For a city that claims to never sleep, there are hundreds of places to rest your head for the night. Some are much more than just places to sleep; a special few are even integral to the city’s identity, with historic addresses such as the Plaza and the Waldorf Astoria playing starring roles in New York’s cityscape, plus some of the most beloved TV shows and films. The grand dames may last the test of time, however, much of New York’s hotel scene is in a state of constant flux. New addresses pop up regularly and old ones are revamped to keep up with the changing trends. The scope of the best hotels in New York grows wider too, branching out well beyond the usual Times Square addresses, venturing downtown and even over the bridges.
What’s the Best Part of New York to Stay In?
Locals will tell you to skip staying near Times Square, as this soulless midtown monstrosity is often perceived as a classic tourist trap with much hype but little to offer. If it’s your first time in New York or a quick stop, a hotel in midtown could be your best option for ease of getting around. However, if you’re looking for a glimpse of authentic New York and its many personalities, some of the best hotels in New York are found outside of Midtown, like The Fifth Avenue Hotel in Nomad or Warren Street Hotel in Tribeca. Some of the city’s hottest addresses have even started to pop up outside of Manhattan, with Ace Hotel and 1 Hotel now boasting locations in Brooklyn and even Boro Hotel in Long Island City.
How We Choose the Best Hotels in New York
Every hotel listed here has been selected independently by our editors, including a journalist from iBestTravel who knows the destination and has firsthand experience at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique hotels that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service, as well as serious sustainability credentials. Consequently, we update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
