Nowhere is quite like New York; the city that never sleeps is brimming with Michelin-starred restaurants, world-renowned galleries and, crucially, an assortment of hotels that can hold their own among the very best in the world.
While it’s easy to get lost in planning an action-packed itinerary for your trip, it’s also essential to find somewhere comfortable to rest your head after a long day exploring. With so many hotels cropping up in the city, it can be tricky choosing where to stay. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in New York. From historic properties to the cool new kids on the block, each entry on our list promises killer views, gourmet food, and, most important of all – a touch of luxury.
[See also: The NYC Hotels with the Best Views of the City]
Aman New York
Aman’s highly anticipated New York outpost opened in 2022 – the brand’s first urban retreat in North America. Set within the iconic Beaux-Arts Crown Building, former home of the Museum of Modern Art, it’s located on the roaring crossroads of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street overlooking Central Park.
As those who have stayed at an Aman outpost will expect, the interiors are muted and minimalist. By New York standards, the accomodations are enormous – rooms at the all-suite property start at an impressive 718 sq ft. Revered designer Jean-Michel Gathy was brought in for the project; each suite is an oasis of calm with cozy fireplaces, contemporary furnishings and open-plan stone bathrooms.
The hotel is home to a sprawling spa (this is Aman, after all), a subterranean Jazz Club, and an alfresco garden terrace. There are also two restaurants: Arva, which serves rustic Italian dishes, and Nama – a gourmet Japanese eatery with a menu centered around the tradition of washoku dining.
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Top Suite: Aman Suite
Located up on the corners of floors 11 and 12, the Aman Suites are the hotel’s biggest one-bedroom accommodations (they can also be connected to a Junior Suite for even more space). More akin to a stylish New York apartment than a hotel room, the Aman Suites feature a dedicated office, oversized living area and separate dressing space complete with walk-in wardrobes. The bathrooms also deserve a mention; expect gorgeous free-standing oval tubs and sizable steam showers.
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The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
Since welcoming its first guests in the 1930s, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel has been a favored haunt among the rich and famous. Situated on the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street, just a short stroll from Central Park, the Art Deco tower remains one of New York City’s hottest addresses.
In 2021, Rosewood unveiled the results of a dramatic three-year renovation. The luxury hospitality brand brought in renowned designer Tony Chi to breathe new life into the hotel’s 155 guest rooms and suites (expect equal parts comfort and glamour with subtle nods to Manhattan’s pre-war era).
During the renovation, a gleaming new fine dining restaurant, Dowling’s, was introduced named after Robert Whittle Dowling – the former owner of The Carlyle who was integral to transforming it into the storied establishment it is today. The vibrant menu is filled with modern takes on classic American dishes (and there’s plenty of tableside theatrics, too).
Top Suite: The Presidential Suite
The aptly named Presidential Suite spans the entire 26th floor of The Carlyle and is reached via its own private elevator. With its gold-leaf adorned entrance hall and Venetian plaster walls, it’s truly one of a kind. Featuring three bedrooms and four full bathrooms there is space for the entire family; the expansive living room is ideal for entertaining. As for the views, floor-to-ceiling windows reveal sweeping vistas of Central Park, Midtown and beyond. It doesn’t get much better than this.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad caused quite a stir when it welcomed its first guests in 2022, quickly cementing its reputation as one of the city’s best hotels. Set within a towering skyscraper on Broadway and 28th Street, its location is enviable; the Flat Iron, Empire State Building and Madison Square Park are all within walking distance.
Celebrated Spanish-born chef José Andrés helms two distinct dining venues: Zaytinya, serving a mezze-focused menu inspired by the cuisines of Turkey, Greece and Lebanon; and The Bazaar, where Andrés blends Japanese and Spanish culinary traditions with spectacular results.
The hotel is also home to a sleek rooftop bar, Nubelez, and a subterranean spa offering luxury facials and treatments from Augustinus Bader, Dr. Dennis Gross and ESPA. We love the sound of the Rose Quartz Remedy – a full body exfoliation, body and scalp massage with soothing frangipani and geranium oils.
Top Suite: Executive Penthouse
Spanning 1,850 sq ft, the Executive Penthouse is the most exclusive abode at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. The two-bedroom suite boasts breathtaking views of the city skyline and a full kitchen with a glossy marble bar.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Enviably located right on the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park, the views at this eco-friendly retreat are hard to beat. Gwyneth Paltrow is among the hotel’s star-studded clientele – if it’s good enough for the Goop founder, it’s good enough for us.
Interiors are breezy and laid-back with an industrial vibe; expect lashings of reclaimed wood, natural stone and lush green plants springing from every corner. The hotel has made impressive efforts to minimize its impact on the environment from utilizing energy-efficient heating and lighting systems to installing a rainwater collection tank that sends water down to irrigate the park.
When it comes to dining, guests are in for a real treat. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge uses the highest quality ingredients (locally sourced where possible); The Osprey is the main farm-to-fork eatery where chef Dan Churchill has crafted a vibrant, plant-focused menu that reflects his Australian heritage.
Top Suite: River House
Spanning 2,000 sq ft, the River House can comfortably sleep four guests. The best place to soak up the views of Brooklyn Bridge is from the comfy hammock with a glass of wine. Thoughtful touches abound from the carved stone soaking tub to the curated mini-bar with house-made cocktails. Bliss.
[See also: The Most Festive Hotels for Christmas in New York]
Lotte New York Palace
Our list of the Big Apple’s best hotels would not be complete without mentioning Lotte New York Palace. Situated on Madison Avenue at the corner of 50th Street, you might recognize the historic hotel as one of the exclusive hangout spots frequented by the characters of Gossip Girl. It remains a popular spot with the rich and famous; Whitney Houston and Barack Obama have both stayed here.
The hotel is home to the first ila Only Spa in the US – a tranquil oasis where guests can escape the bustle of the city for a soothing treatment or take a yoga class in the studio. There’s also a fitness center with personal trainers available for private sessions.
Breakfast is served in the lavish Villard Restaurant, while the gilded Gold Room serves cocktails and light bites in the evenings (think oysters, cheese boards and moreish truffle fries).
Top Suite: The Jewel Suite
Our favorite accommodation is the Jewel Suite. Found up on the 20th floor, the one-of-a-kind suite was designed by renowned jeweler Martin Katz and is adorned with wonderfully extravagant details like the two-story cascading crystal chandelier. If it’s opulence you’re after, this one’s for you.
Park Hyatt New York
This sleek hotel is set within a dazzling skyscraper across the street from Carnegie Hall in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood. The rooms are elegant and pared back; many boast jaw-dropping views of the skyline. Evenings can be whiled away at The Living Room – a lovely spot for enjoying a glass of wine and tapas-style sharing plates that feels more akin to an upscale NYC apartment than a restaurant.
Best of all, though, is the hotel’s expansive wellness offering. Up on the 20th floor lies Spa Nalai – a 13,000-sq-ft sanctuary complete with a saltwater lap pool, whirlpool and eucalyptus steam room. Treatments span everything from collagen-boosting LED Light Therapy facials to calming hot stone massages.
Top Suite: Royal Suite
The light-filled Royal Suite benefits from gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows revealing sweeping views across Central Park and the city. We love the expansive living room, too.
St. Regis New York
A heavyweight of the New York hotel scene, the St. Regis opened its doors back in 1904 and quickly became one of the most glamorous haunts in the city. Located in Midtown Manhattan, a block from The Museum of Modern Art, it’s the perfect base for exploring (Central Park is a five-minute walk).
Famed for its signature butler service, you’ll be well taken care of at the St. Regis. The décor is timeless and elegant; we adore the collection of signature suites, each impeccably designed and entirely unique.
A quick note: Be aware the hotel’s lobby and dining outlets are currently undergoing a revamp, slated for completion in August 2024. During this time private dining will be available in all guest rooms.
Top Suite: Presidential Suite
The most extravagant abode of all is the Presidential Suite. Spanning 3,000 sq ft, the two-bedroom suite features a sizable bathroom complete with a whirlpool tub, plus a separate kitchen, office, dining and living room (it can also be connected to adjoining suites if you need even more space).
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
One of the coolest newcomers to set up shop in NYC is The Fifth Avenue Hotel. Situated (you guessed it) at the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 28th Street in the heart of Manhattan, the stylish hotel comprises The Mansion – a late 18th-century landmark that once hosted raucous society parties – and a new 24-story glass tower.
The celebrated Martin Brudnizki Design Studio was brought in to give the interiors a stylish overhaul; expect classic details, vintage furnishings and an eclectic collection of art peppered throughout the hotel’s 153 guestrooms and suites.
Striving to become a culinary hotspot, The Fifth Avenue Hotel is home to an array of dining offerings helmed by Andrew Carmellini (the revered American chef behind Locanda Verde and Carne Mere). The hotel’s signature restaurant is Café Carmellini where the eponymous chef has crafted a vibrant menu that effortlessly blends French and Italian flavors. After dinner, head to the wood-paneled Portrait Bar for a nightcap in front of the roaring fire.
Top Suite: The Flaneur Suite
The penthouse suite is a picture of refined elegance in shades of blue and green. Best feature? The palatial terrace with killer views of the New York skyline, of course.
Baccarat Hotel New York
If it’s glitz and glamour you’re after, it has to be Bacarrat. The crystal maker opened its New York hotel back in 2015, filling each of the rooms with dazzling glassware, chandeliers and fresh red roses.
French designers Gilles and Boissier went all out on the décor; interiors are striking and stylish in shades of cream, crimson and black (the enormous marble bathrooms are particularly noteworthy).
The hotel is home to the first dedicated spa in the US by celeb-favorite skincare brand La Mer – the Red Carpet Facial will leave you with a dewy glow ready for a night on the town. It’s also well worth booking a table at The Grand Salon to sample culinary delight from Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuther, before stopping for a nightcap in the opulent bar.
Top Suite: Baccarat Suite
For pure luxury, book the Baccarat Suite. Reminiscent of a Parisian apartment, thoughtful touches abound from the soft Italian robes to the Baccarat crystal stemware.
The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza has certainly earned its place on our list of the very best hotels in New York City. Opened in 1907, it didn’t take long for the landmark property to cement its status as the place to stay in the Big Apple.
Sitting right on Central Park South, the location alone is unbeatable. Over the years, The Plaza has welcomed a slew of famous faces – Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon are among its notable guests – and become a celebrated movie location (much of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was shot in one of the Central Park Suites).
The prestigious address is home to a Guerlain Spa, fitness center and pop-up designer clothes boutique. Our favorite spot, however, is the gilded Champagne Bar where you’ll find a selection of the finest caviar and fizz (the room itself is rather spectacular, too). In 2015, revered architect Thierry Despont breathed new life into The Palm Court – The Plaza’s signature restaurant – filling the space with ceiling-high palm trees, potted plants and custom furnishings; it’s an Instagram-worthy setting to while away an evening.
Top Suite: Royal Suite
If you really want to pull out all the stops, consider booking the Royal Suite. Quite literally fit for royalty, the palatial three-bedroom abode is accessed via a private elevator and features a stately living room complete with a grand piano.
The Peninsula New York
Another revered property vying for the top spot on our list is The Peninsula. Nestled among Fifth Avenue’s designer boutiques, a short stroll from Central Park and The Museum of Modern Art, this lavish hotel is ideally situated for immersing yourself in New York’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Beaux-Arts façade and regal lobby set the tone. Once inside, you’re whisked into a world of old-school glamour (with modern touches to ensure the utmost comfort).
There’s an array of cozy dining and drinking establishments at The Pensinula; the sultry Gotham Lounge is a lovely spot for cocktails while Clement Restaurant is renowned for its weekend brunch (you can’t go wrong with the decadent truffle egg omelet).
Top Suite: Peninsula Suite
Dotted with unique artworks and bespoke furnishings, this New York pied-à-terre spans 3,000 sq ft. The suite comes with round-trip airport transfers in The Peninsula’s bespoke BMW 7-series for a suitably exclusive arrival.
The Langham
Last but by no means least on our list of the best hotels in New York is The Langham. Situated within a modern skyscraper between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, it’s one of the most stylish spots in the city.
The hotel is dotted with colorful artworks by American artist Alex Katz (look out for his striking paintings in the lobby). Accommodations are exceptionally spacious by New York standards; entry-level superior rooms start at a generous 420 sq ft.
But the real draw at The Langham is arguably the gourmet Italian restaurant – Al Fiori – and elegant cocktail bar where you can while away an evening with cocktails and small plates (you’ll almost forget the bustling Fifth Avenue location).
Top Suite: Empire State Penthouse Suite
The Langham brought in acclaimed French retailer Roche Bobois to design this one-of-a-kind suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interiors in natural light and reveal sweeping views of the Empire State Building. We adore the enormous marble bathroom, too.
[See also: The Best Restaurants in New York]
