In a city that famously never sleeps, finding a place to unwind might seem ironic—but New York is home to more than 500 hotels, each offering a unique experience. Some of these properties are more than just accommodations; they’re part of the city’s cultural fabric. Legendary hotels like The Plaza and The Waldorf Astoria have long stood as architectural and cinematic icons. While these historic favorites continue to charm, the city’s hotel landscape constantly evolves, with stylish newcomers and refreshed classics appearing regularly. Today, the definition of a great NYC stay stretches far beyond Times Square, reaching into trendier neighborhoods and across the rivers into boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens.
Where should you book a stay in NYC?
Ask a local and they’ll tell you: steer clear of Times Square unless convenience is your top priority. Though central, it can feel overcrowded and overly commercial. For first-timers, Midtown can still be a practical choice, especially for quick trips. But for travelers seeking character and local flavor, the real gems lie in areas like NoMad, Tribeca, and even further afield. Stylish spots like The Fifth Avenue Hotel and the Warren Street Hotel offer immersive, neighborhood-specific experiences. Even Brooklyn and Long Island City are now home to design-forward hotels like the Ace and Boro, offering city views and easier access to a more laid-back, local NYC.
Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
Address: 25 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Rates from £702
When the Ritz-Carlton unveiled its Manhattan flagship at the intersection of West 28th Street and Broadway two years ago, it marked a bold shift in the brand’s identity. Unlike the stately charm of its Central Park counterpart further uptown, this location embraces a sleeker, moodier aesthetic. The 50-story glass tower was crafted to highlight the dramatic downtown skyline and flood the interiors with natural light.
Inside, the design leans toward bold textures and striking details. The lobby features grayscale tones and concierge desks carved from granite with wild, zebra-like patterns. Nearby, a cozy, book-lined lounge transitions into The Bazaar by José Andrés—a Spanish-Japanese fusion restaurant draped in plush fabrics and warm hues, with an attention-grabbing display of jamón Ibérico as its centerpiece. Guests who opt for the Club Level enjoy a specially curated menu from Andrés’s team.
Above it all sits Nubeluz, a rooftop bar wrapped in jewel-toned glamor, with emerald-pleated elevator walls and lavish Schumacher wallpaper embracing each booth. My suite on the 36th floor was encased in blond wood and featured a luxurious, velvet-draped sofa with panoramic views that stretched all the way to the World Trade Center.
But beyond the aesthetics, it’s the impeccable service that truly defines the experience. Even with near-constant full bookings, the staff’s focus feels entirely personal—from arrival to departure. Rates from £702.
Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan
Address: 80 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10023
Rates from £630
The Mandarin Oriental offers an unforgettable stay with one of the most enviable locations in New York. The Premier Central Park View Suite provides sweeping views of the park, a perspective that never fails to impress, no matter how many times you’ve seen the city’s skyline. The suite is designed for relaxation, featuring a spacious U-shaped sofa, a plush king-size bed, and high-tech blackout curtains that shut with the push of a button, ensuring a perfect night’s sleep.
With its flawless service and luxurious amenities, the Mandarin Oriental is the perfect destination for both special occasion staycations and first-time visitors. Its central location provides easy access to the best of Manhattan, from Broadway and Bryant Park to Central Park and Fifth Avenue. For food enthusiasts, the hotel’s proximity to two Michelin-starred restaurants, Per Se and Masa, makes it an even more irresistible choice. Rates from £630.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel, NoMad
Address: 1 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Adding new flair to the evolving NoMad hotel scene, this former private mansion has been transformed into a dazzling boutique retreat that pays homage to its opulent roots. Once part of 19th-century socialite Charlotte Goodridge’s estate, the property has been reimagined by Martin Brudnizki with his signature flair—though here, it feels especially personal and immersive.
The vaulted lobby greets guests with intricately detailed paneling, while the hallways burst with lush wallpaper featuring oversized botanicals and whimsical creatures. The rooms are an eclectic mix of global influences, from painted screens and pagoda-shaped lamps to a diverse collection of artwork spanning from classic oil portraits to edgy contemporary pieces—an aesthetic nod to owner Alex Ohebshalom’s worldly sensibilities.
Brudnizki’s bold, layered style could feel overwhelming in lesser hands, but here it comes together in a richly textured, harmonious way. The service is equally polished, with dedicated butlers on every floor and thoughtful gestures—like a personalized candle delivered after a casual compliment or a Martini cart that arrives just when the craving hits.
It’s the kind of place you want to come back to, whether it’s for globe-inspired cocktails at the Portrait Bar, indulgent bites like lobster cannelloni at Café Carmellini, or simply to wake up surrounded by beautifully curated wonder.
Warren Street Hotel, Tribeca
Address: 86 Warren St, New York, NY 10007
Stepping into the Warren Street Hotel feels like entering the vivid imagination of Kit Kemp. This is her third New York City project with the Firmdale group—and her 11th hotel overall—and it’s brimming with her signature blend of charm, color, and curated chaos. From British ceramics and handcrafted décor in the sun-drenched “Orangery” to the striking abstract sculptures in the cheerful buttercup-yellow lobby, every detail reflects her eclectic, globetrotting eye.
Even the flooring gets the Kemp treatment, with limited-edition batik carpets designed in collaboration with Wilton Carpets. Upstairs, no two rooms are alike—each one tells its own story through bold patterns, playful textures, and a unique mix of custom wallpaper, quirky lighting, and carefully selected artwork. Headboards, lamps, and even the occasional vintage furniture piece contribute to the one-of-a-kind feel that defines the hotel.
Down at the restaurant, a favorite among both guests and neighborhood regulars, elevated comfort fare like foie gras terrine and spaghetti alle vongole is served beneath bespoke wallpaper so striking it nearly competes with the iconic murals at Bemelmans Bar. With this property, Kemp once again proves her talent for turning interiors into joyful, artful escapes—and this might be her most exuberant vision yet.
Casa Cipriani, Lower Manhattan
Address: 10 South St, New York, NY 10004
As a Cipriani creation, this New York gem delivers a kind of refined luxury that only the Italians can perfect—understated, effortless, and deeply indulgent. Casa Cipriani isn’t just a hotel; it’s a sanctuary of style. Step inside one of the guest rooms or suites and you’re instantly enveloped in sophistication—think walls wrapped in Loro Piana cashmere and bed linens from the century-and-a-half-old Italian textile house Rivolta Carmignani. Before arrival, guests are even offered a choice between Italian cotton or linen—because at Casa Cipriani, every detail counts.
The ambiance is pure enchantment: soft jazz playing in the background, Art Deco accents catching the golden hour light, and lacquered furniture gleaming beside brass hardware. But it’s the spacious private terraces that truly steal the show. If you can, book a river-facing suite—the views are some of the most cinematic in the city. The Staten Island Ferry glides in and out of Whitehall Terminal, Governor’s Island rests straight ahead, Brooklyn stretches in the distance, and the Statue of Liberty stands just to the right.
Yet, it’s not just the views or the design that make Casa Cipriani special. The on-site experiences rival the best in town—from elegant dinners at the Club restaurant to cocktails in the Promenade Bar or live music in the Jazz Café. The service is polished and intuitive, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. At Casa Cipriani, you’re treated not just as a guest—but as someone who truly belongs.
The Lowell, Upper East Side
Address: Lowell Hotel, 28 E 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065, United States
Tucked away on the elegant East 63rd Street, where Hermès sits next door and Barneys used to anchor the corner, The Lowell has long been a symbol of classic Upper East Side refinement. But even icons need a refresh now and then. Following an extensive three-year renovation completed in 2017, the property has gracefully reemerged—more radiant and inviting than ever.
The once-dark entrance has been transformed into a luminous neoclassical foyer, striking just the right balance between grandeur and intimacy. Beyond it lies the Club Room, arguably the coziest and most refined lounge of any hotel in the city—a place where soft lighting, plush seating, and timeless design invite lingering conversations or quiet reflection.
Even the beloved Pembroke Room has been reimagined—retaining its charm, yet feeling breezier and more current. Majorelle, the hotel’s crown jewel restaurant, brings a touch of Moroccan flair to French cuisine. Afternoon tea here is a ritual, best enjoyed under the glow of fresh floral arrangements, beside a crackling fire in the colder months, or beneath the open sky thanks to the retractable roof come summer. Dishes like aromatic couscous and snapper tagine with preserved lemon are as memorable as the setting.
Upstairs, the accommodations continue the theme of refined comfort. Polished mahogany floors, richly woven Persian rugs, and handcrafted furnishings are complemented by discreetly integrated modern tech. Every detail feels thoughtfully chosen, timeless yet fresh—just like the hotel itself.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo, Brooklyn
Address: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Nestled in the heart of Dumbo, this stylishly sustainable hotel is a dream for the eco-conscious traveler. Natural textures and reclaimed materials dominate the design — from rustic wood accents and raw marble sinks to the lush vertical garden that welcomes guests in the lobby. But it’s more than just aesthetic: the hotel walks the talk with organic bedding, in-room filtered water taps, and glass bottles made from recycled materials.
For those booking a corner suite, expect a hammock ready for unwinding as you gaze at the Brooklyn Bridge from your window — the kind of view that makes city escapes worthwhile. Downstairs, The Osprey dishes up standout brunches like lemon curd-slathered bread pudding French toast and a hearty veggie burger featuring nut-based cheese for health-minded diners.
As the weather warms up, the rooftop becomes the hotel’s crown jewel — a laid-back perch offering unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, Midtown
Address: The Plaza, 768 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019, United States
If ever a hotel was made for little adventurers and wide-eyed wonder, it’s The Plaza. Perched on the corner of Central Park and Fifth Avenue—right across from the iconic FAO Schwarz toy store—this legendary French château-style property blends fairytale grandeur with playful touches. Think crystal chandeliers, velvet lounges, and sweeping marble floors fit for royalty.
Families should look no further than the Tower Suite, a magical corner retreat featuring lofty turreted ceilings and whimsical circular beds that feel like something out of a storybook. Upon arrival, your personal family ambassador—impossibly patient and charming—escorts you to your suite and performs a hilariously heartfelt knighting ceremony. Children are dubbed with a regal sword and presented with a scroll proclaiming their “bravery and battlefield prowess,” delivered with Shakespearean seriousness (and plenty of smiles).
Yes, it’s theatrical—and yes, younger kids absolutely eat it up. The perks don’t stop there: expect a wardrobe stocked with dress-up clothes, pint-sized bathrobes, a hardcover edition of The Knight at Dawn from the Magic Tree House series, and even a $100 gift card to spend at FAO Schwarz. The Plaza tops it all off with a dreamy family picnic to be enjoyed at Belvedere Castle in Central Park.
Even older kids who’ve mastered the eye-roll might crack a smile.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, Upper East Side
Address: The Carlyle, 35 E 76th Street, New York, NY 10021, United States
“If we want things to stay as they are,” wrote Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, “things will have to change.” Nowhere does that paradox feel more alive than at The Carlyle. This storied Upper East Side icon clings lovingly to its past—while quietly, carefully making peace with the present.
Renovations here are a delicate dance. The Carlyle isn’t just a hotel—it’s also home to about 50 privately owned residences spread across its 35 floors, which means a full-scale revamp is impossible. The result? A fascinating patchwork of rooms. Some are unapologetically florid, drenched in old-world chintz. Others channel sleek Art Deco cool. A few feel like cinematic 1920s reveries. Most are somewhere delightfully in between. And here’s a pro tip: the higher the floor, the better the room—and the longer you get to linger in those legendary elevators, which are an experience unto themselves.
Indeed, at The Carlyle, even the in-between spaces become part of the allure. The Dorothy Draper-designed lobby is a masterclass in old-school glamour, while Bemelmans Bar—lined with storybook murals by Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelmans—remains one of the city’s most enchanting haunts.
It’s not everyday life. It’s The Carlyle—and that’s exactly how its loyal fans like it.