Best Hotels in New York City, New York
New York City is kind of our jam. From industrial chic vibes in LES to elegant moments in Central Park we’ve got you covered. Wanna hit another borough? No problem, we know our way around.
Known as the cultural center of the world, New York City is one of our favorite destinations. Whether you’re a first-timer headed to the Empire State Building, a seasoned visitor finally making it to the MET or a business traveler taking clients to a Knicks game - New York City has plenty to offer with hotels to match.
Why We Love New York City
It’s impossible to dial a city like New York City down to a few bullet points, but if we have to choose, here are a few of our favorite parts.
- Hottest hotels: This is our bread and butter. New York City hotels totally crush it with style, service and selection. From celebrity mainstays with luxurious lobbies to cool boutiques that boast fun amenities, New York City hotels have it all.
- Iconic attractions: The list is truly endless. Central Park to Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty to Grand Central Station. New York City is flooded with famous institutions, landmarks, museums and buildings. You can’t hit them all in one trip but you can sure try.
- Booming boroughs: New York City stretches far beyond Manhattan. Exploring the other boroughs can be a great way to get to know the culture and the history of NYC. Grab some pizza in Brooklyn, graze the galleries in Queens, hit the zoo in the Bronx and catch a free ferry ride to Staten Island.
- Culture Shock: For decades, artists, writers and musicians have made the pilgrimage to New York City leaving it one of the most culturally rich destinations in the world. From art giants like the MET and the Guggenheim to classic halls like the Apollo and the Beacon - there’s endless places to be a fan.
Why We Love Midtown Manhattan
Wanna be in the center of the action? Look no further than Midtown Manhattan. Midtown may be the best neighborhood for New York newbies since it’s loaded with all the top-of-your-list attractions. If you stay in Midtown, you'll be within a short walk to iconic landmarks and the bright, bright lights of Times Square. There's always something going on in Midtown.
What to See in Midtown
- Top of the Rock: Talk about catching some views. Top of the Rock is an observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Center. Here you can get a sweeping look at Central Park and Midtown – an unforgettable way to start your NYC adventure.
- Empire State Building: Can you name a more iconic landmark? Visit the Empire State Building for a panoramic view and to maybe reenact a famous movie scene or two.
Radio City Music Hall: Hello, Rockettes! Head to Radio City Music Hall — the largest indoor theater in the world. More than 300 million people have visited this grand theater to see shows, movies, concerts and other events.
Bryant Park: This urban oasis is known for lush gardens, free events and open-air dining. Bryant Park is the perfect spot to take a load off or take a ride on Le Carrousel.
The Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a is a must-see for art lovers traveling to the city. Catch modern and contemporary art in this world-class (and world-famous) spot.
What to Eat in Midtown
- Patsy's Italian Restaurant: Owned and operated by the Scognamillo Family since 1944, Patsy's is where you can dig into classic Neapolitan eats like their signature spaghetti and meatballs. Plus, Patsy's may best be known for having high-profile patrons like Robert De Niro and Madonna.
- Gabriel Kreuther: For a full-course dinner of fine French cuisine check out Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant. How fine, you ask? Peep their various awards.
- Havana Central: If the idea of eating a classic Cuban sandwich, sipping a mojito and listening to live Latin music brings you joy, stop in at Havana Central in Times Square.
Why We Love Lower Manhattan
Better known as Downtown Manhattan, Lower Manhattan is the perfect spot to find affordable hotels while staying close to all those NYC attractions.
Where to Go in Lower Manhattan
- Chinatown: Did someone say dumplings, bubble tea and pork buns? Looks like you’re headed to Chinatown. Here you'll find fun and affordable dining options and can spend the afternoon shopping in souvenir shops and Asian markets.
- SoHo: Short for south of Houston Street, SoHo is THE shopping district. Visitors flock to SoHo to shop designer brands, dine at upscale restaurants and stay in luxurious high-end hotels.
- Tribeca: Tribeca is a hip neighborhood home to celebrities, sumptuous hotels and outstanding restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the annual Tribeca Film Festival!
- Greenwich Village: Known as “The Village,” Greenwich is famous for its bohemian vibe and rich musical past. Catch some serious people-watching in Washington Square Park, take a romantic stroll among brownstone-lined streets or explore the areas where Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez started their careers.
- Lower East Side: Lower East Side offers an exciting mix of gritty history and trendy bars, clubs, music venues and galleries. Head to LES for club-hopping and a chance to dance the night away.
- Financial District: Here you'll find the hustle and bustle of Wall Street, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and other historic attractions. The Financial District is home to Battery Park where street performers flock with the Statue of Liberty on the horizon.
Where to Eat in Lower Manhattan
- Katz's Delicatessen: Katz's is an iconic joint every first-time traveler to NYC must see. Established in 1888, Katz's is proud to serve sandwiches piled high with the best cuts of roast beef, pastrami or brisket.
- Fraunces Tavern: For a chance to eat, drink and be merry in one of New York's most historic locations, make sure to visit Fraunces Tavern, which has been operating since 1762.
- Adrienne's Pizzabar: To enjoy delicious old-fashioned square pizza or classic round pies, stop at Adrienne's, a casual pizzeria that features outdoor seating along a cobblestone street.
Why We Love Upper West Side
Located on the west side of Central Park, Upper West Side is less busy and noisy than Midtown and has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and things to do. For the adults, Upper West Side also has date night options too. Catch live jazz at Cleopatra's Needle or sip cocktails at The Dead Poet.
Things to Do in Upper West Side
- Lincoln Center: Known as the world's top performing arts center, Lincoln center is home to opera, symphony music, theater, dance and more. A must see for lovers of the arts.
- Central Park: Established in 1853, Central Park, was America's first major landscaped public park. From the famous boathouse to the renowned zoo, you’ll run out of energy before you run out of activities in the park.
- American Museum of Natural History: Here you can explore unique exhibits from life-size dioramas to a premier collection of dinosaur fossils. The American Museum of Natural History is the perfect rainy day activity.
- Children's Museum of Manhattan: Namely, this one’s for the kids. Enjoy five floors of fun, children focused activities from art to science.
Where to Eat in Upper West Side
- Alice's Tea Cup: This whimsical, literary-themed tea house is stacked with teas, scones and tea sandwiches. Alice’s Tea Cup is the perfect cozy setting for an afternoon treat.
- Zabar's: For an authentic taste of New York, stop in Zabar's for a bagel and a schmear.
- Momofuku Milk Bar: For inventive and insanely delicious cookies, cakes and pies, you don't want to skip a trip to Momofuku Milk Bar.
Why We Love Upper East Side
Known for posh hotels, upscale shopping and fine dining — Upper East Side is a luxurious experience. Museum lovers should unite here for a journey down Museum Mile.
What to See in Upper East Side
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a is a must-see for art lovers traveling to the city. Catch modern and contemporary art in this world-class (and world-famous) spot.
- The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Also known as the “Gugge”, this museum is the place to go to see modern and contemporary art in an iconic building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
- Sotheby's: Art collectors will want to head to Sotheby's which has been bringing world-class art to auction attendees since 1744. It became the first international auction house.
What to Eat in Upper East Side
- Cafe Sabarsky: Located within the Neue Galerie, a museum dedicated to German and Austrian art, Cafe Sabarsky is where you can indulge in mouthwatering savory and sweet Viennese specialties.
- Sfoglia: Head to Sfoglia for exquisite Italian cuisine in a rustic and romantic setting complete with chandeliers, fresh flowers and candlelit tabletops.
- Daniel: Featuring sophisticated French cuisine and the finest ingredients, Daniel provides an elegant dining experience. FYI: you might have to get a little fancy. No jeans and sneakers are allowed.
Why We Love Brooklyn
Always on the cutting edge, Brooklyn, New York is a great spot for any traveler. The vibrant NYC borough is a haven for the young and hip. Head to Williamsburg to hang out with a fashionable crowd and visit trendy cafes, coffee shops, boutiques and live music venues.
What to See in Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Flea: Shop hundreds of vendors for vintage clothing, furniture and other collectibles at Brooklyn Flea. You just might strike gold.
- Brooklyn Bridge: here’s something just so “New York” about walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. You can bike, walk or drive across the bridge for that movie magic feeling.
- Prospect Park: From the designers of the more famous Central Park, Prospect Park is an urban oasis that gives Brooklyn visitors a place to find peace and quiet.
What to Eat in Brooklyn
- Grimaldi's Pizzeria: After walking the Brooklyn Bridge, head to Grimaldi's in the trendy Dumbo neighborhood. Here you can savor the flavors of smoky thin-crust pizza from Grimaldi's coal-burning oven.
- Olmsted: Brooklyn locals love Olmsted in Prospect Heights. The chef uses seasonal ingredients, some from the restaurant's backyard garden, to create culinary masterpieces for the ever-changing menu. Olmsted is the perfect choice for veggie lovers.
- Peter Luger Steak House: Established in 1887, Peter Luger's is the spot to enjoy quality beef and treats like German fried potatoes or apple strudel.
Why We Love Queens
Traveling foodies may want to stay in Queens, the iconic NYC borough and the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world. Just a stone’s throw from the excitement of Times Square, Queens is an art driven haven with some incredible skyline views.
Where to Go in Queens
- Astoria: Known for it’s Greek cafes and taverns, the Astoria neighborhood of Queens is perfect for a culinary journey. Start at Agnanti, where you can enjoy Greek dishes and wine on an outdoor patio overlooking Astoria Park.
- Jackson Heights: One of the most diverse neighborhoods in Queens, Jackson Heights is known for some of the best Indian and South Asian food in the city. You might try fresh, aromatic and delicious Indian cuisine at Jackson Diner.
- Corona: Corona is the place to go for tasty Latin American cuisine. Consider Tortilleria Nixtamal for housemade tortilla chips or Rincon Criollo for authentic Cuban eats.
Where to find the best hotels in New York City, New York
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