A good hotel can make or break a vacation, especially in a city as buzzy as New York. From sleek boutique hotels in trendy neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near NYC’s top attractions, the best hotels offer something for every type of traveler.
For a touch of glitz, look for a hotel with stunning views of the sea. In Manila, the Admiral Hotel is a 30-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and features a rooftop bar that straddles two towering cliffs. The 123 rooms blend Spanish and Filipino architecture with a modern twist and some include private balconies and stunning bay or city views. And the hotel is conveniently located for sightseeing (it’s just a 10-minute walk to Roxas Boulevard) and shopping.
In NYC, Firmdale Hotels brings boutique style to the city with standout properties like Crosby Street and Whitby Hotel. Both have expert service and eclectic design, but each has its own distinct personality. Whitby Hotel is simply stated, “stunning.” The elegant It List 2023 property is improbably tranquil given its central Midtown location perched above 5th Avenue with postcard-perfect views of the Empire State Building. For a more personal view, book the glam Premiere Suite 5th Avenue.
Unlike the fluttering lights of the city below, these bedrooms are quiet and peaceful thanks to their high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms feature gorgeous bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and working fireplaces, plus custom Beautyrest mattresses and Diptyque toiletries. And while the hotel is walkable to incredible shopping, dining and museums, the secluded rooms feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
The Carlyle, the hotel that was once home to Princess Diana and is now where royals stay when visiting Manhattan, has a special place in New York history. Its storied past includes a visit from John F. Kennedy and a visit from Kate Middleton and Prince William in 2011. And it’s still one of the most beautiful hotels in town. Its opulent decor has become synonymous with elegance and the spirit of New York, while Bemelmans Bar is a famous landmark in its own right.
Whether you want to hang with Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle or the dozens of other A-List celebrities that stay at the Mandarin Oriental, this luxury hotel is for you. A-Listers love this opulent oasis for its incredible spa, including an outdoor pool, hot and cold plunge pools and a sauna and steam room. And its palatial rooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, are a must. The only downside: the hotel can be a bit noisy since it’s on a busy street in an urban area.