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New York, New York. There’s something to be said for a “city that never sleeps.” We all grew up watching that big apple drop on New Year’s Eve, but what is it like to be there in person?
From Broadway to Times Square to Central Park and all the neighborhoods in between, the city is filled with restaurants, shops, art, and culture. There is something for everyone to do every moment of the day in New York.
We’ll show you the 15 absolute best hotels in New York City, why we love each one, a few of their amenities, the location and average price per night, and why they made our “best of” list.
Why You Should Visit New York City
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The “Big Apple” is a place that everyone should experience at least once. That being said, cities can be overwhelming, not to mention trying to decide where to stay. Being in the heart of New York will make it easier to visit multiple areas in less time.
You’ll have transportation, food, and entertainment at your fingertips. There are many hotels to choose from whether you are looking for something right in Times Square or on the streets of Greenwich Village.
You will find unique, boutique-style hotels available for all budgets along with your well-known tried and true brands. Here is a list of 15 top-rated hotels for the budget, mid-range, and luxury traveler to help make your travel planning less daunting.
The Best Luxury Hotels in New York City
On the hunt for the best of the best? Here are the top luxury hotels in New York City.
1. The Sherry Netherland
- Location: 5th Avenue Manhattan
- Average Price: $729
When it comes to luxury and location, The Sherry Netherland is your spot. It is located on the Upper East Side near Central Park and is surrounded by world-famous attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Philharmonic.
With restaurants and shopping at your fingertips, matched with the exquisite service of the hotel, you’ll be sure to fill your days with little effort. The Sherry is classic for its exquisite art and furnishings. Each room is unique from the next.
You can enjoy fresh chocolates and flowers in your room daily and a fitness center in case you didn’t get your steps in perusing the shops on Fifth Avenue. The Sherry Netherland accommodates your furry friends if your pet is traveling with you.
Guests receive a discount at the bustling Venetian restaurant in the hotel, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. If you need a quick touch-up before dinner, stop into the salon and barbershop on-site. Room service and a valet are also available for your convenience.
2. Casa Cipriani New York
- Location: Wall Street, Financial District
- Average Price: $2995
This 5-star luxury hotel is in Lower Manhattan, right on the banks of the East River. You can enjoy incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty right from the hotel. The September 11th Memorial is also close-by.
The Club Restaurant and Bar offer views of the river and the city and boast an outdoor dining patio. I recommend taking in a nightcap while listening to live music at the Jazz Cafe located on-site. These are only two of seven restaurants available for dining at Casa Cipriani.
After a long day in the city, treat yourself to a massage or rejuvenate your body with hot and cold water therapy in the hammam or sauna located in the spa. A fitness center is also available for guests.
3. Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards New York City
- Location: Hudson Yards, New York City
- Average Price: $1,675
Voted by Town and Country as one of the best new hotels in the world in 2020, this urban oasis offers unmatched luxury. Recharge at the full-service spa or relax in the rooftop pool with outstanding views of the city and the Hudson River.
If you need exercise, take some laps in the indoor saltwater pool or go cycling at the outdoor gym. Personal training sessions are also available. Unique shops and art galleries are plentiful in the Hudson Yards neighborhood.
Are you looking for something different? Go visit the Edge, the city’s highest Skydeck, or walk along with the elevated gardens of the Highline. Contactless visits are easily made possible at The Equinox and can be planned to ensure an easy and safe experience.
4. The Bowery Hotel
- Location: East Village, New York City
- Average Price: $755
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time inside the doors of this warm, luxurious, and historic boutique hotel. Every room has large floor-to-ceiling windows to view the bustling city streets outside.
The lobby bar and Gemma, the Italian restaurant on-site, offer drinks and food in a comforting yet exceptional ambiance. Explore the East Village via bike with complimentary bicycle rental and a guide to the shops, restaurants, and theaters.
Several museums and galleries are also nearby. We recommend you take in a performance at the famous Orpheum Theater or some live music at the Mercury Lounge. The Bowery Hotel offers babysitting services, in-room personal training or massage, laundry service, and a 24-hour concierge.
5. The Greenwich Hotel
- Location: Tribeca, New York City
- Average Price: $1,100
The Greenwich Hotel is a classy and cozy boutique hotel with eighty-eight individually designed rooms in the heart of one of the most popular neighborhoods.
The hotel offers an outdoor dining option, the open-air courtyard, which is like a secret garden within the city where guests can dine or relax with a cocktail. You can also take your meals inside and dine in the Drawing Room.
Both locations serve food from Locanda Verde, the main restaurant in the hotel serving urban Italian food in a casual atmosphere.
The Shibui Spa is a full-service Japanese-inspired spa complete with steam and rain-showers, a heated pool, and soaking tubs. Rejuvenate yourself with a massage or facial.
The Best Mid-Range Hotels in New York City
Still want a luxury experience but don’t want to break the bank? Then these mid-range options are for you.
1. The Wallace Hotel
- Location: Upper West Side
- Average Price: $570
This 5-star hotel offers gorgeous modern rooms and suites with fantastic city views. The impeccable service, great location, and modern tech amenities set this hotel apart.
Less than 2 miles from the Guggenheim, The Met, The Moma, and Columbia University, the hotel sits in an area of Manhattan full of action and entertainment. Critically acclaimed restaurants are just minutes from the door, along with the Lincoln Center and Central Park.
La Guardia airport is only six miles away. There is no restaurant on-site, but in-room dining is available and the front desk is open 24 hours.
A cocktail lounge is in the works and should be opening soon. Guests rave about the welcoming service at The Wallace, along with the cleanliness, the spacious rooms, and the location.
2. Iroquois New York Times Square
- Location: Midtown Manhattan, New York City
- Average Price: $445
Located just minutes from Times Square, Bryant Park, and the Theater District, The Iroquois hotel will allow for a classy place to retreat after enjoying your daily cultural excursions. This award-winning hotel offers high-end service in a boutique and quiet setting.
This historic hotel has been hosting guests since the early 1900s and continues to maintain its exceptional reputation. Turndown service, plush robes, marble baths, and complimentary shoe-shine service are just a few amenities that give the Iroquois its historic class.
The Lantern’s Keep offers light bites and designer cocktails in a speakeasy setting. A fitness center, in-room dining, and pet-friendly rooms are available. A complimentary guided walking tour is available for guests to explore the many bustling neighborhoods of Manhattan.
3. C Seaport
- Location: Wall Street, Financial District, New York City
- Average Price: $450
Mr. C Seaport is a contemporary boutique hotel located in the city’s historic South Street Seaport. This hotel offers bright and refreshing rooms with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the New York Skyline.
Dine indoors or out at Bellini, which offers rustic Italian fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This property is kid-friendly with extra-special amenities to keep the little ones happy. There is a fitness center on-site.
You can visit Governor’s Island, the Seaport Museum, or walk to Ground Zero. Battery Park is about 13 minutes away via subway. There, you can catch the Statue of Liberty Ferry.
4. The Library Hotel by Hotel Library Collection
- Location: Murray Hill, New York City
- Average Price: 395
Calling all book worms! This hotel is located across from the famous New York Public Library. In addition, The Library Hotel itself houses over 6000 books. Each room has a mini library, and each floor is dedicated to a certain subject, like history, philosophy, or social sciences.
This is an ideal place for those who plan to spend time reading or writing, as many dedicated areas have been designed with that in mind. There is a popular on-site restaurant, Madison and Vine, and a few different lounges where light snacks are available.
The Madison Avenue location is an easy jumping-off point because of its proximity to many subway lines. Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, and the Broadway Theater District are also close to the hotel.
5. The Marlton Hotel
- Location: Greenwich Village
- Average Price: $369
The Marlton is a quaint hotel located in the heart of Greenwich Village. This boutique hotel has small but beautifully decorated rooms. The historic building has been refreshed and offers gorgeous turn-of-the-century decor mixed with a new world twist.
It is a three-minute walk from Washington Park and an easy starting point for exploring the city. The Marlton offers a full-service restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and an espresso bar. Breakfast is included with your stay, and the service has been rated top-notch.
The Best Budget Hotels in New York City
On a budget? Don’t worry, a New York vacation is still within your reach.
1. citizenM New York Bowery
- Location: Lower East Side
- Average Price: $286
The citizenM is located in the neighborhood of Bowery, close to nightlife and many restaurants, yet you are still within walking distance of Little Italy, SoHo, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village. The New Museum and The Museum of Street Art are just steps away.
This boutique hotel has efficient, comfortable rooms with extra amenities, like mood lighting, power showers, and blackout blinds. The hotel is funky, modern, and covered in art. There is a rooftop bar with incredible views.
2. Arlo Midtown
- Location: Manhattan
- Average Price: $266
Just a quick walk to Times Square, The Arlo is located in the heart of the Big Apple. Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, and Bryant Park are just a few of the many places of interest within proximity.
The Arlo offers a 24-hour front desk, fitness and business center, and an on-site restaurant. The rooftop bar is a great place to hang out for a cocktail and grab a light dinner.
There is another indoor lounge serving lunch and a coffee bar, complete with espresso and grab-and-go snacks. Rooms are crisp and bright with modern amenities and windows for gazing upon the lights of the city. Terrace rooms and suites are also available.
3. The Carnegie Hotel
- Location: Midtown Manhattan
- Average Price: $300
Just a stone’s throw from Central Park and the world-famous Carnegie Hall, this hotel has the perfect location for exploring all that NYC has to offer. Endless museums, restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife are right off the doorstep at The Carnegie Hotel.
The Hotels decor is inspired by all the music that has graced Carnegie hall. The rooms and suites are sleek, elegant, and inviting. There are in-room safes and plush robes for your use.
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, coffee, and snacks. They also host a wine and cheese hour every evening. For your convenience, there is a parking garage and business center on-site.
4. Staypineapple, An Artful Hotel, Midtown New York
- Location: Midtown New York
- Average Price: $275
Located in the heart of the city, Staypineapple offers comfortable rooms with funky décor. It is located within walking distance of Times Square, Madison Square Gardens, and Hudson Yards.
Cozy beds, fluffy robes, room service, complimentary water, and coffee are a few of the amenities you can expect.
The hotel is dog friendly as well, and they offer beach cruisers so you can cover more ground while in the city. There is no restaurant on-site, however, there is room to hang in the lobby and enjoy snacks from the hotel or that you brought along.
5. The Artezen
- Location: Wall Street, Financial District
- Average Price: $224
This simple but elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms at a great price in a fantastic location. The Artezen is a mile from South Street Seaport, New York City Hall, One World Trade Center, and steps from the Fulton Street transfer station.
NYU and the Brooklyn Bridge are also close.
A fitness center and a business center are available for guests, along with a bicycle rental service. There is not a restaurant on-site, but there are a few great choices nearby. Rooms with walk-out terraces are available.
Making the Most of Your New York City Hotel Stay
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Going on vacation can be overwhelming. Here are some tips you can follow to make your stay the best it can be:
Getting to the Hotel
If you’re traveling from the airport to the hotel and back, the taxi shuttle is convenient and affordable. The cost is $17 per person and saves you from walking. You can book this ahead of time with Airlink.
The only downside is that if you are the last one to be dropped off in a full van, it could take a long time to get to your destination. Private taxis can be reserved ahead of time, which is helpful because they give you a fixed rate.
This option is more expensive, but the most convenient. There are many other car services available that you can book in advance.
The subway is a fantastic option for traveling around the city, but from the airport, with luggage, it can be a headache. If you’re traveling light and want to save some money, this is the cheapest option.
Crime and Safety
New York City is a big place full of people. Certain areas are best to avoid. Familiarize yourself with these areas ahead of time so you don’t accidentally end up there. When using the subway, know your route to avoid getting lost.
Limit opportunistic theft by rolling up windows, not leaving valuables in sight, and locking the doors. Try to blend in and not stand out with fancy purses or expensive jewelry. Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket.
Stay alert in all situations. Pay attention to walk signs and only cross when safe to do so. Use extra caution at night and use taxis instead of walking if in an area of concern.
Traveler Tips
- Buying a 7-day metro card may be more economical. For $34, you can ride the subway as much as you wish. Otherwise, it is $2.75 a pop. The subway is the best and usually the fastest way to get around. Be courteous to other riders and don’t hog seats. Google Maps will tell you which train you need to get on.
- When hailing a taxi make sure the middle light on the top of the taxi is on. This means the taxi is available to hail. If the two end lights are on, it means there is a passenger.
- The ferry services can be an enjoyable way to travel from Point A to Point B, have a little rest, and see the views all at once.
- Eat local! New York has pretty much anything you could ever want. Eating at local joints usually means better food and at a better price. Always tip your server.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Still have questions? We have answers!
How many hotels does New York City have?
In 2019 the city had 703 hotels or 138,000 hotel rooms. Close to twenty percent of these hotels have since closed.
What should I ask for when checking into a hotel?
Many amenities are available to guests, but only if you ask. Asking for a late checkout, turn down service, wake-up calls, or complimentary toiletries are a few. I always ask hotel employees for recommendations. Concierges do what they do because they love it. They are usually great resources.
Give them time to help you. If you are looking for restaurants, talk to them about what kinds of places you are interested in and let them get back to you. This allows them to research and customize their suggestions.
Ask questions and see what’s available. Many hotels in New York have bike rentals, walking guides, or maps that may help you navigate your trip.
Always ask for the best room. All they can say is that it’s not available. Many hotels will give a better view or a balcony at no extra cost if the hotel is not full.
How should I avoid hotel resort fees?
Many hotels incorporate the fees into their price. Some hotels will give the option to opt-out, but then you may not be provided with simple services like WiFi. Many hotels waive the fees if you are a frequent traveler with them. Ask ahead of time what your options are.
What is the biggest hotel in New York City?
The New York City Hilton in Midtown is the largest hotel, with 1931 rooms. It is close to the Museum of Modern Art.
How many restaurants are there in New York City?
Before Covid, there were a whopping 23,650 total dining establishments.
So What’s the Best Hotel in New York City?
With hundreds of hotels to choose from, it is hard to pick one. But, there may be a “best hotel” for you. Determining what kind of trip you are taking will help you narrow down your choices.
Are you traveling for business or pleasure? What are the main things you want to do or see while there? Do you prefer to walk or ride the subway? How important is the room?
If you are traveling on a budget and do not plan to be in the room much at all, then a small room at a low price is what you want. If you prefer a hotel with a great restaurant, great views, and areas to relax in, then your choice will look much different.
Location, location, location. It turns out that with all the options for hotels in NYC, you should be able to find what you’re looking for. Choose the location first. Make a list of what you would like the hotel to have and determine your budget. Then you can start narrowing the list down.
Always remember that traveling is a privilege, and it should be fun. Don’t sweat the small stuff and focus on the experience. Trips never go exactly as planned, and that is what leads to the best memories.