The Best Luxury Hotels in NYC

• Location: Central Park South
• Rates: from $695/night
• Why We Love It: iconic afternoon tea, classic Champagne Bar, stunning architectural details, prime location

Eloise. Home Alone 2. And, of course, The Great Gatsby. If you want a taste of New York, frozen in a dazzling time capsule, come to The Plaza. Upon walking in, you’ll understand exactly why F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about it. From the stained glass roof of the Palm Court, under which cups clink and pinkies extend over tea time sandwiches, to the plush suites with mosaic-tiled bathrooms and gold fixtures, The Plaza cements its legendary status in the most minuscule of details. Beeline for the Champagne Bar after a long day exploring the city, and you can imagine the frantic and festive days of the jazz age as you sip on a cocktail.

“Afternoon tea at The Plaza is an absolute must,” says associate SEO editor Marissa Wu. “We chose the Central Park tea with a glass of champagne, and everything, from the dainty smoked salmon sandwich to kalamansi meringue tart, was artfully done with thoughtful service.”

The rooms are generous, even by New York standards, but the true standout, according to our reviewer, is the bathroom. Patterned mosaics line the walls, punctuated by gold hardware that makes you feel like Gloria Gilbert in Fitzgerald’s The Beautiful and Damned every time you turn on the faucet.

If desired, it’s possible to never leave The Plaza’s marbled halls, delicately perfumed by a custom gardenia scent pumped through the vents. Room service is available around the clock, breakfast at the Champagne Bar and evening bites at the Palm Court. Need to relax? There’s no pool, but you won’t miss it. Head to the Guerlain Spa instead and indulge in one of the many treatments, including facials, massages and therapies. We’re sure Eloise would approve.

• Location: Financial District
• Rates: from $400/night
• Why We Love It: heated floors, rooftop bar, design details

Modern luxury meets high-brow style at The Wall Street Hotel. Located in bustling FiDi, the hotel's picturesque views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty from the uncrowded rooftop bar (a rare joy in the city!) are actually second to the views from within the hotel; the Grecian fresco-inspired wallpaper, velvet banquettes, and hand-drawn fonts by award-winning design firm Rose Ink Workshop had us swooning.

Not to mention the heated bathroom floors, massive marble shower, in-room fully stocked bar cart and onsite five-star restaurant La Marchande (we recommend the liege waffle with Chantilly cream, orange-thyme marmalade and a carafe of warm chocolate sauce to pour over the whole thing to really start your day off right).

“While there's of course so much to see and do in this area of NYC, I could've spent all weekend taking in the artsy furnishings and exceptional service,” said senior editor Roberta Fiorito. If you stay here, fair warning: The urge to post an Instagram carousel of the various and museum-worthy wallpapers, textures, accents and fabrics will be hard to resist. Also, book now while you can still snag a room: The hotel was just named “No. 1 Hotel in New York City” in Travel & Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards, so it's not going to stay our little secret much longer...

• Location: Tribeca
• Rates: from $200/night
• Why We Love It: convenient downtown location, swanky cocktail bar, MALIN+GOETZ bath products

Smyth Tribeca combines downtown cool factor with an elegant, refined vibe. A perfect combo, if you ask us. Located right off the Chambers Street subway station in the notoriously chic, celeb-frequented neighborhood, this 14-story, 100-room boutique hotel is just a few blocks from the Hudson River. (Psst: It's the ideal locale for a stroll along the water during golden hour.) The room options range from queen beds to suites complete with their own spacious terrace. You’ll love the comfy white bed, plush throw blanket, marble rain shower and fragrant MALIN+GOETZ products. Just make sure you’re pretty comfortable with your roommate—the sliding bathroom door and opaque windows leave little to the imagination.

The highlight, though, has to be the hotel’s dining and bar options. For a chic—if pricey—meal, the corner-situated Smyth Tavern has all your faves, cheffed up a notch. Think: deviled eggs with caviar or a burger with bacon onion jam. But you really can’t miss Galerie Bar, a sophisticated, dimly lit cocktail oasis located off the hotel’s lobby. “Reserve a seat next to one of the fireplaces for a cozy, upscale date night,” said senior editor Kelsey Paine. “My Vesper was perfectly balanced and the stylish cocktail glasses made me feel like an Old Hollywood star.” Bar bites like sashimi and mini crab cakes are also available if you get peckish.

• Location: NoMad
• Rates: from $420/night
• Why We Love It: glamorous design, cozy beds, first-rate food, private spaces

When you enter the private member’s spaces in The Ned, it feels like you’re stepping back into high-society 1920s New York, but with a modern, artful twist. Plush jewel tones and dark mahogany put you in a fabulously moody state of mind, intentionally matching the architecture of the historic Beaux-Arts Johnston building (1903) where it resides. Sister hotel to SoHo House and designed by the same team, every decor detail in The Ned is elegantly vintage, contrasted by nearly 300 artworks showcasing the New York contemporary art scene (including museum-level talent like Rashid Johnson, Marilyn Minter, Mickalene Thomas, Laurie Simmons, Hank Willis Thomas and Glenn Ligon).

Once you’ve snapped your laptop shut after an afternoon of working (and OK, sipping cocktails) in the Library, head to the Atrium for live music (as a guest, you’ll have access to many of their spaces that are not open to the public) or straight up to the Ned’s Club Upstairs for rooftop views, oysters and melon margaritas (but this one’s member’s only!). Take your dinner at the popular on-site Italian restaurant Cecconi’s before snuggling into the plush bed in your ultra cozy accommodations upstairs. The property has 167 guest rooms, ranging from petite Crash Pads to suites and studios. The Medium room (370 sq ft) is ideal for 1 to 2 guests, complete with a writing desk, separate toilet room, rainfall shower and charming in-room clawfoot tub—not to mention every full size Cowshed toiletry and grooming product you could need. In the morning, stop back by Cecconi’s for breakfast, if you can tear yourself out of the pillowy bed, and order the passion fruit muesli and a decadent plate of eggs before heading out onto busting Broadway.

• Location: Central Park South
• Rates: from $290/night
• Why We Love It: sweeping Central Park views, rooftop bar, Le Labo toiletries, in-room slippers

Situated at 36 Central Park South, getting you just about as close to the iconic green space as possible, Park Lane New York offers panoramic views from its rooms and rooftop bar alike.

Spacious rooms are available with both park and city views and have a range of bed options including a single king, two queens and a variety of suites from studios up to two bedrooms to choose from, most adorned with hand-painted murals. Expect soft, white linens and fluffy pillows, along with velvet sitting chairs that are ideal for taking a quick rest before heading out to explore more of the city. Though the bathrooms are on the smaller side, they still have a luxurious feel with both slippers and robes available for use and lavish Le Labo toiletries.

We also suggest making your way up to Darling, claimed by the hotel as the only rooftop lounge on Billionaire Row, for a late night snack or pre-dinner appetizers, as assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera can confirm the portobello mushroom petite burgers were simply to die for. You can also grab an expertly curated cocktail while you enjoy the sweeping views of the park below thanks to the fully windowed walls in the oasis-inspired area. Plus, views are just as fantastic at night showing off the city’s ever sparkling lights.

• Location: Brooklyn
• Rates: from $399/room
• Why We Love It: the commitment to sustainability, the rooftop pool, the skyline views, the family-friendly vibe

Located just past the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll find the chic and LEED-certified 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge—a true oasis and resort-like escape in the midst of the urban jungle that is New York. The efforts to be sustainable stand out, whether its the earthy tones and greenery-covered walls in the lobby to the salt timer in the shower reminding you about your water use. In fact, 1 Hotels is renowned for their mission as a brand to minimize their carbon footprint and blend each property into its surroundings.

Other details that make this place a stand-out: The rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline; also, the world-class Bamford Wellness Spa and rooftop bar featuring signature cocktails that are refreshing and unique. Our Senior Director Rachel Bowie visited the property with her 5-year-old and was impressed at the family-friendliness of the property, too.

If Brooklyn feels like too far a jaunt, there’s also the 1 Hotel Central Park, which maintains the same commitment to sustainability and chic aesthetic. There, you’re paying for the location: The hotel is just a block from some of the most picturesque parts of Central Park. Also worth noting: The on-site restaurant Jams, helmed by James Beard-award winning chef Jonathan Waxman. Snag a seat on the greenery-lined patio after a day roaming the park (and seeing the city sights) and you’ll be happy as a clam.

• Location: Midtown
• Rates: from $795/night
• Why We Love It: exquisite design, room service, heated floors, private balconies

There are hotels you book for a place to sleep, and then, there’s the Whitby. From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by the whimsical design of our terrace suite. Worlds removed from the garish puffy leather headboards or crusty carpets of lesser hotels, this 740-square-foot-space, complete with a private terrace balcony, felt like walking into a chic Parisian apartment. Swathed in deep pistachio greens, creams and mauve pink stripes (a welcome respite from the typical cold blacks and grays or rustic wooden details of most city hotels), its mix of eclectic and Victorian-looking artwork (a central theme of the hotel), enchanting English furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows immediately made us feel at home. And while we’d like to think our stay was special, it turns out that each of this property’s 86 superior, luxury and deluxe rooms are equally enchanting, as they’ve all got Firmdale Hotel founder and creative director Kit Kemp (who is basically royalty in the world of British interior design)’s personalized touch, albeit in different color schemes (all the more reason to go back for a million more stays). Its ambience certainly fits its surroundings: The MoMA is right down the street, and you’re steps away from art galleries (which the hotel helpfully outlines the exhibits of with a welcome note).

The service is excellent: Ask the concierge for directions to Ellis Island and he’ll not only tell you how to get there, but book your tickets, too. The in-room massages are available at all hours of the night (2 a.m. Shiatsu, anyone?). And the room service is speedy and reliable (though we highly recommend heading downstairs to check out the afternoon tea). If you’re a fan of art, fashion, design or just elegance, this is the spot for you.

• Location: Midtown East
• Rates: from $500/night
• Why We Love It: iconic building, breathtaking views of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Gold Room bar

No other hotel in NYC feels like stepping into the Gilded Age quite like Lotte New York Palace. Built in the late 1800s by railroad magnate Henry Villard as six private residences bordering a central courtyard, the iconic building with its arched stone entrance is one of the city's most recognizable luxury hotels. Most of the rooms, which feel hugely spacious in a city where square-footage is at a premium (walk-in closets! massive bathrooms!), look out over St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. But it was the onsite dining options that wowed us most. “Don't miss the Gold Room during your stay,” said senior editor Roberta Fiorito. “The gilt ceiling and Renaissance frescoes feel like stepping back in time to the golden age of Manhattan, and the service is top-notch.” Martini fans: the menu includes eight different variations on the classic (with "The Reserve" topping out at $250 a glass!), plus food pairings.

• Location: Times Square
• Rates: from $250/night
• Why We Love It spacious rooms, heart of the action, swanky lobby bar

From the moment we stepped into the W New York – Times Square Hotel (which is mere feet from the Times Square excitement), we were transported into a swanky, stylish and luxurious new home. The rooms are surprisingly spacious for a NYC hotel. But the real star of the W Times Square is the Living Room bar and lounge just off the lobby. The throwback décor pays homage to New York City of yesteryear, featuring cool neon lights that will remind you of Broadway. The Living Room offers craft cocktails and tasty wines and transforms into quite the scene come nighttime, with DJs playing tunes until the wee hours from a very cool New Year’s Eve ball-inspired DJ booth. And for those who are looking for even more action than that, you need only step out the front door. The W truly is in the heart of it all, located on 47^th Street between Broadway and 8^th Avenue. You’ll run into restaurants, bars and Broadway theaters regardless of the direction you turn out of the front door.

• Location: Greenwich Village
• Rates: from $275/night
• Why We Love It: art deco design, great location, private balconies

You want luxury, but you also want character. Enter: Walker Hotel Greenwich Village. Located in the heart of the Village, this Art Deco hotel oozes laid-back cool with gas lamps out front, exposed brick inside, live music in the lobby and farm-to-table dining at the on-site restaurant. “If you can, opt for one of the rooms above the 10th floor with a terrace for great views of the Empire State Building and bustling neighborhood,” says executive editor Alexia Dellner. She also said that while the room wasn’t huge, the bathroom was surprisingly grand. “The bathtub was so deep (and filled up so fast!) that it basically felt like swimming in my own pool!” Other highlights include the free coffee, water and hot cider in the lobby and the charming Society Cafe restaurant that had the most delicious fresh popovers with housemade herbed butter. We also loved that even though The Walker is in one of the coolest nabes in town, it's located on a quiet tree-lined street and the windows and walls are soundproof, so you can still be in the middle of all the action and get a quiet night's sleep.

• Location: Midtown
• Rates: from $718/night
• Why We Love It: great location, rooftop bar, amazing spa, Oscar de la Renta bath products

Look, spending a weekend in the Big Apple can be stressful. It's loud, the subway is gross and your feet hurt from pounding the pavement all day. And so, when you finally retire to your hotel, you deserve to relax. And what better way to do that than with a soothing massage or invigorating facial? The Peninsula has one of the best spas in the city, boasting spacious treatment rooms (the spa actually spans across two floors), luxury furnishings (there's a 24-karat gold mosaic-tiled wall, NBD) and  Eastern-influenced signature treatments that will have you feeling like a million bucks. There's also a glass-enclosed pool. In addition to the excellent spa, there are also several restaurants on site, including Clement Restaurant dishing up contemporary American food for breakfast and lunch (we were big fans of the homemade granola) and the Bar at Clement offering innovative cocktails and light bites in the evening. But even if you decide to dine elsewhere, don’t miss riding up to the 23^rd floor to the 1930s Shanghai-inspired Salon de Ning rooftop bar with dramatic views of Fifth Avenue and the surrounding city skyline.

• Location: Hudson Yards
• Rates: from $575/night
• Why We Love It: buzzy location, tranquil escape, Cali vibes

Pendry Manhattan West has been ranked the number one hotel in the city (according to TripAdvisor) and is located in the buzzy Hudson Yard neighborhood. But does it live up to the hype? Our reviewer says yes, thanks to cool interior design (think: Hamptons meets LA), exceptional service (macarons are left on the bed after turndown) and great on-site dining. Speaking of food, at Pendry you’ve got enough options to take you from morning to night: Sip a cappuccino in the light- and plant-filled Garden Room, meet friends for dinner over mezze and lamb chops at glitzy Zou Zou’s, or unwind with a nightcap in the glamorous Bar Pendry. The retro-meets-modern Vista Lounge dishes up light and hearty breakfasts (we were big fans of the housemade granola with berries, banana, pumpkin and chia seeds). While we appreciate the neutral tones and calming vibe of the Pendry, our reviewer noted that you’re better off taking the kids to a different hotel—this chic spot is best for grown-ups.

• Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• Price: from $245 per room, per night
• Why We Love It: cool neighborhood, great restaurant, gorgeous views

Executive editor Dara Katz didn't expect her night at The William Vale to be a food trip, but even amid the Manhattan views, the plush bedroom details and the soaking tub so deep it could fit the East River, it's the pizza that appeared in her room that she’ll always remember. “While I didn't have the chance to dine at Leuca—the Southern Italy-inspired restaurant helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini—I did get to head down near closing time to sit at the bar with a friend and sip on a couple glasses of sparkling rose, which I'm glad a did, because the ambiance is enveloping. Two glasses of bubbly in and obviously I needed pizza, stat. So, from my barstool, I ordered two pies via the room service app, which felt very futuristic, and when I entered my room later, there they were, waiting for me on the coffee table...which also felt very futuristic. Though I didn't dine at Leuca, I did enjoy their wood-fired pizza right in my room with a wraparound view of the skyline, and it was (both the pizza and the skyline) delectable.” Guests here will also enjoy the hip nabe, outdoor pool and incredible views (floor-to-ceiling windows in every room).

• Location: Upper East Side
• Rates: from $699/night
• Why We Love It: spacious rooms, delicious dining, stellar service

Whether you’re a New Yorker looking to pamper yourself with a staycation, or you’re simply visiting the Big Apple and want a weekend of luxury, the Loews Regency New York should absolutely be on your short list. The gorgeous Park Avenue establishment is luxe, lively and modern. NYC hotel rooms tend to be on the “cozier” (aka smaller) side. Not the case at the Loews Regency. Our VP of entertainment, Phil Mutz, was pleased to find that the rooms are spacious, filled with natural light and come chock full of amenities: luxe bedding, electronic window shades, a smart TV…the list goes on. However, the real prize is The Regency Bar & Grill, which sits right off the hotel lobby. What the Loews describes as “a quintessential Upper East Side dining destination,” it offers “all American fare with market-fresh ingredients in a contemporary setting.” Featuring a stellar menu from new Executive Chef Manjit Manohar, it is quite the culinary experience. Of course, no meal would be complete without a craft cocktail—and the Regency Bar & Grill knows how to make a cocktail. Whether you’re feeling an old fashioned, a martini or something straight from their stacked drink list, you are going to be impressed.