In a city that allegedly never sleeps (thanks to the noise of over 500 hotels), choosing a place to rest your head can be as daunting as finding a cab during rush hour. But fear not! We’ve sifted through the chaos to bring you the 11 best hotels in New York City, where “sleep” is more than just a dream.
From the iconic Plaza and Waldorf Astoria—those grand dames of luxury that could tell more stories than a Broadway cast—to the trendy new addresses that pop up faster than a late-night food truck, we’ve got the scoop. The best hotels in New York City aren’t just about a comfy bed; they’re about making a statement. So, if you’re ready to indulge, stay tuned for the best hotels in New York City that will truly blow your mind.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in the City That Never Sleeps: The 11 Best Hotels in New York City
The Fifth Avenue Hotel: Where New York’s NoMad District Gets a Luxurious Twist
Welcome to The Fifth Avenue Hotel, where the NoMad district gets its glittering crown. This private mansion-turned-jewel box is the latest star in the lineup of the best hotels in New York City—a real showstopper in a district known for its dramatic flair. Originally part of socialite Charlotte Goodridge’s estate, the 19th-century building has been given a swanky makeover by designer Martin Brudnizki. This isn’t just another hotel; it’s a sensory extravaganza where every detail screams opulence.
Brudnizki’s touch is unmistakable here, with a lobby so ornate it feels like stepping into a gilded fairy tale. The corridors are dressed to the nines in vibrant wallpapers featuring oversized flora and fauna, and the rooms are decked out with painted screens and pagoda lamps that nod to the globe-trotting adventures of owner Alex Ohebshalom. Every inch of the place is adorned with a mix of old-world charm and modern pizzazz, making it one of the best hotels in New York City for a good reason.
Whether it’s the bespoke Martini cart that shows up at your door or the extra touches like a complimentary candle after a scent compliment, the hospitality here is top-notch. Enjoy cocktails named after your favorite travel destinations at the Portrait Bar, savor oysters à la pomme and lobster cannelloni at Café Carmellini, and get ready to wake up in what feels like your very own giant cabinet of curiosities. For a taste of the best hotels in New York City, this is a place you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
Warren Street Hotel: Kit Kemp’s Whimsical Wonderland in Tribeca
Step into the Warren Street Hotel and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into the enchanting mind of Kit Kemp, the queen of quirky chic. As her third NYC gem with the Firmdale hospitality group—and her 11th in total—this hotel is a dazzling showcase of Kemp’s signature flair. If you’re seeking the best hotels in New York City, this spot is practically begging for a standing ovation.
From the moment you enter the buttercup yellow lobby, where abstract sculptures seem to dance in delight, you’ll know you’re in a Kemp creation. The carpets? Limited edition batik patterns designed by Kemp herself. The downstairs “Orangery” flaunts British craft and ceramics as if it’s a museum of whimsical wonders. And the rooms—oh, the rooms! Each is a riot of personality, featuring everything from patterned headboards to one-of-a-kind artworks, custom wallpapers, and even a bit of antique furniture that’s more eclectic than your Aunt Mildred’s living room.
Downstairs, the restaurant is the place to see and be seen, with Tribeca locals and guests alike clambering for a table. Indulge in dishes like rich foie gras terrine and spaghetti alle vongole, all served beneath custom-made wallpaper that might just give the Carlyle’s Bemelmans Bar a run for its money. For those searching for the best hotels in New York City, the Warren Street Hotel is a whimsical treasure trove where every corner is a delight.
Casa Cipriani: The Pinnacle of Italian Luxury in Lower Manhattan
Welcome to Casa Cipriani, where the best hotels in New York City meet their Italian doppelgängers in a whirlwind of elegance and opulence. Imagine this: presidential suites swathed in cashmere-covered walls courtesy of Loro Piana Interiors—because why settle for anything less when you can have walls that whisper luxury? The sheets are from Rivolta Carmignani, a 150-year-old linen house in Milan, and you get to choose between Italian cotton or linen. It’s like picking between a Maserati and a Ferrari—both are fabulous!
As you step into your room, you’ll be seduced by Art Deco light fixtures, jazzy tunes playing softly, and lacquer furniture that shines brighter than your future. And the private terraces? Oh, they’re spacious enough to host a soirée with the Statue of Liberty as your guest of honor. Request a river-facing room and enjoy views of Governor’s Island, Brooklyn, and the iconic Lady Liberty herself.
Inside Casa Cipriani, the best hotels in New York City can’t compete with the array of indulgent options: the Club restaurant, Jazz Café, Pickering Room, Promenade Bar, and Living Room are just the tip of the luxury iceberg. Service here is so attentive you might think they’re reading your mind—perfect for anyone who wants to be the center of attention without lifting a finger. So, if you’re hunting for the best hotels in New York City, Casa Cipriani is your ultimate Italian escape in the heart of Manhattan.
The Greenwich Hotel: Where Tribeca Meets Timeless Luxury
Looking for one of the best hotels in New York City that feels more like staying at your fabulously well-traveled uncle’s mansion? Welcome to The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. Opened in 2008, but exuding an old-world charm, this hotel nails that “lived-in luxury” vibe with its 87 rooms, each unique enough to make you think your uncle is also an interior designer. Expect Savoir beds so comfy you’ll forget you’re in the city that never sleeps, and Carrara marble bathrooms that scream, “I’m fancy, but I’m not trying too hard.”
Oh, and let’s talk about that spa. It’s got the best indoor pool in Manhattan, housed in wood that’s older than some countries. The terra-cotta floors were inspired by a 14th-century Italian palazzo—because why not? Plus, Robert De Niro (yes, that De Niro) co-owns the place, and his dad’s artwork brings a splash of abstract color to the walls. De Niro family photos even pop up in some rooms, like a quirky Easter egg hunt.
With service that’s polished yet warm, it’s easy to see why The Greenwich is one of the best hotels in New York City. When you’re here, you’re more than just a guest—you’re family.
Nine Orchard: The Coolest Corner of the Lower East Side
When it comes to the best hotels in New York City, Nine Orchard is a game-changer in the Lower East Side. Once a grand old bank, now a luxe hideaway, it’s where sophistication meets street cred. Picture it: vaulted ceilings that give Grand Central a run for its money, and a lobby bar where you’ll sip cocktails under all that historic glory. And the food? Well, Ignacio Mattos has the kitchen running like a well-oiled steak au poivre machine over at the Corner Bar. Pro tip: grab one of the 40 bar stools for prime people-watching and foodie action.
After you’ve indulged, retreat to one of the 116 guest rooms that blend urban cool with a sprinkle of nostalgia—think wood bed tables and hand-carved chairs that make you feel right at home. Oh, and the tunes? Custom radio stations by New York DJ legend Stretch Armstrong will have you vibing to the city’s eclectic heartbeat all night long.
Nine Orchard isn’t just one of the best hotels in New York City—it’s a love letter to the neighborhood. So, whether you’re here for the food, the music, or just to soak up the cool, this place delivers on every front.
The Lowell: The Upper East Side’s Glamorous Comeback Kid
Tucked between Hermès and Barneys (because casual), The Lowell has always been one of the best hotels in New York City, dripping in Upper East Side elegance. But even divas need a little Botox, and after a three-year facelift, this beauty is more glamorous than ever. Gone is the broody black lobby, replaced by a neoclassical foyer that whispers “come on in, darling.” The Club Room? Pure coziness on steroids, making you feel like royalty in the coziest of parlors.
Dining at The Lowell is equally fabulous—think Majorelle, where you’ll sip afternoon tea surrounded by enough floral arrangements to make a florist blush. Couscous? Divine. Snapper tagine with preserved lemons? Swoon-worthy. And whether it’s winter or summer, you’ve got a crackling fireplace or a retractable roof. Très chic.
And the rooms? Oh, just the epitome of Upper East Side opulence, with Persian rugs, mahogany floors, and hand-made furniture. Naturally, the tech is top-tier too (because even the classiest hotels need solid Wi-Fi). So, if you’re searching for one of the best hotels in New York City to deliver on every possible level of sophistication, The Lowell’s recent glow-up has you covered—charm, elegance, and all.
Aman New York: Midtown’s Luxe Zen Hideaway
Aman New York is where luxury meets serenity in the heart of bustling Midtown – a rare unicorn among the best hotels in New York City. Aman’s first urban venture in the U.S. transforms the iconic Crown Building into an ultra-exclusive escape. With only 83 suites, each sporting working fireplaces (yes, in Manhattan!) and whisper-quiet soundproof windows, you’ll find space, peace, and privacy that’s a Manhattan rarity.
But the real showstopper? Aman’s three-story spa, which isn’t just a spa – it’s a sanctuary. Think a 65-foot pool, two indulgent spa houses (choose between an Eastern European banya or a Moroccan hammam), and treatments that make you question your entire skincare routine.
Hungry? Sip cocktails at the Garden Terrace Bar or indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Arva, Aman’s signature restaurant with outdoor seating that lets you dine al fresco in the concrete jungle.
In a city that never sleeps, Aman New York lets you hit pause, offering the kind of calm you’d expect to find in a faraway retreat – yet it’s right in the heart of Fifth Avenue. No wonder it’s quickly earning a reputation as one of the best hotels in New York City.
Hotel Chelsea: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Among the Best Hotels in New York City
If walls could talk, Hotel Chelsea would probably tell you tales of Andy Warhol’s wildest dreams and Sid Vicious’s questionable choices. Once the gritty home of NYC’s bohemian elite, this iconic landmark reopened last year after a serious glow-up (about time, considering it stopped taking reservations in 2011). But don’t worry, the hotel’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit still lingers in every corner – just with a little more polish.
The 155 guest rooms and suites now feel bright and spacious, with cheeky animal-print chairs breathing life into original fireplaces and those legendary wrought-iron balconies where Patti Smith and friends once gazed down at 23rd Street. You’ll spot some impressive art too, with works by Sandro Chia and Alain Jacquet adding a touch of class to the stairwells – a cleaned-up tribute to the messy bohemian past.
And the famous El Quijote restaurant? It’s back in action with its vibrant red décor and Spanish Galician fare. Don’t forget the decadent Lobby Bar, complete with chandeliers, a grand piano, and a cocktail menu that’s as classic as the hotel itself. No wonder it’s back on the map as one of the best hotels in New York City!
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Nomad: A Luxe Spin on Downtown Cool
When The Ritz-Carlton decided to set up shop in NoMad, eyebrows were raised. Could their buttoned-up luxury vibe really mesh with one of Manhattan’s trendiest new hoods? Spoiler alert: it does, and in style. With a little shake-up of the classic Ritz formula, this property effortlessly lands among the best hotels in New York City.
You’ll find more than your standard chandeliers here – the lobby dazzles with hand-blown Randy Zieber light fixtures, while potted plants give off major arboretum vibes. And then there’s José Andrés’ restaurant, where the branzino will have you planning your next stay before you’ve even left.
Outside, an outdoor plaza flaunts green bar stools under a canopy of foliage, offering a prime spot for NoMad’s hip entrepreneurial set to sip Old Fashioneds like it’s an Olympic sport. Inside, the rooms boast cloud-like beds and views so wide you’ll think you can see straight into next week.
Need a spa day? The black Italian-marble treatment rooms will have you glowing faster than you can say, “best facial ever.” Ritz-Carlton has blended indulgent tradition with downtown cool, cementing its spot as one of the best hotels in New York City!
Pendry Manhattan West: West Coast Chill Meets NYC Thrill
Bringing a splash of Cali cool to the concrete jungle, Pendry Manhattan West is making waves in Midtown with its West Coast vibes. Boasting 30 sprawling suites and 164 guest rooms, all decked out with modern furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a jungle’s worth of greenery, this hotel feels like the chill cousin of the best hotels in New York City.
During the day, you’ll find trendy creatives posted up in the lounges, doing laptop things (probably writing their next screenplay) or soaking in the mellow atmosphere. Come evening, they flock to Bar Pendry on the ground floor for cocktails that are as innovative as they are Instagrammable.
And let’s not forget the little touches that make Pendry stand out among the best hotels in New York City—the calm, zen-like rooms where you can escape the city’s hustle, complete with soft slippers and, yes, bedside macarons at turndown. Because nothing says “I’ve made it” quite like a cookie before bed.
Whether you’re burning the candle at both ends or just looking for some R&R in the middle of Midtown madness, Pendry delivers all the West Coast vibes you never knew you needed in the best hotels in New York City.
The Ned NoMad: Art Deco Vibes and Rooftop Dreams
London’s iconic Ned has landed stateside, bringing its signature blend of glamour to the NoMad neighborhood. Nestled in the former home of the original NoMad Hotel, The Ned NoMad combines stylish city living with a members’ club vibe, making it one of the best hotels in New York City for those who want a little extra exclusivity with their stay.
While it may not be as jaw-droppingly lavish as its London sibling, this Beaux Arts beauty still brings plenty of flair with rich marble floors, plush upholstery, and just the right amount of wood paneling to feel fancy without being stuffy. Little Ned, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, keeps it cozy with American classics served up in 1920s-style booths—yes, it’s like stepping into Gatsby’s after-party.
The 167 rooms are an ode to old-school elegance, complete with damask dividers and freestanding claw-foot tubs, making you feel like you’re in the top tier of the best hotels in New York City. And while the rooftop bar is currently reserved for club members, don’t fret—you might just be tempted to join.
With another New York Ned slated for 2024, this chic newcomer is clearly here to stay.
