New York hotels: Mid-range hotels

Eight years since its opening, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge continues to redefine hotel sustainability in “the city that never sleeps.” Upon walking in, my partner and I were greeted by an airy, plant-filled lobby with loads of guests and digital nomads working away, and a charismatic set of staff dressed in casual denim from head to toe—both signs that we were in fact, in New York, and steps away from the natural world that keeps us afloat. During our stay, we couldn’t help but notice the little details that reminded us what it means to live sustainably and in tune with our environment. Room keys and interiors made of reclaimed wood, an engraved rock inviting guests to recycle their used clothing, sand timers in the shower, a filtered water system separate from the sinks in every room, a farmstand beside the lobby elevators, even the bridge and park views all served as moments of mindfulness. 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. Zephie and Maria treated us to full-body massages in dimly-lit, modern rooms. The highlight of the experience was when the concierge at the front desk referred to us as “king” and “queen.”  In addition to the co-working space, the first floor also houses The...

It’s a clear marker of New York luxury—proximity to Central Park, that is. Real estate prices tend to grow exponentially the closer you get to that iconic, lush green space, with the park’s southernmost block being fittingly known as Billionaires’ Row. Nestled near that 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.  Taking over the iconic former Le Parker Meridien space on West 56th Street, the Thompson Central Park underwent a major mid-pandemic facelift by architect Thomas Juul-Hansen and designers Stonehill Taylor and officially opened in November 2021. The result is mid-century modern sleekness—this is a Thompson property, after all—throughout both the public spaces and private guestrooms.  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...

If you’re looking for a Gilded Age, old-money historic NYC experience, Lotte New York Palace on Madison Avenue is just the place. Lotte Palace was built during the Gilded Age, 1882 to be exact. The lobby, courtyard and the main hotel building comprise three wings of the Villard Houses, a row of mansions built in the 1880s by McKim, Mead & White (which are New York City-designated landmarks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places) for railroad tycoon Henry Villard. I entered the building through the main lobby, walking through its notorious courtyard, which is immediately recognizable from the over 25 movies and TV shows filmed there. Through the heaviest revolving door I’ve pushed in a while and stepped back in time, surrounded by the type of ostentatious grandeur that isn’t made anymore. 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. Heading down the stairs to check into the towers, I was given a room on the 45th floor. My ears took a second to pop when I got off the elevator, but the annoyance of that feeling quickly lifted when I caught a glimpse of the view out my window. I looked straight out over Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, right towards Rockefeller Center. It’s the type of view that even I, a lifetime New Yorker, was in awe of. The...

Walking out of your room at the Beekman to see its nine-story Victorian pyramidal atrium immediately places you back to the time of authors Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson—who frequented the space when it was an annex for the New York Mercantile Library in the mid 1800s—and newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst, who once had an office in the building.  This architectural gem with eight tiered galleries served as the atrium to one of Manhattan’s very first skyscrapers—Temple Court—when it was built in 1881. Today, you can still see its original cast iron railings and balustrades, gorgeous millwork around its doorways and encaustic tiles featuring reds, browns and golds thanks to its successful restoration in 2016 by Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel Architects. Finally in 2024, the gorgeous atrium was made an interior NYC landmark. The atrium sure is the star of the show at the Beekman, but it’s not the only one. 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. On the ninth floor, my studio suite faced an inner courtyard so the...

  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.  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. I was greeted by the kind bellhops and checked into my room.  The lobby was quiet and comforting—it seemed like the perfect place to get some work done or relax before venturing out for the day. Guests were scattered throughout the space reading, working or talking amongst themselves. The lobby spans four rooms, including two rooms with plenty of spots to sit, a cozy bar with stools and an outdoor terrasse. Attached to the hotel is Gemma, an Italian Trattoria with seasonal dishes, an extensive wine list and a comfortable dining room. I took the dimly lit (and old but well-maintained) elevator up to the 12th floor and walked into my room, which had breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn (I had a perfect view of the newly renovated Domino Sugar factory!) I stayed in the Bowery King room which included a large desk with drawers for clothing, a table and two chairs, a loveseat sofa, a coffee table, a king-size bed with a nightstand on each side and a bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower.  The room was...

If you’re coming for a quick trip to Gotham and are in need of a comfortable place to rest your head for the night look no further than the Executive Le Soleil, right in the heart of Midtown. This quietly tucked away gem is a great choice for the savvy business travel to a couple looking for a romantic staycation. Within steps of the Empire State Building, this boutique hotel carries elegance and charm with contemporary amenities. Suites are appointed with separate living and sleeping areas, while guestrooms are accented in rich fabrics with modern chrome, glass finishes, and Italian marble bathrooms. In-room amenities include a spacious work desk, mini-bar, audio docking station, Keurig coffee maker, and electronic safe. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The property also has a fitness room, business center, laundry and dry cleaning services. But the New Yorker goes to the restaurant: Trademark Taste + Grind. This restaurant has a retro coffee shop, tasty cuisine and creative cocktails all rolled into one. Begin your meal with the burrata + knots appetizer, before you order the chef’s special entree. This entree changes every week, so don’t miss out! Top the meal off with their famous Trademark chocolate chip cookies and an ice cold glass of milk. The most wholesome meal you will have during your stay. That is till breakfast comes around. Time Out Tip: Make you reservations (and make them early!) at Turntable Chicken Jazz. This low key restaurant has...

If you’re looking for a luxurious modern hotel in the heart of NYC look no further than the New York EDITION. Located right across the street from Madison Square Park and steps away from the Flatiron building, the EDITION is situated within the historic Metropolitan Life Insurance building. With such a rich history and an exceptionally traditional New York background, your stay (no matter how short) will leaving a last impression. Cozy and modern are the words that come to mind when entering your room. Furnishings are simplistic, but fill up the entire room. With natural colors (greens, whites, and browns), guests are able to relax quite quickly once getting settled. All rooms are outfitted with Smart TVs, so don’t worry - you are able to pick up right where you left on your Stranger Things binge. Guests are also able to book in-room spa services if you feel like a day of pampering while you work from your hotel room. With everything at your fingertips it’s hard to remember that the vast city of New York is right outside. Some of the best lounges in the world reside in Gotham. So it’s no surprise that one resides in the EDITION. The Lobby Bar, is well known for being one of the few bars with fireplaces (perfect for escaping New York winters) where guests can enjoy decadent cocktails after a full day exploring Manhattan. Wrap yourself in the faux fur blankets through the bar while enjoying the speciality cocktails, with name such as the Stiff Welcome and Your Next Ex. But...

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.  A sense of ease comes naturally here, and that’s helped along by the tasteful décor. The bold colors and polished marble in the Neo Art Deco lobby are eye-catching without being too loud or aggressive. The warm and inviting rooms are full of muted browns and tasteful grays, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sleek design. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of the city, and some include terraces. If you can swing it, it’s worth splurging on the suite themed for the Tony Awards. As the official hotel of the iconic theatrical awards show, the property has created a one-of-a-kind suite with multiple rooms, two bathrooms and the largest private hotel room terrace we’ve ever seen in midtown. There are also rooms themed for specific Broadway shows that are available to book, perfect for any theater lover coming to visit the nearby Great White Way. Room service is offered, but a night spent at Gaby Brasserie Française on the first floor makes for a lovely evening. After indulging in the decadent French cuisine—the Onion Soup...

Every New Yorker fantasizes of a few things when it comes to the perfect apartment; rent controlled and perfect views. Ink48, a Kimpton Hotel, delivers on the perfect views to the T. Located on the edges of Hell’s Kitchen, right on the Hudson River waterfront, you will find views that are to die for. The thing to know about a Kimpton Hotel(s) chain, is that they coined the term “boutique hotel”. They believe personalization and getting to know each of their guests is the key to making a spectacular stay. Specifically at Ink48, the pride themselves on catering to the “bleisure” crowd (business + leisure). Rooms and conference spaces have recently be renovated that allow you to connect and socialize with ease. Guest rooms have been stylized with a New York runway apartment in mind, with large windows that allow you to take in Midtown Manhattan views from the comfort of your King size bed (which you will be melting into). Rooms are designed with a simplistic elegance. White washed walls and earthy tones with pops of color make the rooms stand out with sophistication. When you get the motivation to leave your room, head down to Ink48’s restaurant PRINT. This farm-to-table restaurant has delectable bites that will leave you wanting more. Start off the grilled quail (with fig truffle sauce and sauteed romaine), for your entree the red snapper is what dreams are made of. Served with a butternut squash puree, swiss chard, and toasted pumpkin seeds all bathed in a citrus sauce...

With a name like Knickerbocker, this gorgeously renovated hotel smack dab in the middle of Times Square is inescapably linked with old New York. From the secret entrance in the subway station beneath its lobby to the prominent mansard roof that announces its significance to pedestrians below in Times Square, it doesn’t take long upon arriving to realize that this is a building that has withstood the test of time. But instead of dwelling in the past (It was built in 1906 by John Jacob Astor), The Knickerbocker successfully draws on its history to create a thoroughly modern luxury hotel experience. Staying here doesn’t feel like you’re playacting as a 1920s flapper or playboy, but rather that you’re having the type of vacation F. Scott Fitzgerald would have if he were alive today.  The rooms, tastefully appointed with contemporary furnishings, nevertheless have an unmistakable, beating art deco heart. Squint, and you could be on the set of a Noël Coward play, but modern surprises lay around every corner. Samsung touchpads control the lights and speakers, and a simple switch on the wall raises and lowers the cream-colored blinds. If you have some extra money to splurge, consider booking one of the Tribute Suites on the hotel’s top floors. The high-end accommodations boast unique art, fabulous architecture and breathtaking views of Times Square. It’s New York glamour at its finest. For an elegant, low-key fine dining experience, make a reservation at Charlie Palmer at The...