We break it down—6 hotels for every personality, from solo travelers to theater lovers.
I spent nearly a decade living in New York and had addresses in three different boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. I still visit several times a year, and each time, I’m reminded that New York is a place where space is at a premium and location is everything.
A hub for art, architecture, fashion, music, theater, and more, there’s always more to do in New York than there is time, and where you stay can make a huge difference in how you experience the city.
Most of the main attractions are in Manhattan, which is also where you’ll find the largest concentration of hotels. Look for high-end luxury hotels at the southern edge of Central Park. You’ll find lots of trendy boutique stays in Soho, Nomad, and Greenwich Village (but prepare for tight quarters). For deals and larger rooms, consider the Financial District or Long Island City in Queens.
Whatever kind of traveler you are, there’s a hotel for you in New York City. These are some of my favorites.
Located in Times Square, the CitizenM is perfect for travelers who want a quick check-in, central location, and a comfortable bed. It’s just steps from a few different subway lines, making it easy to get just about anywhere in the city from here.
Room scene: There’s only one type of room at this hotel, so booking doesn’t require a lot of decision-making. Though they’re small, each room is bright, stylish, and well-designed—and comes with a comfy king-size bed, blackout blinds, and a flat-screen TV. Rooms are cozy and big enough for two, but they’re even better for solo travelers who would like a king-size bed all to themselves.
Restaurant report: The onsite restaurant, canteenM, serves a variety of pizzas and upscale bites (crab cakes, chicken dumplings). Even if you’re paying more than you’re used to at home, the prices here are better than at other Midtown hotel restaurants. There’s also a rooftop bar with craft cocktails and bar snacks.
Don’t miss: This Amsterdam-based hotel chain is built on the philosophy that all a traveler needs is a great bed and a rainfall shower. I can vouch for it: This was one of the best showers I’ve ever had with excellent water pressure.
The area: This hotel is a few blocks from the heart of Times Square and within walking distance of several Broadway theaters. It’s near eight subway lines, making it easy to get around Manhattan and to Brooklyn and Queens.
Travelers say: “It is a great hotel for staying in Manhattan, particularly for first time visitors( I am not), primarily because of its proximity to Broadway and Times Square. Our room could be bigger but it is very comfortable, the Ipad is a dream to use,a very clever use of storage so that we actually do have plenty of it. I love the mood lighting and the bed and the rain shower…heaven.”—@cailteg
Walking into the Algonquin Hotel feels like walking into history. Step inside and the hustle and bustle of the city falls away. Don’t be surprised to feel like you’re living in the Roaring 20s during your stay, and don’t skip the Dorothy Parker gin at The Blue Bar.
Room scene: Rooms at this iconic hotel in Midtown Manhattan combine modern comforts like pillow-top bedding and plush bathrobes with the old-world charm of a property that traces its history to 1902. Choose from standard or deluxe rooms and a selection of suites, including one named after actor and frequent Algonquin guest John Barrymore.
Restaurant report: The Round Table restaurant at the Algonquin has been a gathering spot for New York’s literary elite for decades. The restaurant menu includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and salads, but you might want to opt for a sampling of starters, especially if you like French Onion soup, steamed clams, or duck confit.
Don’t miss: Order the Dorothy Parker cocktail at The Blue Bar. The drink combines Dorothy Parker gin, apricot, and orange bitters—and it’s available on tap and named for the witty writer and Algonquin regular.
The area: This hotel is within a few blocks of several top Broadway theaters and a short walk from Bryant Park, where there’s fun, free stuff to do all year long. My favorites—the free ice skating in winter and free yoga classes in summer.
Travelers say: “First time staying at this lovely hotel and it was awesome. Definitely gives off a boutique vibe, but is very clean and the staff is overwhelmingly friendly. Loved that they had a house cat just sitting next to the desk who was very friendly and welcomed all pets.”—@thecondor101
This Lotte New York Palace hotel is an oasis in Midtown Manhattan, a tranquil spot for catching your breath during a busy day of shopping or sightseeing. And there are few more festive places to celebrate the holidays.
Room scene: Staying here feels like staying in a luxurious palace in the heart of the city. Full-sized desks are made for working remotely and plush mattresses make it easy to fall asleep at night. Expansive windows overlook icons like the Empire State Building and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Family suites offer enough space for up to eight guests.
Restaurant report: Sip on classic cocktails and share small plates at the glamorous Gold Room. There are few better places in New York City to indulge in caviar, oysters, and Hamachi crudo. Breakfast at the Villard is worth the price for the opulent setting alone; order the lemon mascarpone pancakes, a menu staple.
Don’t miss: No stay at the Lotte New York Palace is complete without a stop at Pomme Palais, the hotel’s Parisian-style pastry shop.
The area: This Madison Avenue hotel is steps from the best shopping in the city. It’s a short walk from Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s and about a block from Saks Fifth Avenue. Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center are also nearby.
Travelers say: “First time in the USA; excellent location and a very professional welcome from the moment we got off the taxi. Excellent spacious room at the Towers and very rapid service when requested. We got a “City View” room and we were mesmerised by the city at night. Perfect location to explore the usual NY sites, close to a subway station.”—@GPdoc
Come for the rooms, stay for the music. The Roxy Hotel in TriBeCa oozes glitz and glam and offers perks you won’t find anywhere else. Settle into a suite stocked with records and enjoy them on your own private turntable. Or spend your evening listening to live jazz and feasting on oysters. You may never want to leave.
Room scene: If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy suite, this hotel has several for you to choose from. Some come with turntables and curated vinyl collections. Opt for the Loft Suite for the picturesque TriBeCa views.
Restaurant report: Sip on a Lola cocktail and feast on oysters at the Roxy Oyster Bar. Get a masterfully grilled bar steak at the Roxy Bar at midnight or enjoy brunch with a live music soundtrack on the weekends. The best dining experience in the hotel is at The Django, the hotel’s underground jazz club.
Don’t miss: The Roxy Bar serves $2 oysters every evening between 4 and 6 p.m. and all day on Mondays. There’s also live music every night of the week and during weekend brunches.
The area: This hotel is in the heart of TriBeCa, a trendy neighborhood that’s home to some of the city’s most expensive real estate. Your neighbor? None other than Taylor Swift, who has a townhouse not far away that was previously owned by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson.
Travelers say: “Easy walk to great restaurants, shops as well quick walk to the water and parks on the west side highway. The hotel rooms are always clean and a nice size and I love the bathroom and the shower products! We always get the Roxy Deluxe King, a great room on the higher floors with nice views especially the ones facing church street. We eat breakfast and dinner at the Roxy Bar pretty often and never disappointed!”—@Ali D
If you’re looking to see and be seen, the Arlo Williamsburg is the Brooklyn hotel for you. The Arlo is well-located for exploring this hip neighborhood—one of my favorite places in the city. It’s got a dreamy rooftop pool, a water tower bar, and (bonus) it’s just a short train ride from Manhattan.
Room scene: There’s no better way to wake up in New York than with the Arlo’s shower with a view. Enjoy city panoramas from a glass-enclosed shower, or unwind on the balcony after a busy day of sightseeing. For longer stays, consider a studio, which includes a desk and sitting area. It’s a perfect option for getting a feel of what it might be like to be a local.
Restaurant report: With exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and unlimited brunch cocktails, the hotel’s Williamsburg Restaurant is the stuff New York dreams are made of. There’s no going wrong with the coconut milk French toast or the burrata toast. If unlimited mimosas aren’t your style, consider the Mother’s Milk, a mix of vodka and coconut water, or a nonalcoholic Feragaia mule.
Don’t miss: Sunsets at The Water Tower bar. Spend your day lounging by the hotel’s rooftop pool before taking in an unforgettable New York City sunset.
The area: If you’re looking for a neighborhood vibe and are willing to take a short train or car ride into Manhattan, this is the area for you. It’s all about independent boutiques, creative restaurants, and cute bars, so don’t be surprised if it’s hard to leave the neighborhood.
Travelers say: “Wonderful stay in the Williamsburg Hotel. The room was spacious and well appointed. The bed was extremely comfortable. The views of the Manhattan skyline from the water tower and roof deck were spectacular. We had the good fortune to be able to watch a thunderstorm sweep in from the west and engulf Manhattan. The staff could not have been friendlier or more accommodating – from check in to housekeeping to restaurant staff – everyone was professional and helpful.”—@markbS8193PF
Stay at the Ace for the quintessential Brooklyn experience in leafy Boerum Hill, a neighborhood right on the edge of Downtown Brooklyn. The rooms are spacious by New York standards, and you won’t have to go far to find a party. The Ace Hotel lobby is one of the best places for drinks in the city.
Room scene: Even the hotel’s smallest rooms come with king-size beds, making them great retreats for solo travelers. Some rooms are huge by New York standards, coming in at between 250 and 375 square feet. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light.
Restaurant report: There’s only one restaurant at this hotel, but it’s got you covered all day long. Try the coconut banana bread from the bakery for breakfast, the kimchi cheesy toast for lunch, or a classic New York strip steak for dinner.
Don’t miss: The Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel is one of the liveliest places in the neighborhood and hosts excellent DJs and local artists in residence.
The area: Stay here for long walks along brownstone-lined Brooklyn streets and easy access to express subways right into Manhattan.
Travelers say: “Great stay! We stayed for a wedding nearby recently, and the staff was very friendly, cool rooms, comfortable beds, and good water pressure. We didn’t hang out in the lobby, but there were tons of people set up with their laptops during the day, and seemed like a lively scene at the bar at night.”—@Colleen B
