Traveling to New York City? Confused about where to stay in NYC? There are so many things to do in New York City, so much to see and SO MANY hotels. I have broken down each category and location of the best hotels in NYC! By budget (or lack thereof), uniqueness, and special qualities!

The Most Iconic Hotel in New York City
The Plaza Hotel New York. The Plaza Hotel, a French Renaissance-inspired hotel, has been welcoming guests for over 100 years and is an established New York City landmark for stylish society affairs, a rich history in being featured in blockbuster films such as Sex in the City, Funny Girl, Home Alone 2, Bride Wars to name a few. To stay at The Plaza Hotel in New York City is immersing yourself in the iconic fabric of New York City.

The Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan, steps away from Central Park. It was built when New York City was emerging as one of the most fashionable cities on earth and has played host to some of America’s greatest figures, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Marilyn Monroe. The hotel has undergone several renovations since it opened in 1907, but its luxurious style remains unchanged.
If you stay at The Plaza Hotel New York, you must enjoy a three-tiered tray of tea sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats at afternoon tea at Palm Court. Eating fabulous breakfast and having cocktails at the Palm Court is quintessential New York as staying at The Plaza. If you are traveling with the littles, a delightful Eloise tea at Palm Court will make every little girl’s tea party dreams come true. Reservations are required and booked quickly.
Book an elegant guest room or guest suite, or if traveling to NYC with family or a large group, The Plaza Hotel offers multi-room suites. If you are traveling with kids to New York City, The Plaza is actually a family-friendly hotel– the Eloise Suite, designed by Betsey Johnson (with an adjoining nanny suite) for a uniquely New York experience.
Located at 5th Avenue and Central Park South, shopping (best in the world), restaurants, and entertainment are at your fingertips. If you get to attend a wedding or have a wedding at The Plaza, let’s be friends.
The Plaza Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in New York City; It is also one of the best hotels in New York City with Central Park views. Hands down.
Luxury on the East Side: The Baccarat Hotel New York City
The Baccarat Hotel, the best luxury hotel in New York City. Nothing is more luxurious than this stunning hotel. The Baccarat Hotel is the residential experience of a pied-à-Terre, with the amenities of a luxury hotel.
You can hire a private car service to take you to do all the best things to do in NYC, like the ballet, a Broadway show, dancing, or drinks at The Plaza. An indoor pool for the most concerning guests, hosts for your stay, a private fitness facility, and a spa by the most luxurious skincare brand in the world, La Mer.
The Baccarat Hotel New York City is a luxury hotel that offers guests the best of both worlds. The stunning views and sleek design make for an unforgettable experience, while the proximity to Central Park ensures that there is plenty to do outside. With so many amenities, it’s no wonder that this hotel has been ranked as one of the top ten hotels in New York City!
With pleated silk walls, Baccarat crystals, and crystal chandeliers adorning every inch of the hotel styled and designed with a nod to French traditions. Every guest room and suite is styled with a contemporary design for a luxurious personal escape after exploring the greatest city in the world.
The best luxury hotels in New York City to consider:
- The St. Regis New York
- The Ritz Carlton Central Park
- Equinox Hotel New York
- The Four Seasons New York
- Trump International Hotel
The Best Place to Stay in New York City–On a Budget
If you have champagne eyes but beer pockets and want to have a nice room and a great time in NYC, and are on a budget? Best Western Premier is for you. Cheap hotels r in New York City that is nice are hard to come by. This hotel, however, is the best place to stay in New York City, and it’s an all-around great hotel. This a fantastic hotel with a fantastic price is near all the New York City restaurants and things to do in New York City.

Depending on the days you travel, you may get this NYC hotel for under $100 a night. This hotel may be $130-$179 a night, a steal in NYC if it is peak season. Finding a decent and slightly roomy hotel for under $100 a night in a hotel in NYC is hard to do.
New York City is an expensive city to travel to and is expensive to live in. That is the truth. Best Western Premier at Herald Square is in a fantastic location, is clean, nice, and has larger-sized rooms for a cheap hotel in New York City.
You can see my post on the best budget hotels in New York City that are nice, clean, and around all the major attractions of New York City.
The Best Mid-Price NYC Hotel
The Refinery Hotel. Located in the heart of Chelsea, The Refinery Hotel New York City offers a unique way to experience Manhattan. The hotel’s location provides easy access to everything from world-class shopping on 5th Avenue and Madison Square Garden to incredible art museums like MoMA or The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Refinery Hotel has one of THE BEST views of the Empire State Building. The rooftop has a view that stretches from the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn, over Central Park, and all the way up to The Empire State Building while drinking some superstar cocktails with friends! It’s an extraordinary vantage point for New York City.
The Best Boutique Hotel In NYC
This hotel hits every checklist for one of the best hotels in New York City-Best rooftop, best rooftop pool, best views of Manhattan, best rooftop brunch. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers sweeping Manhattan skyline views, Statue of Liberty, and iconic Brooklyn Bridge views from the comfort of your private eco-friendly guest retreat.

Take a dip in a seasonal rooftop pool or have cocktails on this hotel’s rooftop lounge offering some of the most magnificent Manhattan skyline views. Ride a ferry over to Governor’s Island, or grab sandwiches to picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is located in my favorite quaint neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights and is a five-minute subway ride right into Manhattan. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is one of the coolest hotels in New York City and truly is a wonderful hotel to stay in with many conveniences and amenities.
Best Boutique Hotel in New York City for consideration:
- Dream Hotel (mid-range hotel and trendy)
- Selina Chelsea New York City (budget and swanky)
- Arlo NoMad or Arlo Soho (Budget and hotels in NYC with a view) you can see my post on best budget NYC hotels featuring Arlo Hotels.
The Best Hotels In New York City With A View Of Central Park
If you stay in New York City and have a magnificent view of Central Park, consider yourself lucky and blessed. Of course, The Plaza Hotel has rooms with amazing views of Central Park. There are many stunning hotels in New York City with a view for a price of Central Park.
JW Marriott Essex House is a luxury hotel in New York City with guest rooms and suites with a gorgeous view of Central Park. Another perk and special feature of this hotel are that some guest rooms have terraces to sip a cocktail from your room and enjoy the city from above.

Located on Central Park South, directly across Central Park, JW Essex House Hotel is a very recognizable skyscraper lining Central Park with its iconic “Essex House” cherry red sign adorned on the top of the building.
JW Marriott Essex House is located near all the major things to do in New York City. This is also an ideal family-friendly hotel when traveling with children to New York City. This hotel is located directly across Central Park with Wollman ice skating rink, Central Park Zoo, Museum Mile, 5th avenue shopping, American Girl, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Alice’s Tea Cup, Times Square, and Theater Row.
The Best Hotels with Central Park Views in New York City to consider:
- Residence Inn New York/Manhattan Central Park (mid-range budget)
- Trump International Hotel
The Coolest Hotel in New York City
Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards. This is the newest neighborhood on the block, and the Equinox Hotel has unique views of the Hudson Yards and New York City’s newest attraction, The Vessel. Step into the Equinox Hotel New York, and you will be transported to a different world.
This high-end establishment is designed for high-performance guests. The Equinox Hotel offers a unique experience with exquisite amenities, including personalized service from their staff, plush bedding, sleek marble bathrooms, in-room coffee and nutrition bars, complimentary WiFi access in all rooms and suites, as well as 24-hour room service for those who want to replenish after a hard day of play.
The pool and the Equinox gym are the biggest flex of this New York City hotel. Please make sure you make reservations for the pool beforehand; it is probably the best, coolest pool in New York City, as you can see.
The Most Stylish Hotel in New York City
The Standard High Line Hotel. The Standard High Line Hotel New York City is a luxury hotel in the heart of the ever-trendy Meatpacking District and is one of the best hotels in New York City to stay at if you’re looking for unparalleled style.
The Standard High Line Hotel is where the beautiful people go. This hotel is an all-around experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Manhattan or the Hudson River. Overstocked mini-bars, pets allowed, a state-of-the-art gym, rooftops.
The Standard overlooks the former train line turned into downtown’s favorite park and walkway-The High Line. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of Manhattan or/and the Hudson River.
With one of the most fantastic rooftop bars with spectacular views of the city that never impresses guests. My favorite brunch spot adorns the rooftop of The Standard, Le Bain. Down below, a Biergarten and again, one of my favorites with unique flooring in New York City, The Standard Grille.
There are so many hotels in New York City that it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs. The ones I have listed will cover all budgets, from luxury resorts to affordable boutique hotel options. They’re also located where you want them – whether you love Manhattan or Brooklyn! One of these New York City properties could make your NYC trip special and memorable. Have any questions about which hotel is right for you? Let me know!
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