Where to Stay in NYC: My Favorite Luxury Hotels & Neighborhoods: a first-hand guide to the best places to stay in New York City, from luxury hotels to charming neighborhoods, with honest tips to help you choose the perfect home base.
There are two things I never compromise on when I travel: where I stay, and how that stay makes me feel.
At this stage in life, a hotel isn’t just a place to land after a long day ~ it’s part of the entire experience, and honestly, it can shape the trip more than anything else.
I’ve stayed in a mix of well known chains and more unique properties over the years, but I’m always drawn to hotels with character, a sense of history, or those that provide little thoughtful extra details that make you feel like you’re somewhere special the moment you walk in.
And while I’ll share a few chain options that truly deliver (mainly in the ultra luxury hotels option below), I naturally gravitate toward places that feel distinct and elevated.
Quality matters more to me now than ever, so I tend to stick with five-star stays, unless there’s a standout four-star that offers something truly exceptional.
Because when I’m traveling, I want every part of the experience, especially where I’m staying, to feel worth it.
That said – I hope you end up having a fantastic experience in the Big Apple at one of my suggestions below :).
In a rush?
Best Places to Stay in New York City
But First: The Little Details
Maps
HOW TO USE THIS MAP:
Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.
If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.
How to Get Around Manhattan
Getting around New York City is honestly part of the experience, and once you settle into it, it feels way less intimidating than it looks on paper.
I usually bounce between Ubers and taxis depending on my mood.
Ubers are great when you want everything handled in the app, but those iconic yellow cabs are everywhere and surprisingly easy to flag down if you spot one with the light on on the roof. Just make sure the meter is running once you’re inside (that’s your sign it’s legit), and skip any driver who tries to negotiate a flat rate: that’s a huge red flag.
And then there’s the subway, which is hands-down the fastest way to get around once you get the hang of it.
I promise, it’s not as complicated as it seems: just plug your destination into Google Maps and it will literally walk you through which train to take, where to enter, and where to get off.
Even better, you can just tap your phone or credit card right at the turnstile, no ticket machines, booths, or MetroCards needed.
But the absolute best way to get around Manhattan is simply to walk ~ because the magic of this city is in what you stumble upon between point A and B.
But just for perspective, walking from Uptown to Downtown is roughly 10-13 miles and can take 3-5 hours depending on your pace, which sounds like a fun idea until you’re halfway through. I would absolutely not recommend attempting the whole stretch in one go ;0.
Best Time of Year to Visit Manhattan
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after visiting New York City in every season (and even living there for four years back in the 90s), it’s that there really isn’t a “wrong” time to go :).
Winter can surprise you with magical snowfalls that make the whole city feel like a movie set.
While spring brings this contagious energy as everyone spills back outside.
Summer, I’ll be honest, can get pretty hot and humid (not my personal favorite), but there’s something fun about long evenings and rooftop dinners.
And then fall rolls in and completely steals the show with crisp air and golden Central Park moments.
And of course, Christmas in NYC is just on another level ~ it’s hands down the most festive, over-the-top magical place to be in the U.S. during the holidays.
For more on visiting New York City at Christmas time – check out this travel guide here!
How Many Days You Need in NYC
If you’re wondering how many days you really need in New York City, I’ve done this trip enough times to tell you the sweet spot is four full days (whatever you can – don’t do less!).
It gives you just enough time to see the big highlights without that end-of-day exhaustion from trying to cram it all in.
For a first visit, those four days let you hit the classics and still leave room to wander a little, which is honestly where the magic of the city shows up.
And if it’s your tenth visit, you already know ~ you’re not checking boxes anymore, you’re settling into neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, and those little moments that make you feel like you belong there.
My very first trip was when my husband was interviewing at med school, and I remember thinking right away this wouldn’t be a one-and-done kind of place (which, let’s be honest, was pretty obvious since his entire extended family lives out in Long Island 😉).
It’s the kind of city that keeps pulling you back and somehow, every single time, you end up discovering something new.
Best Luxury Hotels in NYC
When deciding what neighborhood is the best to stay at in Manhattan, I always find myself coming back to NoMad, Chelsea, Greenwich Village and even the Lower East Side ~ they just feel like the New York you picture in your head, with tree-lined streets, great little restaurants, and a more lived-in neighborhood energy that isn’t swallowed up by the chaos of Times Square (which quite honestly, is the very last place I’d recommend to stay).
And since they are somewhat in the middle of the island of Manhattan – all of those neighborhoods are very centrally located no matter which direction your exploring takes you for the day :).
That said, if you’re visiting during the holidays, I do think it’s worth staying closer to Midtown or the Upper East Side so you can easily soak up all the festive magic of Central Park and 5th and 6th Avenues :).
I share more about visiting at Christmas and where to stay at that time of year in my NYC Christmas travel guide, which you can find here :).
With over 700 hotels to choose from in the Big Apple (dozens of which are considered 5 star hotels), here is my personal list of recommendations – most of which I have stayed at or will be staying at in the near future.
And I feel you just can’t go wrong at any of the options listed below ~ especially if you are like me, and where I stay is literally part of my travel experience ~ not just a place to put my head every night :).
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
If I had to pick one hotel in New York City that truly blew me away, it’s The Fifth Avenue Hotel.
It’s at the very top of my list because it’s genuinely my favorite stay I’ve ever had in NYC, with a level of attention to detail and over-the-top service that you feel from the second you walk in.
It’s also perfectly located right around the corner from the Empire State Building and just steps from one of those rare, clean subway stations (because let’s be honest… not all of them are created equal 😉), which makes getting around the city so much easier.
The Ned NoMad
If you want a hotel that feels like it has a pulse the second you walk in, The Ned NoMad would be my second choice in Manhattan ~ although honestly, it’s pretty much tied with The Fifth Avenue Hotel since they’re just down the street from each other and both in such an ideal location.
There’s a definite “I’m effortlessly cool” energy here, and having access to the guest/members only rooftop restaurant and bar, Ned’s Club Upstairs (closed in winter), with those insane city views, is just one more reason this place stays at the top of my list.
The Bowery Hotel
As of publish date of this guide, we haven’t actually stayed overnight at The Bowery Hotel, but we have eaten at their restaurant and honestly, I still think about that meal :).
Walking through the lobby alone makes you want to linger with one of their delicious cocktails for hours.
And while I can’t speak to the rooms or views from them, the location is fantastic and this one may come in slightly lower rate-wise than my top picks if you’re trying to keep the budget in check (though let’s be real… Manhattan is going to be pricey unless you’re cashing in Hilton points at the Hampton Inn 😂).
The Hotel Chelsea
If you love a hotel with a story, Hotel Chelsea is one of those places you feel the second you walk through the door :0.
It’s been home to artists, writers, and musicians (Bob Dylan!!) for decades, and that creative energy still lingers in the best way.
Another property that we haven’t stayed at overnight yet, but again had dinner at their restaurant and wandered through the very hip and historic lobby :).
And between that and its prime spot in Chelsea, one of Manhattan’s most stylish, art-forward neighborhoods, it’s absolutely a place on our NYC hotel bucket list, even if I can’t speak to the rooms personally (yet!).
Nine Orchard
I stayed at Nine Orchard on my first trip to visit my youngest daughter after she moved to the Lower East Side post-college, and it couldn’t have been a better choice!
I wanted to be close enough to walk to her apartment, and this 5 star property located where the Lower East Side meets Chinatown in the buzzy little pocket of Dimes Square (a real hub for fashion, art, media, and nightlife) made that so easy.
Set inside the beautifully restored historic Jarmulowsky Bank building at Orchard and Canal, it’s also an easy walk to Little Italy and so many downtown sights.
I made sure to book a room with an incredible city view ~ and their nightly chocolate chip cookies left on the bed were a treat I looked forward to every night!
The Ludlow Hotel
I stayed at The Ludlow Hotel on a quick stopover home from Italy, mostly because it’s an easy walk to my youngest daughter’s Lower East Side apartment.
And also because my oldest, who’s constantly in New York for work in the music industry, swears by it and always books a room here.
The whole place leans into a moody, romantic energy with an effortlessly cool downtown edge ~ think dim lighting, a fireplace anchoring the lobby, the always-busy Dirty French restaurant downstairs, and rooms layered with rich textures and jaw-dropping city views.
And thanks to jet lag, I woke up early enough to catch one of the most beautiful NYC sunrises from my Skybox loft upgrade, which was absolutely worth every penny!!
Oh – and also, I must mention that this hotel is literally right around the corner from Clinton Street Bakery – one of our all time favorite places to eat in NYC ~ as well as the NYC icon Katz’ Deli 😉.
Crosby Street Hotel
With eleven hotels in London and New York, Firmdale Hotels offers beautifully polished and effortlessly stylish places to stay.
With the three NYC options being Crosby Street Hotel in SOHO, Warren Street Hotel in Tribeca (mentioned below), and The Whitby Hotel in Midtown.
All with signature touches from designer Kit Kemp featuring bold colors, layered patterns, and distinctive artwork.
The living room spaces and restaurants at every Firmdale Hotels property makes you feel like you’ve just walked into someone’s perfectly designed home – and are always worthy of a dining option if staying here isn’t in the cards for your NYC trip…
Crosby Street Hotel has been at the top of my list for years (along with their newer Warren Street Hotel), especially because I’ve loved every Firmdale stay I’ve had in London.
On my next trip to New York, this is exactly where I’ll be checking in :).
Photos courtesy of Crosby Street Hotel Instagram
Warren Street Hotel
Warren Street Hotel, another Firmdale Hotels property like the Crosby Street Hotel mentioned above, is tucked right into Tribeca ~ an area known for its quieter, more residential feel that still puts you close to some of downtown’s best restaurants and shopping.
I’ve never actually stayed in Tribeca before, but this hotel (with its light-filled spaces, art-filled interiors, and that unmistakable Firmdale attention to detail) is high on my list for a future New York visit ~ hopefully sooner rather than later :).
Photos courtesy of Warren Street Hotel Instagram
The Greenwich Hotel
While I have not stayed at The Greenwich Hotel yet, from all my NYC travel research, I already know it’s completely my vibe :).
It is tucked into Tribeca on a quieter street, but still an easy walk to SoHo and along the Hudson, which is one of my favorite areas of Manhattan.
From everything I’ve seen and read, it has so much personality with no two rooms alike, and a hidden Japanese inspired spa with a lantern-lit pool!
Photos courtesy of The Greenwich Hotel Instagram
The Lowell Hotel
I’ve had my eye on The Lowell Hotel for a while now – it’s one of those places I keep hearing about for its understated elegance, impeccable reputation, and a tucked-away Upper East Side location :).
I would actually plan an entire NYC Christmas trip around staying here because of the beautifully decorated brownstone stoops right outside and Madison Avenue just a short stroll away for all the festive window shopping.
Photos courtesy of The Lowell Instagram
1 Hotel Central Park
My oldest daughter and I stayed at 1 Hotel Central Park when my youngest ran the New York City Marathon in 2024 and it was perfectly placed for this event right around the corner from the Central Park finish line, which made the whole weekend feel easy and celebratory instead of chaotic.
The 1 Hotel brand has an understated, nature-inspired feel with reclaimed wood and greenery everywhere, and a fresh, calming scent when you walk in (at all of their locations :).)
This location in particular is one of my top recommendations for a Christmas trip to NYC (along with The Lowell).
I know I have spent this entire hotel list telling you to skip midtown and uptown but it is the perfect location during the holidays…or if you’ve got a marathon runner to cheer on :).
Lotte New York Palace
We stayed at the Lotte New York Palace for our Christmas visit to our daughter in December 2024, and while the location right behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the exterior feel straight out of a holiday movie, the rooms themselves were pretty average and not especially memorable.
That said, being able to step out early in the morning and have that insanely festive courtyard and iconic Christmas tree (the one you see on every “must-see” list – including my own list here ;0) almost completely to yourself made staying here feel like one of those little New York moments you can’t really replicate any other way.
Ultra Luxury Options
And then there’s that next level of New York stays ~ the ones you scroll past and think, “okay but what if we just did it?”
I’ve popped into some of these for drinks and some for just a quick peek, and I get the hype…everything just feels a little more elevated, a little more indulgent, and honestly, kind of unforgettable.
So if you’re in the mood to really treat yourself, here’s a list of the ones that are absolutely worth the splurge:
- Aman New York
- The Mark New York
- The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
- Baccarat Hotel New York
- The St Regis New York
- The Peninsula New York
- The Ritz Carlton, Central Park
More NYC Posts
Best Places to Eat in NYC (coming soon!)
Best Things to See and Do in NYC (coming soon!)
Visiting NYC at Christmas Time
2, 3, and 5 Day Itineraries (coming soon!)
What to Wear in New York City
What you wear in New York City actually does matter a little (in the best way).
Think simple, polished, and effortless.
Depending on the season, dark denim or trousers, a great jacket or blazer, and layers for winter and fall and easy sundresses or linen tops/bottoms for spring and summer.
You’ll blend right in without trying too hard.
And I can’t stress this enough: comfortable shoes are non-negotiable because you will be walking everywhere…
I hope you found my ‘Where to stay in NYC: my favorite luxury hotels and neighborhoods’ helpful for planning your own NYC adventure!
If there’s one thing New York City does really well, it’s hotels that feel like part of the experience ~ not just a place to sleep.
And after many, many trips (and a couple “well that was not worth the price” moments), I’ve learned that where you stay here really does shape your entire trip.
At the end of the day, New York has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, but the right hotel makes the city feel just a little easier, a little more enjoyable, and honestly… a lot more memorable.
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Life is short, the world is wide.
I want to make some memories.
~Mamma Mia
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Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).
