United States New York New York City The Best New York City Hotels By Virginia Blair West Virginia Blair West Writer Instagram LinkedIn Connecticut College Virginia Blair West is a New York City-based travel writer who also has experience as an editor, advisor, and PR professional. Her work has appeared in Newsweek and Indagare. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/06/22 Fact checked by Erin Medlicott Fact checked by Erin Medlicott LinkedIn Twitter New York University Rutgers University Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. From heritage institutions to quirky hostels, New York City offers a hotel for every type of traveler. A quick search, whether it's to find uptown glamour, downtown energy, or family-friendly luxury, will yield endless options in every category of accommodations. So it's no surprise that finding the perfect place to rest your head in the city that never sleeps can prove to be a daunting task. When choosing a hotel in New York City, consider the property’s location before making any other decisions. New York is a walking city through and through, so it’s wise to book a hotel with proximity to the sites you plan to visit. Next, weigh the importance of different amenities, room and suite rates, and the distinct vibe of the hotel and its respective neighborhood. Here, we narrow down the options to category-topping properties that you can call home as you explore the hustle and bustle of this iconic east coast metropolis. Read on for our expert list of the best New York City hotels. Best New York City Hotels of 2022 Best Overall: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel Best Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Best Budget: Harlem Flophouse Best for Families: The Peninsula New York Best Historical Property: The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel Best Brooklyn Property: The William Vale Best Scene: Bowery Hotel Best Views: The Standard, High Line The Best New York City Hotels View All The Best New York City Hotels The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Harlem Flophouse The Peninsula New York The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel The William Vale Bowery Hotel The Standard, High Line Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel See Rates Why We Chose It This uptown institution offers a taste of New York elegance at its best, plus can’t-beat proximity to the park. Pros Upper East Side location, a block from Central Park Impeccable service with a staff of 400 Cons High price tag, especially in peak seasons Guests will be in good company staying at the Carlyle Hotel, an iconic property that has been favored by presidents, royalty, and celebrities since its opening in 1931. With its prime location on Madison Avenue, the hotel is a landmark of New York City glamour, counting white glove-clad bellhops, Art Deco interiors, and a dimly-lit piano bar on its list of allures. The hotel does not sacrifice contemporary comforts, however, with luxurious bed linens and Kiehl's bathroom amenities complementing the rooms’ romantic decor. Through the famed black and white marble lobby, guests have access to a few of the neighborhood's best restaurants and bars right within the hotel, including Bemelmans Bar, featuring live music beneath a 24-carat gold-leaf ceiling. Notable Amenities Sisley-Paris spa and salonAfternoon tea available at The Gallery Best Luxury : Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown See Rates Why We Chose It From its contemporary design to its streamlined check-in process, every element of the Four Seasons Downtown is a nod to understated, effortless luxury. Pros Entry-level rooms start at 400 square feet (larger than average for NYC) Multilingual concierge arranges reservations and tours Cons Room decor lacks character Opened in 2016, the Four Seasons downtown is all about white-glove service blending with modern ease. The hotel is smack-dab in the middle of New York’s bustling downtown and enjoys up-close views of attractions like the Oculus. But the serene rooftop pool and discreet atmosphere make it a real oasis in the city. Guests are treated to plush rooms with all the expected luxuries, including soaking tubs, espresso machines, and fine linens. While not indulging in treatments at the top-notch spa, guests will be enticed by the aromas of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the swanky steakhouse right off the hotel lobby. Notable Amenities 75-foot rooftop indoor poolState-of-the-art fitness center Neighborhoods to Know Best Budget : Harlem Flophouse Harlem Flophouse See Rates Why We Chose It Located in a historic Victorian townhouse, this property proves that European charm does not have to be expensive. Pros Distinctive character and period details Quiet location Cons Rooms are bare-bones and several share bathroom facilities No on-site restaurant The Harlem Flophouse is a true relic of the Harlem Renaissance, when the term “flophouse” was invented to describe an inexpensive hotel where jazz musicians and artists could rest their heads. Today, the historic townhouse-turned-hotel welcomes travelers who don’t mind sacrificing a few modern comforts for homeyness and character. Just several blocks north of Central Park, the hotel is filled with nods to its past, including jazz-age tchotchkes, antique maps, and vintage wallpaper. And while the four rooms (named after Harlem icons such as Thelonius Monk) lack amenities like air conditioning, the nightly rates are unbeatable. Notable Amenities Claw-foot tubsDesk in every room Best for Families : The Peninsula New York The Peninsula New York See Rates Why We Chose It Children and parents both receive the five-star New York experience at this historic Midtown hotel. Pros Proximity to the Theater District, museums, and shopping A variety of room categories, including residence-style suites Cons Midtown location can be hectic and noisy Some lower-tier rooms lack views and elegant decor With its gilded, flag-flanked entrance on Fifth Avenue, the Peninsula is considered by many to be New York’s ultimate Grande Dame. Glamorous elements abound at the hotel, including an intimate rooftop lounge, an indulgent spa, BMW airport transfers, and marble bathrooms. The hotel sets itself apart from other luxury mainstays thanks to its noted family offerings—and we’re not talking just babysitting services and pint-sized bathrobes (though guests can certainly enjoy those amenities). The Camp Peninsula package, for instance, includes a hotel scavenger hunt, in-room tent set-up, and personalized gifts like s’mores. Peninsula Academy offers highly curated experiences for both children and adults, such as a Broadway show with cast member meet-and-greet, and off-hours tours of the nearby MoMA. Notable Amenities Glass-enclosed rooftop poolTerrace restaurant with bird’s-eye city viewsFitness classes Best Historical Property : The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel See Rates Why We Chose It Located in a masterfully restored 19th-century building, the Beekman Hotel epitomizes New York history. Pros Decor is more unique than comparable luxury properties Dog-friendly (up to 35 pounds) Cons Old building comes with its kinks No on-site spa If these walls could talk, they would most certainly brag. Throughout the Beekman building’s 150-year history, it has been recognized many times over, including as one of Manhattan’s original skyscrapers (at nine floors) and as the location of New York City’s debut of "Hamlet." Located in the financial district, the Beekman Hotel is a true feast for the eyes. Surrounding a striking nine-story atrium with a skylight, the hotel is adorned with mosaic marble floors, Persian rugs, and vintage chandeliers. Guest rooms are equally stylish, but with creature comforts like Carrara marble-tiled bathrooms and D.S. & Durga toiletries. Notable Amenities On-site Temple Court restaurant helmed by chef Tom ColicchioFitness center occupying two floorsImpressive art collection Best Brooklyn Property : The William Vale The William Vale See Rates Why We Chose It The William Vale defined “Brooklyn cool” when it opened in 2016, and it’s still the best choice in the borough for a cosmopolitan experience with unbeatable amenities, an award-winning restaurant, and 360-degree views. Pros All accommodations feature private balconies with views of Manhattan Glamorous rooftop with 60-foot outdoor swimming pool Cons Restaurants often require reservations days in advance, even for hotel guests No on-site spa The unmistakable zig-zag facade of the William Vale jumps out of the Brooklyn skyline and is a favorite for its trend-setting rooftop and laid-back luxury. A stone’s throw from Williamsburg’s top attractions like Smorgasburg and McCarren Park, the hotel has 183 light-filled rooms, each with a Lavazza coffee machine and bath products by Le Labo. Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini ensures the hotel’s culinary offerings are some of the best across the bridge, including Westlight, with its elevated street food and 360-degree city views. Thanks to the hotel’s creative identity, there is always something new happening, whether it’s a pop-up skating rink, rooftop yoga series, or lawn games on the summer turf. Notable Amenities Vale Park: 15,000 square feet of landscaped green space on the hotel's second garden levelModern art-filled lobby Best Scene : Bowery Hotel Bowery Hotel See Rates Why We Chose It With its storied lobby bar and chic atmosphere, the Bowery Hotel is the ultimate spot for a dose of downtown cool. Pros Occupies prime real estate between the East Village and NoHo Smart room technology, including HD televisions with movies on demand Cons Neighborhood can be noisy at night Small fitness center “Meet me at the Bowery” is a key phrase for every stylish New Yorker, and for good reason. Travelers may come for the dimly-lit lobby bar filled with velvet curtains, leather armchairs, and crackling fireplaces (at which hotel guests are offered priority seating). But they will stay for the expertly appointed rooms, complete with marble soaking tubs, plush draperies, and plenty of natural light. Higher room categories offer spacious terraces and unobstructed bird's-eye views of the city. And while there is no pool or spa, scene-seekers can’t go wrong with the Bowery. Notable Amenities Complimentary bicyclesLocal-approved Italian trattoria, Gemma Best Views : The Standard, High Line The Standard, High Line See Rates Why We Chose It Guests can eat, drink, and sleep in the clouds at the Standard High Line, where spectacular views are the raison d’être. Pros Waterside location surrounded by green space 24-hour room service and concierge Cons Entry-level rooms are small at 250 square feet No child-friendly amenities Located above the elevated train-line-turned-public-park known as the High Line, the Standard Hotel offers a swanky and vista-filled downtown experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows are found nearly everywhere at the hotel, including in all guest rooms (which are outfitted with Italian sheets and Bluetooth audio) and in the gym, with its unique lookout over the Hudson River. Waterfront location and ample nearby greenspace are a rarity in NYC, making the Standard a knock-out in its category. Thanks to the Standard’s buzzy eateries, guests need not leave the hotel for a taste of the New York food scene. Coveted on-site restaurants include the beer garden and the Standard Grill, which offers excellent streetside people-watching. Notable Amenities Fitness center with Peloton bikesFull calendar of events (movie screenings, art installations, seasonal pop-ups) Final Verdict Determining where to stay in New York City comes down to what brings you to the Big Apple in the first place. Looking to experience uptown in all its glory? You can’t go wrong with the Carlyle. Planning a lively downtown weekend? The Bowery Hotel won’t disappoint. And for a place to rest both your head and your wallet, the Harlem Flophouse is an outstanding option. However, all of these tried-and-true hotels guarantee a top-notch stay in New York City—whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit. Compare The Best New York City Hotels Property Resort Fee Rates Rooms WiFi The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel Best Overall None $$$$ 190 Free Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Best Luxury None $$$$ 189 Free Harlem Flophouse Best Budget None $ 4 Free The Peninsula New York Best for Families None $$$$ 235 Free The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel Best Historical Property $40.16 $$ 287 Free The William Vale Best Brooklyn Property None $$ 183 Free Bowery Hotel Best Scene None $$$$ 135 Free The Standard, High Line Best Views $34.43 $$ 338 Free Methodology We evaluated dozens of hotels in New York City’s five boroughs. To determine the best of the best for the chosen categories, we considered such factors as the hotel’s reputation and quality of service, proximity to major attractions, and crowd-pleasing amenities (e.g., rooftops, swimming pools, and views). We also considered the property’s dining venues and unique experiences (like exclusive tours and fitness classes) available to guests. In addition to customer reviews, we noted each of the hotel’s sanitation and cleanliness measures. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies