Where To Stay in New York City
Updated September 9, 2019
Where to Stay in NYC, according to frequent travelers
As New Yorkers, we are often asked where to stay in New York City. Being residents of the city, there isn’t much reason for us to find places to stay in New York, and when we do, it’s not very often. So, we asked our friends and experts in the travel industry to share their recommendations on where to stay in New York City. Which, we, in turn, share with you. There is a great variety of hotels from luxury to boutique to family-friendly and even some hidden secret hotels in NYC!
It’s our hope that this list of authentic voices facilitates your search on which hotels to stay in our great hometown, NYC. Moreover, they’re also a fun read.
We’ve also asked our friends from Mini Travellers for some advice on conquering jet lag in our hometown, NYC.
Click Here for More Tips on NYC (esp. where to eat)
Best Hidden Secret Hotels in NYC
The Conrad Hotel NYC
Why, you ask? We were living in NYC in 2012 when the city was hit by Hurricane Sandy. Our apartment building was damaged, and we had to evacuate for six weeks. Most of this time was spent living at the Conrad Hotel, going about our daily lives in NYC, with our beagle Basil in tow (pet-friendly!), so we know this hotel well. It’s a bit of a secret hideaway in downtown NYC, where you will find space and peace.
The Lobby at The Conrad Hotel
The Kimpton Ink48 Hotel in NYC
If you’re looking to escape hotel chains while exploring NYC, the Kimpton Ink48 Hotel offers an authentic boutique hotel feel with all the perks of a loyalty program.
The Ink48 is located in trendy Hell’s Kitchen, which is a bit off-the-beaten-path, yet still, allows easy access to all the hotspots in the city.
Although acquired by IHG in 2014, all Kimpton properties feature a trendy and urban feel while incorporating local flair and atmosphere. Each hotel has its own unique vibe, still, with the service and amenities, you expect from larger chains.
As with all Kimpton’s, there is a complimentary nightly wine hour from 5 pm to 6 pm. Those who travel with their furry friends will appreciate Kimpton’s pet-friendly policy. It’s also worth joining the Kimpton Karma loyalty program which gives its members free room upgrades and a $10 mini bar credit with every stay.
If local and fresh is your thing the hotel’s acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, Print, offers amazing food from breakfast to dinner.
One standout of the hotel is that many rooms offer superb views of the city and the Hudson River. It’s worth asking for a room on a higher floor at check-in!
Another amenity that makes this hotel worth considering is the rooftop, The Press Lounge, offers spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline. It’s the perfect place to wind down the day or get the night started.
Get more details & the best prices for The Kimpton Ink48 Hotel
Written by Rand Shoaf from the Well Traveled Mile.
The Jane Hotel in NYC – another hidden secret hotel in NYC
What’s special about the Jane Hotel in Manhattan is that they don’t rent rooms; they rent cabins. Built in 1908 for sailors, the rooms really do resemble cabins on a ship: not the prefab plastic, rounded shapes of today’s ships, but rather the dark elegance of the turn of the 20th century.
The Jane Hotel in NYC – a small secret hotel
Wood-paneled walls, brass fixtures, and lights and furniture to match: they all lend a nostalgic charm to the rooms, the lobby, and especially, the ballroom-sized bar/lounge.
This isn’t an aging fleabag, though. It’s all been lovingly restored to period. The rooms, though – or, rather, cabins are very small.
Unless you book a “Captain’s Cabin,” you’ll have to walk down the hall to use the bathroom, also done to period. The hotel provides slippers and robes. The price is remarkably low for a quality hotel in Manhattan: single rooms start at about $125.
The West Village location, overlooking the Hudson River, is quiet for Manhattan. It’s a few blocks to a subway station, or you can borrow one of the hotel’s free bikes and enjoy a ride along the Hudson River. Also make sure to check out the unusual, elevated High Line Park and Hudson Yards nearby.
Get details & the best prices for The Jane Hotel
Written by Rachel Heller from RachelsRuminations.com.
Also, find her on Twitter and Instagram.
Best Boutique Hotels in New York City
The Paul Hotel NYC
The Paul Hotel NYC is a boutique hotel located on 32 West 29th Street, and one of my favorite places to stay in New York City.
We discovered it when we saw a very clever ad saying, “Are you named Paul, or Paula, or Paulo, or Paulie, or Jean-Paul, or Paulogrino, or some other amazing variation of the great name Paul?”.Well, today is your day, my friend. The Paul Hotel would like to invite you to stay at our fine establishment in New York City”.
Paula at The Paul Hotel in NYC
As my name is Paula, we thought this was serendipity, and that is why we ended up there and would book it again immediately.
There are 122 residential-style guest rooms with expansive loft-style windows. There is art throughout the hotel by James Zwadlo who paint NY pedestrian areas from above. There is also a lot of avant-garde artists and designers who have been a part of designing the hotel, like Brendon Dawes, a London based designer
There is also an onsite café and the La Mesa de Paul American Mexican fusion restaurant.
However, the most special feature of this hotel in our opinion was the verandah/terrace leading from our room. Not only was our room a very generous size but we had this fully furnished terrace in the heart of NYC. LOVED.
The Paul Hotel NYC is located in NoMad, which is situated between Madison Square Park and the Flower District.
Get more details & the best prices for The Paul Hotel in NYC
Written by our friend, Paula McInerney of Contented Traveller.
Also, find her on Facebook and Pinterest.
The Nomad Hotel – NoMad District
The Nomad Hotel
Inspired by a Parisian flat, The Nomad stands out among the best places to stay in NYC. The Nomad is a luxury boutique hotel located in the Nomad district, just north of the Flat Iron Building and Madison Square Park. In the rooms, you will find fine linens, free-standing claw foot bathtubs, original artwork, and hand-selected furnishings.
Housed in the hotel are several options for food and entertainment. You can view a magic show on the weekends or eat in one of several dining areas. I highly recommend grabbing a drink in the cozy library, surrounded by shelves of books. The Nomad restaurant is a true gem that was recently awarded a Michelin star and is worth a visit on its own.
Get more details & the best prices for The Nomad Hotel
Written by Dan Bagby – HoneymoonAlways.com
Also, find him on Instagram and Pinterest.
Renaissance Times Square, NYC
It’s always a welcome moment when we retreat from the craziness of Times Square and step into the sleek and calm Renaissance hotel. The boutique style hotel is located in the heart of the Midtown action and rooms overlook the bustling Broadway or 7th Avenue.
The Renaissance Hotel in NYC
We love the spacious and modern bedrooms. Our favourite is the Terrace Rooms, with their fantastic balconies which are perfect for absorbing the city sights, sounds, and energy from the comfort of your room!
There’s one spot in the Renaissance Hotel that continues to draw us time and time again, the R Lounge. Located on the third floor of the hotel, the lounge has panoramic views of Times Square and is an excellent spot for a cocktail. We’ve spent hours and hours in the lounge enjoying being at the heart of the Times Squares action. Bliss!
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Written by Elaine & David, from The Whole World is a Playground
Also, find them on Instagram and Facebook.
The Library Hotel
The Library Hotel
Most themed hotels are extraordinarily kitschy, but the Library Hotel manages to make reading a refined, luxury experience from check-in to check-out. Each floor is themed like a different category of the Dewey decimal system so everyone from the philosophers to history buffs will feel right at home.
Conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, after a long day of exploring the city, you’ll be welcomed with a nightly wine and cheese reception and 6,000 books to decompress in the Reading Room, Writer’s Den or Poetry Garden.
Other amenities include complimentary continental breakfasts, free wifi, Belgium chocolates, and bottled water, and access to the New York Sports Clubs, making it as close to an all-inclusive experience as you can get without paying an all-inclusive price.
Get more details & the best prices for The Library Hotel
Written by Lauren Monitz from TheDownlo.
Also, find Lauren on Instagram and Facebook.
The Wythe Hotel – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn
The Wythe Hotel is a former factory that was recently converted into a 70-room boutique hotel in Brooklyn. Industrial-chic vibes abound with rooms featuring exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows. For a classic Brooklyn experience, book one of the sun-drenched lofts and live like an artist in a spacious studio.
Guests and visitors alike can enjoy drinks at the very popular Ides Bar, located on the 6th-floor terrace and featuring incredible 360-degree views of Williamsburg and the Manhattan skyline. The artisanal cocktails here are highly recommended.
Note that while establishments is gratuity-free, there is $10 cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights if you are not a guest of the hotel.
Get more details & the best prices for The Wythe Hotel
Written by Lindsey, The Frugal Frolicker.
Also, find her on Instagram.
The Henry Norman Boutique Hotel – Brooklyn
Photo Credit: Lindsey, TheFrugalFrolicker.
The Henry Norman boutique hotel is a tiny oasis of charm in busy Brooklyn. But it does service in a big way. Step into the lobby of this renovated 19th-century warehouse and the staff are immediately doing everything they can to help you check- in comfortably, along with offerings of fresh apples and spa water.
The artwork that greets you downstairs is pretty vivid and wild, but up in your room, it’s pure calm. Spotless hardwood floors; high ceilings; original restored windows; tasteful, quality bathroom fixtures; and, in some rooms, exposed brick walls all ladle on the charm.
The 50 rooms are so spacious that you’ll wonder if you’re in New York. SomePrefer a healthy outlet? The gym has all the equipment you need.
There are plenty of amenities, but the best is the free shuttle taking you anywhere within a mile of the hotel. Where to Stay in New York City? Maybe not there at all, and go to Brooklyn.
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The Highline Hotel
Written by Mar Pages from OnceinaLifetimeJourneys.com
Hotel Americano – Chelsea
Covered in unassuming sheet metal on the outside, the Hotel Americano in Chelsea packs a lot of punch for the on-trend crowd. Spend time in the low-lit lobby for a cozy conversation before dining at the French-Latin infused restaurant.
It rivals other fine dining experiences in the neighborhood but is sometimes overlooked, secretly tucked in the back courtyard of the hotel. Afterward, don’t miss a chance for a nightcap on the rooftop bar, surrounding a small swimming pool. There are often European DJs playing sets for a chilled out, artsy crowd.
Also, find her on Instagram and Facebook.
The Refinery in the Garment District
Centrally located two blocks from Bryant Park (and WholeFoods and the luxury steakhouse STK Midtown), the Refinery Hotel is a hidden gem in the NYC boutique hotel space.
The former hat factory and tea room has been transformed into modern luxury rooms with touches of art throughout the hotel. With soaring ceilings, rooms don’t feel like the cramped NYC rooms that you have long heard about; these are spacious rooms. Some with bonus views of the Empire State Building.
Not assigned a room with an iconic NYC view, then head up to the fabulous Refinery rooftop bar and patio for an up close and social media friendly view. The hotel, in the Fashion District, is part of the Small Luxury Hotel (SLH) collection, and an easy 15-20 minute walk to many attractions in the city.
The Refinery Hotel
The hotel lobby bar hosts live music nights, the attached restaurant, Parker & Quinn, has a wonderful range of food options (make a reservation on OpenTable as it does get crowded with locals). Once you stay here, it will be hard to imagine where else to stay in Manhattan.
Best Luxury Hotels to stay in NYC
The Pierre Hotel
When it comes to discreet luxury, The Pierre is a favourite. Situated at the coveted corner of East 61st and 5th Avenue, right across from Central Park, it’s one of New York’s finest properties, replete with back-to-the-past sensibilities such as white-gloved elevator operators and a classic black and white checked lobby floor.
This 189-room hotel (including 49 suites) has attracted well-heeled celebrities since it opened in 1959. The Pierre has an intimate lounge with the original mouldings and columns, a complimentary hotel car and driver (though it’s on a first come first served basis), and a new French American restaurant called Perrine.
The lobby of The Pierre Hotel
The centrepiece of the hotel, however, is the magnificent Rotunda, a circular space with trompe l’oeil murals and a painted celestial ceiling – a perfect spot for cocktails and all day dining.
Get more details & the best prices for The Pierre Hotel
Carol Perehudoff is a luxury travel blogger at WanderingCarol.com who loves The Pierre.
Also, find her on Twitter and Instagram.
St. Regis New York City
Last year, our family spent Christmas in New York City and we stayed at the St. Regis New York. The St. Regis is such a reliable brand so we knew we were in good hands.
Laura Gibbons and her family at St. Regis in NYC
At check-in, we were pleasantly surprised when my son Jimmy was given a special gift, including washable markers (that he promptly drew all over the bedding with). If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to call ahead to let the hotel know!
One activity that’s not to be missed is the afternoon tea, which is typically served inside the main restaurant. However, since we had a toddler and didn’t want to confine him to a high chair, we chose to have tea service in our room (twice because it was so fun).
The landmark King Cole Bar is also in the hotel, which is fantastic if you’ve got a sitter (we did not). If you don’t, they’ll still deliver their famous Red Snappers (more commonly known as a Bloody Mary) up to the room.
Every part of the hotel is beautifully designed and the service goes above and beyond. If you have the opportunity to stay here, take it! It is certainly where to stay in Manhattan, especially during the Christmas Season in NYC.
Get more details & the best prices for St. Regis Hotel
Written by Laura Gibbons at letsgolittleone.com.
Also, find them on Instagram and Facebook
The Algonquin Hotel NYC
Famous as a haunt for old-school writers such as Dorothy Parker (who was also once part of the hotel’s famous Round Table) and Truman Capote, The Algonquin Hotel in NYC has halls papered in New Yorker cartoons (the New Yorker offices are just across the street) and there is a current issue of the magazine in each room.
Hamlet VIII at The Algonquin Hotel in NYC
But now it is more famous for its ambassador cat, a comforting amenity. Matilda III, a pampered beige Ragdoll long hair, just retired. Her replacement is Hamlet VIII, a 1-year-old orange rescue cat who is busy learning the ropes. Look for him at the desk when you check in.
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Written by Carole Terwilliger Meyers from Travelswithcarole.
Also, find her on Facebook and YouTube.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in NYC
The Millennium Hilton New York Downtown
If you are looking for the perfect family-friendly hotel to enjoy a weekend getaway in the Big Apple, look no further than the Millennium Hilton New York Downtown in Lower Manhattan.
The Millenium Hilton in NYC
Conveniently located directly across from the World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial Museum and One World Observatory, this hotel is perfect for both business travelers and families looking to enjoy everything New York City has to offer.
Just a short walk from Battery Park where visitors can enjoy the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum, we immediately fell in love with the Millennium Hilton primarily because of the location.
But this hotel is more than just a great location! The stylish accommodation and décor throughout ensure that guests will enjoy the comfort and convenience of this hotel.
We strongly recommend one of the spacious Junior Suites featuring a private bathroom and sitting area, especially for those that want to enjoy breathtaking views of the lower New York City skyline. Enjoy a continental buffet breakfast at the Church and Dey restaurant.
In the evening, enjoy a signature cocktail at Liquid Assets. It’s always a great way to wind down the day before hopping back on the subway to enjoy the sights and sounds of NYC!
Get the details & best prices for The Millennium Downtown Hotel
Written By Chris and Heather Boothman from A Brit and A Southerner.
Also, Find Chris and Heather on Facebook and Twitter.
Wall Street Inn Hotel
A standout New York City hotel amongst the many our family has frequented is the Wall Street Inn. Still owned by the same family that built it in 1999, it is conveniently located in the financial district of lower Manhattan.
The Wall Street Inn in NYC
This hotel accommodated our family of five in one room with two comfortable queen beds and a pullout sofa. We affirm the hotel’s own descriptive words of “affordable luxury”: the rates are reasonable compared to most NYC prices.
Beyond value, the hotel offers guests an unexpected oasis in the land of skyscrapers and speeding taxis. This cozy inn is the antithesis of a Midtown hotel. Stepping through the elegant entry, guests find an Early American décor befitting the hotel’s historic surroundings and a staff that is friendly and un-rushed.
Keeping with its old-school style, a complimentary continental breakfast is served in the charming breakfast room.
Visitors to New York have the gamut of hotel experiences from which to choose. But for our family, a quieter and simpler space proved the antidote to a stimulating day out and about in this crazy, wonderful city.
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Written by Holly Jacobsen from Sleeps5.com.
Also, find her and her family on Facebook and Pinterest.
TRYP By Wyndham Times Square South, New York City
If you are after a family hotel in New York City, in a great location, then the family-friendly TRYP By Wyndham Times Square South, will appeal to you. The hotel is close to many of New York’s attractions. Time Square is just up the road, and you are literally in the middle of the theatre district, with Penn station 5 minutes away.
The TRYP by Windham Hotel in NYC
The aesthetics are contemporary, with some lovely attention to detail including a nice cocktail bar in the lobby area. The family room in which we stayed in had two queen beds and a bunk bed. There are family rooms that can accommodate up to eight people, an exceptional feature of this hotel.
TRYP By Wyndham Times Square South hotel is marketed as a 4-star hotel, but the rates are very reasonable, by New York standards, for such an amazing location and such spacious rooms. The service was attentive also. So, all in all, the hotel was a great find.
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Written by Gordon Arthur of Short Holidays and Getaways.
Also, find him on Facebook and Instagram.
Another vote for The TRYP by Wyndham in Times Square
The TRYP by Wyndham in Times Square South is a great family hotel. NYC is famous for cramped hotels and when you are travelling with a family, that makes very difficult. The TRYP Wyndham has great family rooms that can sleep up to 6 people.
The 4-person family room configuration was very spacious with a separate sleeping area for the kids and 2 bathrooms. Many of the rooms have a bar area that includes a sink and mini fridge, perfect if you need to keep a snack and drinks handy for hungry kids.
It is centrally located and just a 3-minute walk away from Penn Station. If you are coming into the city by train, this means you don’t have to walk very far with your luggage and your kids. It is also a very short walk to Time Square, the Theater District, and the Empire State Building.
The TRYP by Wyndham in Time Square South is the ultimate family-friendly hotel in NYC.
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Written by Nicole from FamilyWithLatitude.com.
Also, find her on Facebook.
Hotel Pennsylvania in Midtown in NYC
Directly across the road from Madison Square Garden, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York deserves a mention for its amazing midtown location. If you want to stay in a reasonably priced hotel smack bang in the middle of the action, this is a solid choice.
Hotel Pennsylvania in NYC
There is no need to schlep the kids on the subway to get into the middle of the action because you are already there! You can walk to the majority of the sights and the concierge will lend you a pram/pushchair for younger kids.
The Empire State Building is within easy walking distance as are Macy’s and Penn Station. With the subway easily accessed, this hotel is only minutes from all the best attractions.
Once you have seen your choice of local attractions, head back the Hotel Pennsylvania for a warm welcome from the friendly staff and dinner in one of their restaurants. And remember, Hotel Penn is pet-friendly too!
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Written by Janine Mergler from www.familiesmagazine.com.au.
Novotel Times Square New York
View from The NOVOTEL in NYC
If you’re looking for a New York hotel with a view then the 4* Novotel Times Square New York could be just the place for you. Its prime central Manhattan location and sleek, contemporary style makes the Novotel Times Square the perfect hotel for a New York break.
Step outside and you’re steps away from Times Square alive with billboards, lights, yellow cabs and the energy New York is famous for. A short walk uptown and you’ll find a complete contrast in Central Park. The Metro is close by for exploring further afield.
Inside, the rooms are cool and modern. Some with huge windows overlooking Times Square. If you don’t have a room with a view it doesn’t matter because the Novotel has a superb outdoor terrace with breath-taking views of the city. I love this aspect of the hotel – it’s the perfect place to sip a Manhattan.
If it’s too cold to step outside the bar and restaurant with floor to ceiling glass offers the same view and great food and service.
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Written by Suzanne, TheTravelBunny.
Also, find her on Twitter and Instagram.
Grand Hyatt in Midtown NYC
The Lobby at the Grand Hyatt in Midtown NYC
Dish Our Town Local’s Travel TIP: Right before leaving for our Long-Term travels, we decided to treat ourselves to a few staycations in NYC.
Of these, one in which we enjoyed staying was the Grand Hyatt in Midtown, which is so close to everything and conveniently located next to Grand Central.
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Books to inspire travel to NYC:
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Pin this to your NYC travel board!
Really appreciate these recommendations. All the possibilities in NYC are so overwhelming!!!
Yes, Susan. It breaks it down for you a bit better. Thanks for taking a look.
I love finding fun boutique hotels like this. Perfect for my next NYC trip!
Thank you for taking a look, Michelle. It’s quite a good list and covers many great parts of NYC…