With its world-class museums, shopping streets, plethora of restaurants and free attractions, New York City is the ultimate cosmopolitan travel destination. It’s also home to some of the best hotels in the world, many of which have a sense of style that’s both refined and unmistakable.
From old-world buildings reimagined by legendary designers to opulent havens in trendy non-touristy neighborhoods, the Big Apple’s hotel scene is constantly changing. Some are historic addresses that have become part of the city’s identity like The Plaza, which presides over Central Park and is the home of Eloise, while others were designed with discerning luxury travelers in mind like The Mercer in Brooklyn or 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in downtown Manhattan.
But what the best hotels really have in common is an understanding of how to make their guests feel at home. They’re not just a place to sleep or get work done, they’re places to escape from the chaos of the outside world and indulge in a little bit of self-care with a cocktail or a cup of tea. And that’s a big part of why people keep coming back.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate retreat in the heart of the city or a quiet oasis surrounded by natural beauty, you can find the perfect place to stay among our list of the best hotels in the world. Featuring a mix of new openings and enduring legends, the top 10 hotels are sure to help you have your best vacation ever.
1. The Langham, New York
One of the most opulent properties in Manhattan, this elegant oasis is a refuge from the bustle of the city’s upscale Fifth Avenue shops and Central Park. Its rooms skew unusually large for New York City and have a refined look with Duxiana beds, soaking tubs, marble bathrooms and working desks. The service is top notch, too.
2. The Carlyle, New York
A tribute to art deco opulence that doesn’t need to refresh its decor with every design trend, the rooms at this iconic Upper East Side address are the epitome of comfort. Room interiors are a blend of styles, from classic to modern art, with Kiehl’s amenities and Nespresso machines standard.
3. The Wythe, New York
Housed in an industrial building that once housed barrels and rope, this Brooklyn hotel is a stylish ode to the neighborhood’s past. The guest rooms are a departure from the concrete, industrial aesthetic, with bespoke toile wallpaper by Dan Funderburg and Fili D’Oro linens. They also have swanky bathroom features, including a marble shower and 24-karat Sherle Wagner fixtures. Guests can relax in the blond wood and glass penthouse suites overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge or the hotel’s restaurant, which is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef.