New York City is a thrilling place to visit, with dazzling skyscrapers, elegant avenues, honking yellow taxis and iconic landmarks brimming with an intoxicating energy. Aside from the must-see attractions, the city’s hotels are a major draw for visitors too, with sleek boutique stays and budget-friendly options aplenty. And as a result, hotel renovations and openings have kept pace with the ever-changing landscape of the Big Apple.
With old-world buildings getting revamped, hip new openings and Covid-19-related closures keeping things fresh, the city’s hotel scene is constantly changing, with something for every traveler. From sleek boutique hotels in the trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions, the best hotels for every kind of traveler can be found here.
For a stay with an eclectic style, check out this hip boutique hotel in Gramercy, which channels stylish grown-up hostel vibes, thanks to plant-filled communal spaces and rooms (including lots of family options with bunks) designed by Kit Kemp. Rooms and suites are filled with unique touches like aviary wallpaper, sophisticated weave-textured walls and vintage crystal sconces. And a year-round rooftop bar is a great spot to sip cocktails.
A perennial favorite among T+L editors and readers, this World’s Best winner is a wellness-centric property that offers guests a one-of-a-kind escape in the heart of Manhattan. The 102-year-old hotel in the historic Crown Building is home to an underground Jazz Club and a 14th-floor Garden Terrace with a blue stone-covered fountain that feels worlds away from always-bustling Midtown. The suites are also a standout, with custom headboards and antique rugs adorning many of the rooms.
With a sprawling spa and fireplace-equipped rooms and suites, this luxury property is a dream for romance and relaxation. The 192-room hotel, a former 1920s estate on the Upper East Side, exudes timeless elegance, from the ornate piano bar to the elegant Bemelmans restaurant. Rooms are well-appointed, with perks such as oversized bathtubs and bespoke furniture. And a personal butler can help guests unwind with a cocktail or two at turndown.
This hotel, the most recent addition to our It List, opened in October 2023 to rapturous applause. The opulent 196-room property has all the trappings of a modern luxury stay, including a rooftop pool and bars topped by a retractable roof, private butler service, and cocktail services delivered to your room. But it’s the hotel’s evocative design—with Japanese-inspired elements, such as a Bonsai Hall and a zen rock garden—that really sets it apart. Each of the rooms is distinct, with some boasting whimsical murals and soaking tubs made from a single piece of Hinoki wood, while others have teppanyaki tables and living rooms.