete behemoth complete with 15,000 square feet of landscaped elevated promenade, world-class dining and drinking by Andrew Carmellini – along with an unreal concierge team that can turn a standard stay into the ultimate romantic escape.

Mood? Next-level design. 
Location perks? Nestled in Brooklyn, with views over the Hudson.
Budget range? On the higher end.

The Soho Grand is a rare breed of hotel that is soaked in heritage and old school luxury but simultaneously feels utterly contemporary and fresh. The rooms and suites are a sophisticated patchwork of twentieth century styles with a very sexy louche attitude (the Penthouse Loft South is especially stunning). The soft-lit glow of the Grand Bar and Salon is perfect for a tete-a-tete, while the Club Rooms sets the scene for an adult version of misbehaving.

Mood? Truly timeless.
Location perks? Experience the absolute buzz of Lower Manhattan.
Budget range? Splash out and remember it for a long time.

This Soho hotel takes the typical dinner-and-a-movie date to the next level: guests can pop into the state-of-the-art screening room on Sundays for dinner, drinks, and a film. The perks aren’t the only thing that helps this British hotel stand out from the pack, either. Instead of the typical monochrome color palette, Crosby Street Hotel incorporates bright colors and funky art pieces throughout the lobby, terrace, and guest rooms for an adorably whimsical look.

Mood? Dreamy design. 
Location perks? Say hello Soho.
Budget range? Pricey as heck.

This hotel knows how to treat its guests, which have included many luminaries—upon check-in, you’ll get a glass of sparkling rosé and a questionnaire that asks for your choice of morning paper and pillow type. If privacy (or a good night of sleep) is important to you, the rooms’ windows and doors are soundproof, though you might still hear the live jazz from The Django downstairs before 10pm. Speaking of which, the Django is a great spot for a night out and its movie theater shows indies, classics and foreign films, makes it the perfect spot for couples looking to “stay in.”

Mood? Lively and comfortable
Location perks? Ancient Aire Baths is nearby
Budget range? On the lower end—rates are cheaper on weekdays

Ian Schrager’s New York EDITION is a treat for each of the senses, particularly given its intoxicating spatial scent courtesy of Le Labo, and design envy-invoking aesthetic; heavy in oak, marble, and other rich accents essential to romantic staycationing or vacationing. Revel in the rainforest shower and follow it up with drinks or dinner at The Clocktower from Jason Atherton on the second floor.

Mood? Sleek aesthetic. 
Location perks? In the heart of the Flatiron District. 
Budget range? Mid-range for NYC.

Before becoming a hotel, this historic Queen Anne building kicked up an enviable cultural fuss. Since its opening in 1881 it has played host to New York's first-ever production of Hamlet, and the short-lived NYC newspaper, The Broadway Journal, was printed (and run into the ground) here by none other than maudlin poet Edgar Allan Poe. If that stellar history isn't enough to wow your beau, then take their breath away in the nine-story, glass-domed Victorian atrium.

Mood? Opulent luxury. 
Location perks? 500m from Brooklyn Bridge – time to explore.
Budget range? Surprisingly well priced.

The Dominick Soho is perfect for anyone looking for a fuss-free stay on one of New York City’s most exciting streets. The rooms are spacious and well-kept. The robes are soft, and the bathroom features both a standing shower and a full tub. Even better? The views are fantastic and the hotel offers a nice mix of amenities, including a spa (some suites even have saunas) and a terrace pool, allowing you to relax or swim seven stories above Soho.

Mood? Trendy
Location perks? It’s within walking distance of many of New York Cities hottest spots and has awesome views.
Budget range? Usually under $1k

Soaked in Art Deco glamour, the Evelyn is a chance to fully immerse yourself (and your other half) in the beauty and decadence of years gone by. The room interiors takes its lead from the hotel’s turn-of-the-century heritage, while also nodding to its Tin Pan Alley jazz roots. Go all out with the pink-tinted (and very fun) NoMad King Suite and make time to visit both the beautiful BRASS restaurant (by two Michelin starred chefs) and the uber romantic Tusk Bar for an artfully made Martini and oysters.

Mood? They don’t do romance like this anymore – only, of course, here they do.
Location perks? Take a hand-in-hand stroll along the High Line.
Budget range? They’re worth it.

Not only does this ultra-secluded oasis boast one of the best spas in the city, but it was formerly co-owned by Robert De Niro's father. Naturally, De Niro Jr now backs the stunning art deco site, so you know quality is guaranteed. Each of the 88 guest rooms are unique and equally well-appointed, much like a skillfully curated box of chocolates. Needless to say, this one’s perfect for lovebirds seeking both privacy and an element of surprise.

Mood? Stunning interiors.
Location perks? Nestled in Lower Manhattan's neighborhood of Tribeca.
Budget range? A luxury price tag, of course.

Not only would it be impressive to take your honey to a hotel that’s hosted luminaries like Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, Dylan Thomas, Iggy Pop and Taylor Swift, it’d be quite a coup to shack up in Hotel Chelsea’s bohemian digs. It has monogrammed sheets, robes, and slippers. The grand, original Victorian staircase is also worth wandering up, lined as it is with art, much of it supplied by one-time residents. Its offbeat spa on the top floor comes complete with a purple tile-lined steam room, treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor balconies with serious city views. Oo la la!

Mood? Bohemian boutique
Location perks? Galleries galore
Budget range? Mid-range

Playful touches like faux fur rugs combine with classic decor, like leather armchairs, in this cosmopolitan hotel on the Lower East Side. Couples might like any of the downtown chic rooms – many boast sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn – but the terraced options are particularly swanky. Your proximity to the trendy bistro Dirty French is just an added bonus.

Mood? Earthy meets vibey. 
Location perks? The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is within easy walking distance. 
Budget range? Decent pricing.

Michelin is known for awarding restaurants with stars but it recently expanded its expertise by awarding hotels with Michelin Keys. The Bowery Hotel in East Village was recently awarded one Key, ranking it as a “Very Special Stay,” and the organization was right. Not only is its decor classy and masculine, but it has breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its rooms are incredibly comfortable, with lots of spaces to sit and relax and you can 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. 

Mood? Hip
Location perks? A short walk from Houston Street, The Bowery Hotel is near tons of shops, restaurants and bars in East Village. 
Budget range? Mid- to high-range

Going to Williamsburg counts as a vacay for Manhattanites, right? At the Wythe, the city’s most photogenic industrial-chic interiors await. It’d be a shame not to stay as a couple if only for the portrait opportunities against soaring factory windows and the endless views beyond, which is only fitting for a hotel built on a foundation of art and beauty.

Mood? A little bit of luxe.
Location perks? In the heart of Brooklyn.
Budget range? Affordable for most budgets.

There’s plenty about this upper midtown Manhattan hotel that will get those romantic feels a’tingling. The place has an orangery where you can indulge in afternoon tea on Wedgewood crockery illustrated with mythical creatures and a whimsical dining room filled with clashing patterns and beautiful art (almost as beautiful as the dishes on the table) perfect for intimate dates. While each of the 86 bedrooms has its own design scheme complete with colourful headboards, floor-to-ceiling windows, a free-standing bath and a King-size bed you won’t want to get out of. 

Mood? Whimsical beauty. 
Location perks? In the thick of the city, just off Fifth Avenue
Budget range? Eye wateringly high-end. 

The boutique Marlton Hotel is set inside a restored historic building, boasting interior design features that give nods to its rich past; you'll come across herringbone wood floors, crown moldings and brass fixtures, along with marble and other classic materials. There are also modern touches running throughout the lobby, rooms and restaurant, as well as the swanky cockail and espresso bar. It's the epitome of old-school New York opulence. 

Mood? Billiard room glam.  
Location perks? In the heart of Greenwich Village, walkable to Washington Square Park. 
Budget range? One of the cheaper options. 

This internationally renowned Manhattan hotel is a popular choice for romantic stays in New York. The Plaza has 'luxury' written all over it, from its flawless service and thoughtful amenities to the chandeliers and 24-carat gold-plated bathroom fixtures. It houses one of the most iconic locations for afternoon tea in the world, along with a Champagne bar and the exclusive Guerlain Spa. 

Mood? Royal-worthy opulence.  
Location perks? On the crossroads of Central Park and 5th Avenue, steps away from world-class shopping. 
Budget range? One for the budgetless travelers. 

If old-money historic NYC is your vibe, Lotte New York Palace on Madison Avenue is just the place. Built during the Gilded Age, its ostentatious grandeur is stunning. The lobby features multiple staircases, two of which lead to the second-floor balcony and its giant pink marble fireplace. Marble statues of Greek goddesses adorn the gold leaf-plated banisters. It should feel almost gaudy, but instead, it feels exciting and luxurious. In addition to its beautiful views of NYC (cue a romantic moment),  this hotel takes every step to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Next to each side of the bed are remotes to control the lighting in the entire room, so you’ll never have to get up to turn off a light. Slippers are laid out by the bed. The bathroom amenities go beyond the usual shampoo, conditioner and lotion, with mouthwash, face wash, toothpaste, a dental kit, a sewing kit, and a shaving kit all at your disposal, and the shower pressure was exactly right. 

Mood? Palacial comfort
Location perks? Near all the midtown landmarks
Budget range? Usually under $1K/night