I’ve always believed that where you stay in New York City shapes your entire trip. The city is overwhelming in the best possible way — and the right hotel gives you a home base that makes everything feel manageable, even exciting. I’ve gone from budget spots in Midtown to iconic luxury properties on Fifth Avenue, and each stay taught me something different about what makes New York special.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for the tenth time, you deserve to know exactly where to stay. Here are the 10 best hotels in New York City right now.
10 Best Hotels in New York City
1. The Plaza Hotel – A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South Best for: Iconic luxury, special occasions, first-time visitors who want the full New York experience
If there’s one hotel that defines New York City, it’s The Plaza. It’s appeared in countless films, hosted royalty and presidents, and continues to deliver one of the most memorable stays in the country.
The rooms are spacious by New York standards, and many offer views of either Central Park or the bustling Fifth Avenue below. The afternoon tea at the Palm Court is a tradition that guests have been enjoying for generations — and it’s worth every penny. The Champagne Bar is equally impressive for a celebratory drink after a day of exploring.
White-gloved butler service, a location steps from Central Park, and a name that still carries weight after more than a century — The Plaza earns its iconic status every single day.
- Starting price: Around $800–$900 per night
- Don’t miss: Afternoon tea at the Palm Court
- Location perk: Steps from Fifth Avenue shopping and Central Park
2. The St. Regis New York
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan, East 55th Street Best for: Old-world elegance, personalized service, business travelers
The St. Regis has been setting the standard for New York luxury since 1904. Its Beaux-Arts architecture is stunning, the interior feels like stepping into another era, and the personalized butler service means your every need is handled before you even think to ask.
The King Cole Bar inside the hotel is one of the most celebrated hotel bars in the world. The rooms are refined and beautifully maintained. If you value tradition, history, and flawless service above everything else, The St. Regis is hard to beat in New York.
- Starting price: From $1,000+ per night
- Don’t miss: The King Cole Bar and its famous Bloody Mary
- Location perk: Central Midtown, close to major business districts
3. The Peninsula New York
Neighborhood: Midtown West, Fifth Avenue at 55th Street Best for: Rooftop views, spa lovers, overall luxury experience
The Peninsula consistently scores among the very highest of any hotel in New York City, and it earns that ranking. The rooftop bar offers some of the most spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline you’ll find anywhere, and the indoor heated pool with panoramic city views is genuinely unforgettable.
The rooms are beautifully designed, the spa is world-class, and the service feels personal rather than corporate. It manages to feel intimate despite being one of the most celebrated hotels in the city.
- Starting price: From $900 per night
- Don’t miss: The rooftop bar at sunset
- Location perk: Walking distance to MoMA, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park
4. The Mark Hotel
Neighborhood: Upper East Side, Madison Avenue at 77th Street Best for: Art lovers, families, design-conscious travelers
The Mark is one of the most visually striking hotels in New York. Designed by legendary French designer Jacques Grange, the hotel blends bold contemporary art with old-world Upper East Side elegance. It was voted the number one hotel in New York City and the entire United States by Travel + Leisure, and in 2024 it was awarded two Michelin Keys for exceptional service.
The hotel offers 106 guest rooms and 47 suites, including what is reportedly the largest hotel penthouse suite in North America. The restaurant is helmed by celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. And it’s just steps from Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and some of the finest galleries in the world.
- Starting price: From $1,200 per night
- Don’t miss: Dinner at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges
- Location perk: Heart of the Upper East Side, next to the Met
5. Four Seasons Hotel New York
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan, East 57th Street Best for: Classic luxury, business travelers, honeymoons
The Four Seasons on 57th Street is a New York institution. After a period of closure and renovation, it fully reopened in 2025 and is back to delivering the immaculate service the brand is known for worldwide. The rooms are among the most spacious you’ll find in Manhattan, and the building itself — a I.M. Pei-designed tower — is architectural New York.
The Ty Warner Penthouse Suite at the top is one of the most famous (and expensive) hotel suites in the world. For most guests, a standard room delivers more than enough comfort, style, and service to justify the price.
- Starting price: From $1,100 per night
- Don’t miss: The lobby bar, which remains a Midtown power-lunch staple
- Location perk: Central Midtown, close to Fifth Avenue and the park
6. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
Neighborhood: Upper East Side Best for: Privacy, old-school New York glamour, long stays
The Carlyle has been a discreet favorite of celebrities, politicians, and royalty for decades. It doesn’t try to be flashy — it simply delivers exceptional quality in a quiet, refined setting. The Bemelmans Bar, decorated with original murals by Ludwig Bemelmans (creator of the Madeline books), is one of the most charming bar rooms in the entire city.
The suites here feel like private apartments, and many guests return year after year because the staff remembers everything — the way you like your coffee, your preferred newspaper, your pillow firmness. That level of personalization is rare anywhere in the world.
- Starting price: From $800 per night
- Don’t miss: Cocktails at Bemelmans Bar
- Location perk: Quiet Upper East Side, near Central Park and Museum Mile
7. Baccarat Hotel New York
Neighborhood: Midtown West, near MoMA Best for: Design lovers, Instagram-worthy interiors, romantic getaways
The Baccarat Hotel is one of the most visually stunning hotels in New York. The entire property is inspired by the legendary French crystal brand — expect glittering chandeliers, crystal-accented interiors, and a level of visual drama that few hotels can match anywhere in the world.
The spa is exceptional, the Baccarat Bar is one of the most photographed hotel spaces in the city, and the service is genuinely warm despite the grand surroundings. If you want a stay that feels like walking into a work of art, this is it.
- Starting price: From $950 per night
- Don’t miss: The crystal-adorned Bar and the two-story Grand Salon
- Location perk: Steps from MoMA and Central Park
8. Park Hyatt New York
Neighborhood: Midtown West, Carnegie Hall area Best for: Modern luxury, spa, families
The Park Hyatt occupies a stunning tower steps from Carnegie Hall and Central Park. The design is contemporary and understated — clean lines, warm materials, a calm atmosphere. The Living Room bar on the ground floor is perfect for a quiet drink, and the spa and pool are among the best in Midtown.
Rooms are generously sized and impeccably furnished. The Park Hyatt delivers a luxury experience that feels modern rather than old-fashioned, which is a nice contrast to some of the more heritage-heavy properties on this list.
- Starting price: From $700 per night
- Don’t miss: The spa and indoor pool
- Location perk: Walking distance to Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Columbus Circle
9. The Greenwich Hotel
Neighborhood: TriBeCa Best for: Boutique luxury, unique design, downtown travelers
Owned in part by Robert De Niro, The Greenwich Hotel is the most beloved boutique hotel in TriBeCa and one of the most unique stays in all of New York. Each room is individually designed using reclaimed materials sourced from around the world — no two rooms look the same.
The underground pool, with its Japanese-inspired wooden ceiling sourced from a 250-year-old farmhouse in Kyoto, is unlike anything else in the city. The hotel has a calm, almost residential feel, which makes it a favorite for guests who want something genuinely different from the standard luxury hotel experience.
- Starting price: From $650 per night
- Don’t miss: The landmarked Shibui spa and pool
- Location perk: Heart of TriBeCa, close to top NYC restaurants
10. The Whitby Hotel
Neighborhood: Midtown (West 56th Street) Best for: Art lovers, families, those who want a personality-filled boutique experience
The Whitby is part of the Firmdale Hotels group, and like everything Firmdale does, it’s bursting with personality. Bold colors, original artwork on every wall, eclectic furniture — it feels more like staying in a beautiful private home than a hotel.
There’s an in-house screening room, a bar with rotating cocktail menus, and a restaurant that punches well above its weight. Rooms are compact (this is New York, after all) but cleverly designed with smart storage. The hotel is also genuinely family-friendly, offering games, movies, and kid-specific amenities that make traveling with children far easier.
- Starting price: From $500 per night
- Don’t miss: The hotel bar and the private screening room
- Location perk: West 56th Street, steps from Central Park and Fifth Avenue
Tips for Booking a Hotel in New York City
You’ve picked your hotel — now here’s how to get the most out of your stay:
- Book early. New York hotel rates spike dramatically during peak periods — summer, the holidays, and major events. Book at least two to three months ahead for the best rates.
- Check for package deals. Many NYC luxury hotels bundle breakfast, spa credits, or late checkout into special packages that offer real value.
- Choose your neighborhood wisely. Midtown is convenient for tourists. The Upper East Side is quieter and elegant. TriBeCa and SoHo are better for foodies and boutique experiences. Downtown works well for business.
- Ask about room upgrades at check-in. If the hotel isn’t fully booked, a polite request at check-in can sometimes get you a better room at no extra charge.
- Factor in destination fees. Many NYC hotels charge daily destination or resort fees on top of the room rate. Check the fine print before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hotel in New York City overall?
The Plaza, The St. Regis, and The Peninsula consistently rank at the top for luxury and service. For boutique experiences, The Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa and The Whitby in Midtown are outstanding choices.
What is the most iconic hotel in New York City?
The Plaza Hotel is arguably the most iconic hotel in New York, having appeared in countless films, books, and television shows. It remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the entire United States.
Which New York hotel has the best views?
The Peninsula New York has one of the best rooftop bars in the city with panoramic Manhattan views. Park Hyatt and The Mark also offer excellent city and park views from upper floor rooms.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in New York City?
It depends on your plans. Midtown Manhattan is the most convenient for first-time visitors. The Upper East Side is quieter and upscale. TriBeCa and SoHo are great for dining and nightlife. For business, Midtown or Lower Manhattan work best.
Which NYC hotel is best for families?
The Whitby Hotel and The Mark both offer strong family-friendly amenities. The Plaza also has family suites and a location perfect for walking to Central Park.
How much does a hotel in New York City cost per night?
Luxury hotels in NYC typically start at $500–$700 per night on the low end, with top properties ranging from $900 to well over $2,000 per night for suites. Mid-range options are available from around $200–$400 per night.
Final Thoughts
New York City has no shortage of places to stay, but the hotels on this list stand out for a reason — whether it’s the history, the design, the service, or the location. Pick the one that matches your travel style and budget, and you’ll have a base that makes your New York trip even better.
The right hotel doesn’t just give you a bed for the night. In a city like New York, it gives you part of the experience itself.
