Historic New York City Hotels

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There are so many hotels in New York City, but if you're looking for a hotel with some special New York City history, here are some of the best options for your stay.

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01 of 09

The Plaza Hotel

Located on Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the Plaza Hotel first opened on October 1, 1907 and has been an iconic New York City hotel ever since. The 19-story building took two years and $12 million dollars to build. Single rooms at the luxury hotel started at $2.50/night. It's most famous appearance in a film was probably Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 classic, North by Northwest, which was also one of the first films to be made on location and not on a Hollywood sound stage. It was designated a New York City Landmark in 1969 and is the city's only hotel that is also a National Historic Landmark.

02 of 09

Algonquin Hotel

Designed by architect Goldwin Starrett, the 181-room Algonquin hotel opened in 1902. It's most famous for hosting literary and theatrical celebrities, particularly members of the Algonquin Round Table, who lunched there daily for many years. The hotel was designated a New York City Historic Landmark in 1987.

03 of 09

The Knickerbocker Hotel

Located in Times Square, The Knickerbocker Hotel was opened in 1906 by John Jacob Astor IV. This Beaux-Arts building was a very happening spot for NYC society, but with the advent of prohibition it was converted into office space in 1921. Designated a New York City Landmark in 1988, the hotel was re-imagined and re-opened as a luxury property in 2015.

04 of 09

Warwick New York Hotel

Suite, Warwick Hotel, New York — Courtesy of Warwick New York Hotel

The Warwick Hotel was built in 1926 by William Randolph Hearst actress Marion Davies. Over the years, the hotel has hosted many celebrities, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Cary Grant. It's also very famous for its appearance in the background of the famous photograph titled Lunch Atop A Skyscraper.

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05 of 09

St. Regis Hotel

Founded by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, this Beaux-Arts hotel was where butler service first began to be offered in hotels. When the hotel first opened, suites were just $4/night. Marlene Dietrich, William Paley and Salvador Dali are among the famous figures to call the St. Regis home.

06 of 09

The Sherry-Netherland Hotel

Just steps from Central Park, The Sherry-Netherland Hotel opened in 1927 and continues to provide elegant accommodations and sophisticated service to its high-end clientele. In 2014 they restored the lobby's ceiling mural which was designed by Joseph Aruta and inspired by frescoes in the Vatican Palace. With just 50 rooms and suites, this hotel offers guests a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

07 of 09

The Iroquois New York

Designed by Harry Mulliken and first opened in October 1900, this historic New York City hotel has been beautifully preserved and was extensively renovated in the late 1990s.

08 of 09

The Peninsula New York

The Gotham Hotel opened in 1905, but was bankrupted in 1908 when it couldn't get a liquor license due to its proximity to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. After changing hands several times, (including in 1979 when a Swiss hotelier bought it and added the signature rooftop health club and pool) the hotel was eventually purchased in 1988 by the Peninsula Hotel group and reopened in 1999 after extensive renovations.

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09 of 09

The Redbury New York

Entryway at The Redbury — Courtesy of The Redbury

Originally built in 1907, and once known as the Martha Washington Hotel, the building that has now become the Redbury New York was the first hotel in New York City built exclusively for professional women. Until 1998 it continued to exclusively serve women, but since then it has changed hands numerous times before being renovated and rebranded in 2016.