New York: the biggest city in America is both the country's most visited and the site of its most vibrant hotel landscape. Without a doubt, there is a hotel for everyone in the city that never sleeps, but the perfect hotel for you depends on who you are and why you've come. Below, our guide to the best hotels in New York City — and exactly what to consider when choosing among the city's many excellent options.
Explore this Guide
Where to Stay by Neighborhood:
- Near the Landmarks: Best for first-timers, luxury stays by the must-sees.
- Downtown Manhattan: NYC at its most iconic and cool, with the hotels to match.
- Brooklyn: Trendy hotels in neighborhoods across the river.
- The Hideaways: Best for repeat visitors. Extremely unique.
What to Look For:
- Rooftops: This is the country's best skyline. Have a part of it to yourself.
- Special Perks: No one ever accused NYC of too much humility.
- Brand New Spots: Hoteliers need a very compelling reason to add to this scene.
- Splurges: Top-of-the-line resorts with pools and spas, ideal for staycations.
- The Keys: Simply the best of the best, as chosen by MICHELIN Inspectors.
Who You Are:
- Businessperson or dog person?
- Foodie or family?
- In a couple or on a budget?
the best HOTELS BY NEIGHBORHOOD
What's the best area to stay in in New York? Here, hotels reflect their neighborhoods: cool downtown, residential Upper East side and atypical hideaways away from everything.
Near the Landmarks
Even the most jaded New Yorker respects the first-timer’s desire to see the famous greenery of Central Park, bright lights of Times Square and hot ticket shows on Broadway. These hotels, near New York’s most New York landmarks, provide luxe anecdotes to the city’s most touristy neighborhoods.
Top Picks
The Plaza:
The Plaza has been a New York first-timer’s go-to hotel for decades. Opened in 1907, it is a Beaux-Arts landmark at the iconic crossroads of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South: where travelers live out their Eloise fantasies with afternoon tea in the iconic Palm Court, drinks at the Rose Club or shopping in the boutique-filled lower level.
1 Hotel Central Park:
Central Park-adjacent, with a design aesthetic that leaves much of the traditional behind, embracing instead a warmly eco-conscious vibe: every room features reclaimed materials and living green walls, as well as cozy reading nooks with windows over stunning Central Park views.
CIVILIAN Hotel:
The CIVILIAN Hotel provides a genuine delight in Times Square. You enter under bright lights designed to mimic those of a Broadway theater, and the artifacts they’ve managed to collect are remarkable, including some props from Hamilton as well as a series of faithful set-recreations in the form of little dioramas displayed in the bar and restaurant. The bar has one of the largest collections of vermouth in North America.
Downtown Manhattan
When you think of the trendy, cool, walkable Manhattan where neighborhoods change by the block — you're thinking of Downtown. The hotel scene here matches that energy, its crop of boutique hotels swanky and design-forward, riddled with hidden bars, popular clubs and rooms by some of the world's top designers. This is where you'll spot celebrities.
Top Picks
SIXTY LES:
Once you see the rooftop swimming pool of SIXTY LES, bearing the image of Andy Warhol on the base of the pool, you’ll immediately get the vibe of this 137-room hotel in the heart of the bar-and-gallery-strewn Lower East Side. Opened in 2008, the hotel was one of the first hip properties to flick on its lights in this once-gritty, now fashionable downtown neighborhood.
The Mercer:
A favorite spot for visiting celebrities to lay their paparazzi-weary heads at night — as well as too-cool-for-school West Coasters and European tourists. The hyper fashionable Mercer is anchored on the corner of Prince and Mercer Streets in a late 19th-century building originally erected by the Astor family (unofficial royalty of Old New York).
The Bowery Hotel:
One of the first chic and sleek hotels to fling open its doors on the once-derelict, now-fashionable Bowery, this 12-story, 135-room hotel features a comfy couch-and-antique strewn lobby with an enormous fireplace that invites guests to linger — plus a quasi-hidden bar for a quiet cocktail. Rooms are bedecked with Persian rugs, hardwood floors and soft king-size beds.
Brooklyn's Best
Three hotels received MICHELIN Keys in Brooklyn. Each in a distinct neighborhood of the more residential borough across the river from Manhattan, they’re personality-forward and architecturally unique stays that put a premium on public spaces.
Top Picks
Wythe Hotel:
The upscale peak of the industrial aesthetic of north Brooklyn, where former factories and warehouses transform into artist lofts and chic restaurants. Put simply: it’s cool. Expect concrete floors, wood ceilings and brick walls in this former barrel factory, along with fantastic views of either the East River or Brooklyn. The rooftop bar among the most glamorous spots for a drink in the city.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge:
In Dumbo — one of the must-visit neighborhoods for those new to Brooklyn, this hotel is a tenant of the Brooklyn Bridge Park, a gorgeous swatch of green space, basketball courts and little patches of sand on the East River. Step into the lobby and you’re greeted with a wall — no exaggeration — of greenery.
Ace Hotel Brooklyn:
You can’t give the Ace Hotels enough credit for the way they’ve changed hospitality — their original space in Seattle became the city’s living room, and they’ve extended that mission of community and gathering across the world. In downtown Brooklyn, they’ve created another wonderful gathering place, filled with locals, various activations and a focus on Brooklyn art that extends throughout the hotel.
Out of the Spotlight
The hotels that fulfill the needs of New Yorkers themselves: places to escape, or to suggest knowingly to visiting friends and family. For visitors, they are thrilling spots to try after the must-sees have already been ticked off the list. In common parlance, these are the hidden gems of the New York hotel scene.
Top Picks
The Rockaway Hotel:
Steps from what is New York City’s most popular public beach, a luxe spa escape with a heated outdoor pool that stays open year-round — and stays exclusive to guests in summer. Reach it by subway or, even better, by ferry. This is not the spot for Manhattan sight-seers, but it is a perfect addendum to a longer stay in New York — or a lovely respite for anyone on a 24-hour layover from JFK Airport.
Graduate by Hilton New York:
On the island between Manhattan and Queens, best accessed by aerial tramway over the city, the tiny Roosevelt Island isn’t where you’ll find MICHELIN restaurants — or much of a nightlife scene at all, compared to most NYC neighborhoods. It is, however, where you’ll find some of the most staggering views in the city, either level with the water or on the roof.
Henry Norman Hotel: Part of the only hotel group in Greenpoint, a neighborhood just removed from the famously trendy Williamsburg in vibe and location. A favorite for long stays as well as parents visiting their early-20s children scattered throughout the borough.
the best hotels by amenity
Which are the best rooftop hotels in New York? Which have the most outlandish amenities? This section's about the finer things.
The Rooftops
Call it Sky-Town: New York has so many rooftop spaces they may as well constitute their own district. Visit at least one — even if you're not staying the night.
Top Picks
Equinox Hotel New York: One of the world's 20 essential rooftops, a gargantuan, 8,000-square-foot space with all-encompassing views of the Hudson River and a menu with items like yuzu-laced fluke tartar.
Penny Williamsburg:
In Williamsburg, the Penny's rooftop is the indoor/outdoor el Nico, where Mexican food accompanies views of Brooklyn, Queens, and, across the East River, the Manhattan skyline. The glass walls open up to make the space even more airy and refreshing on a warm day.
PUBLIC Hotel:
Set atop the sleek Herzog & de Meuron-designed Public Hotel is The Roof, a chic cocktail bar where DJs spin, yoga classes are held, and the fashionable downtown cool kids go to sip spritzes and slurp tomato soup while the bright lights of the city’s skyline twinkle.
Head here for a guide to 23 of the best hotel rooftops in NYC →
Staycations
Extreme luxury, giant pools and destination spas. These are the top-of-the-line in New York: where high-end travelers stay and where New Yorkers come to pamper themselves.
Top Picks
Aman New York: Welcome to the world of Aman New York. What may be the city's most lavish hotel has its own 25,000-square-foot, three-story wellness sanctuary. Highlights: a swimming pool framed by daybeds, a cryotherapy chamber, a garden terrace and high-end Italian and Japanese restaurants.
The William Vale: The only urban resort of this quality in Brooklyn, skyline views shine from virtually every vantage point. But the hotel’s standout is its dramatic 60-foot rooftop pool — the longest outdoor hotel swimming pool in the city — perched above the neighborhood on a landscaped terrace with private cabanas and dedicated food service.
The Greenwich Hotel: An intimate Tribeca escape with One MICHELIN Key and a lush courtyard, the vibe is more like a friend's luxe apartment than a hotel room. In the public spaces, enjoy the lantern-lit swimming pool beneath a 250-year-old reconstructed Japanese farmhouse roof, the spa, and the restaurant by acclaimed Chef Andrew Carmellini.
Special Perks
This isn’t about the coffee maker or the ironing board. At New York’s most luxurious hotels, amenities range from butlers to private chartered sailboats.
Top Picks
The Mark Hotel: The lavish amenities at The Mark — ensconced in its landmark 1927 building but as trendy as any hotel in the city — epitomize Upper East Side sophistication: personal shopping services at Bergdorf Goodman, custom-designed bicycles and signature striped pedicabs, and even a sailboat available for private charter and ticketed experiences.
Crosby Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels: The Three-Key Crosby Street Hotel has no shortage of perks. One highlight: exclusive access to a private sculpture garden in the backyard, with works by artists also represented in the city's top museums — a rare amenity in New York's busy SoHo. Also worth noting: the sophisticated drawing room (for guests only) and an intimate screening room for private film viewing.
Arlo Midtown: At the high-tech Arlo Midtown, guests enter their rooms to find a more old-fashioned delight: fortune cookies on their beds. Inside are potential treasures, including the occasional complimentary night for the luckiest guest.
The Newest Additions
Whether it’s been built to fill a gap in an underappreciated neighborhood or to stake a claim to a new kind of hospitality, the energy of a brand-new hotel is always worth a look here.
Top Picks
The Twenty Two New York: With its addition in 2024, the hotel scene gained the rare luxury boutique this near to Union Square, making it an attractive choice for business travelers commuting to nearly any area of Manhattan — that is, if they're looking for more than a hint of glamor and social life to return to after hours.
The Manner Soho: New to the city as of fall 2024, the 97-room Manner in Soho is the little sister to achingly hip Standard High Line and Standard East Village. Similarly aimed at the hip, the artsy and the young, guests exploring the energetic Soho neighborhood should make sure to come back to mingle amidst complimentary wine and bites at the early-evening happy hour in the guest-only lounge.
Warren Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels: Hotel aficionados will know the Firmdale Group, a collection of hotels designed in the quirky genius of their cofounder, Kit Kemp. In 2024 they opened the Warren Street Hotel, as brightly colored and eccentrically delightful as its forerunners — another self-contained world of welcoming and majestic spaces in one of the world's most celebrated neighborhoods.
The Keys
Every hotel in our selection is chosen by Inspectors for its impeccable quality. The Keys are the hotel equivalent of the Star for restaurants, distinguishing the best of the best. New York City is home to dozens of Key hotels, including several Three-Keys, the highest hotel honor in the MICHELIN Guide.
Top Picks
The Lowell: A One-Key on the Upper East Side and a block from Central Park, the clientele are usually repeat or VIP guests, who appreciate the under-the-radar vibe and incredible respect for privacy. Many of the staff has been here two decades, and the homey feeling that creates extends to the amenities — working fireplaces in the rooms, a club room for guests, cocktail lounge, restaurant and gorgeous garden.
The Beekman: With perhaps the most impressive lobby of any hotel in New York, this One-Key in the Financial District makes an immediate impression as an obvious architectural gem. Luxe amenities soon follow, from the in-house town car to the in-house restaurants, from super chefs Tom Collicchio and Daniel Boulud.
The Hotel Chelsea: The New York landmark and one-time home to dozens of the city’s most famous residents, including Arthur Miller and Bob Dylan, has been reinvented as an upscale yet still grounded gem. Nods to history abound, while the Lobby Bar and other spots on-site are decidedly of the moment.
the best HOTELS BY traveler type
What's the best hotel for businesspeople? For dog people? For foodies? There's no shortage in every category in the New York hotel scene.
Business Travel
There's no strict definition of a "business hotel" — but we know it when we see it. In New York, the hotels that attract businesspeople are often those in the Financial District or Midtown with ample workspaces.
Top Picks
Pendry Manhattan West: Near Hudson Yards, plant yourself in the Garden Room — a cafe that doubles as co-working space — during the day to tap away at your keyboard and then come back in the evening for drinks with clients. This Two-MICHELIN-Key property features 6,000 square feet of meetings and conference space with high-tech amenities, while the massive gym has Peloton bikes and other state-of-the-art equipment.
Wall Street Hotel: Within walking distance of Wall Street’s closing bell, with a 15th-floor rooftop bar by MICHELIN-starred chef John Fraser, a 24-hour gym with Peloton bikes, and 6,500 square feet of meeting and event space. If you want to get some work done, the spacious, comfortable lobby is perfect for catching up on emails or filling out a spreadsheet.
Conrad New York Downtown: Within walking distance of One World Trade, an all-suite hotel with spacious rooms — the smallest is at 430 square feet — that feature spacious desk areas, in-suite water filtration systems, two TVs, blackout curtains and a seating area with a sofa. After a work, head to the wellness center for an infrared sauna, or get an IV nutrient therapy if you need serious revitalization.
Dog Friendly
In one of the most dog-obsessed cities in the world, hotels follow suit with services like chef-prepared doggie meals. Dogs aren’t just allowed in these hotels, they’re treated like guests.
Top Picks
Soho Grand Hotel: The Soho Grand elevates the canine experience with its standout private dog park, a rare urban sanctuary that’s only accessible with your room key. Four-legged guests also receive complimentary biscuits at the bar area, which allows them to socialize alongside their people.
Park Hyatt New York: When you check in with a dog at Park Hyatt New York in Midtown West, the hotel provides a branded dog bed and specialty treats. The front desk places a water bowl in your room upon arrival, and there's even a curated, in-room doggy menu that features entrées like chicken and rice and desserts like berries, banana and cream.
Refinery Hotel New York: Located in the heart of Midtown, The Refinery Hotel welcomes canine guests with zero fees and thoughtful amenities — pet beds, bowls, toys and treats — that cater to their comfort and needs, ensuring your four-legged friend feels right at home. Nearby Bryant Park will become your go-to on walks, and the hotel welcomes you to keep your (well-secured) pal in the room when you have to run out alone.
The Best Restaurants
This one's simple. There are four MICHELIN hotels in New York City with an on-site MICHELIN restaurant.
Top Picks
11 Howard: Among our most booked hotels in 2024, 11 Howard embodies today's upscale SoHo. Here, contemporary Scandinavian design meets a formidable local art collection, and rooms draw heavily on the cozier currents of Danish design for a highly memorable look. The restaurant, Le Coucou, sports a MICHELIN Star.
The Langham: To call this one of Manhattan’s more storied neighborhoods would be an understatement — that’s the classic old Tiffany building just across the avenue — but The Langham more than lives up to the setting. Ai Fiori, the MICHELIN-selected restaurant, does too.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel: In a building by the original Penn Station architects: fantastically colorful and ornate rooms and suites, rich with detail and full of high-end comforts, and Café Carmellini — the famous chef's Mediterranean spot with an open kitchen and curved sapphire-blue velvet booths.
Family Friendly
Here for a family trip? Families in particular appreciate hotels near the landmarks in Manhattan, a splurge-worthy hotel (for their larger suites and great swimming pools), and many of the hotels in New York's more undiscovered corners — or, get in touch with our customer service team for information about double or adjoining rooms at any hotel in our selection.
Top Picks
The Carlyle: Among the most iconic, and most old New York, of any hotel in the city, the Carlyle feels upper class and sophisticated. And yet, it's also in the more residential-feeling Upper East Side, and kids are meant to feel just as at home, with babysitting services, kids' menus and cribs, baby monitors and child-sized slippers at the ready.
The Whitby: A luxury hotel with the warmth and coziness of English hospitality in Midtown, plus one of the city's great afternoon teas, a location near Central Park, and spacious suites and interconnecting room options.
The Peninsula: Walking distance from Broadway shows or Central Park, this One-Key standout behind a century-old Beaux Arts façade on Fifth Avenue comes with a top-floor pool, its own kids club and many different room types that include two-bedroom suites and connecting rooms.
Couples
We don’t believe there are any hotels in New York that aren’t great for couples. The hotels of Downtown have a built-in romance that comes with the energy of the city. The many, many rooftops at New York’s top hotels often make for a great date night. Or head to a hotel with a MICHELIN restaurant and surprise your partner with a hard-to-get reservation.
Top Picks
Casa Cipriani: Perhaps the ultimate special occasion hotel, a splurge on Three-Key Casa Cipriani gets you something akin to Venice in Manhattan, the inarguably beautiful, water-side architecture filled with rooms of Italian luxury design. Fill days together in a high-end, private world with spa, club, terrace, fancy bars and a jazz café.
Hotel Barriere Fouquet's New York: The ambience is Paris in Tribeca, with Art Deco-inspired interiors and a charming location on the cobblestone streets of one of Manhattan's most iconic neighborhoods. Couples play at local life in their charming pied-à-terre, and date nights in the candlelit speakeasy should feel like 1920s Paris.
Nine Orchard: In one of the city's hippest unofficial neighborhoods, an upscale gem of a hotel, perfect for any couple here to soak in hectic Downtown energy and return to a place both elevated and historic. Rooms are soothing temples of Mid-Century Modern design, and the ground-floor cocktail bar, the Swan Room, boasts well-executed libations under soaring marble ceilings.
Affordable
The best most affordable hotels in New York make creative use of their small spaces, while keeping the public ones vibrant and appealing. We'll always call out places like Arlo NoMad, MADE Hotel and the Hoxton Williamsburg for their great use of space in locations where the price-per-footage is as high as anywhere in the world.
Top Picks
MADE Hotel: A great lifestyle hotel just removed from Midtown, the MADE makes use of every nook and cranny: on the roof is Good Behavior, a cozy place to hang out during the day and a great one for cocktails at night. The lobby, something of a workspace for creatives, is a neighborhood coffee shop. There's a lobby bar, a patio just for guests and a Spanish restaurant. So you won't need to spend much time in your room, which is perfectly cozy and full of creative storage solutions like under-bed drawers.
Arlo NoMad: New York real estate prices being what they are, you can see why a spacious hotel room can easily run you a month’s rent back home. The flip side of this rule is that an affordable room is often laughably small. The Arlo NoMad, however, goes a long way toward solving the equation — through a combination of clever, compact layouts and the plentiful sunlight afforded by the full-length windows of a brand-new hotel building, its rooms manage to feel livable rather than laughable, in spite of their modest square footage.
The Hoxton, Williamsburg: Hotels in Brooklyn are often more affordable than Manhattan's, but the surroundings of the Hoxton — in super-cool Williamsburg — sacrifice nothing in terms of vibe. Like its sister hotels around the world, The Hoxton, Williamsburg is all about its vibrant public spaces and room categories that tell you exactly what you'll get (here, they start at "cosy"). But unlike most Hoxtons, or any hotel, truly, this one sports a MICHELIN-selected restaurant in Laser Wolf.
Hero Image: The Mandarin Oriental New York, high above New York's Colombus Circle.
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