Sure, New York is a place of grand skyscrapers and even grander ambitions — but it is also a town that lives and dies by its smaller neighborhoods, each with its own personality and charm. And it’s no surprise that our readers’ favorite places to stay in the city are also full of character, just like the various neighborhoods they represent.
Indeed, finding an oasis of calm in the Big Apple is important to our readers. This year’s top choice is located on the relatively quiet Upper East Side and embodies the very best of both the Establishment and modern luxury. In the city that never sleeps, this spot has guests looking forward to bedtime. Read on for the full list of winners.
Here are the 10 top hotels in New York:
1. Lowell Hotel
This newly renovated Upper East Side favorite is perfumed with old-money elegance, while its Michael S. Smith–designed interiors add a chic update to the public spaces. New Yorkers flock to the hotel’s new hot spot, Majorelle, for dinner, but the hotel’s siren call is strong enough to convince even those with apartments nearby to call it a night here. “My staycation go-to!” said one reader.
2. Beekman A Thompson Hotel
Within the majestic walls of one of New York City’s most exceptional landmarks, a new paradigm for luxury hotels in Lower Manhattan has emerged. An architectural gem, hailed for its iconic nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight, The Beekman unites some of the world’s greatest talent, including the sophisticated design of Martin Brudnizki and the culinary cachet of restaurateur and chef Tom Colicchio. The boutique hotel also features a restaurant by Keith McNally, his first in the neighborhood.
Located within the center of Lower Manhattan’s thriving New Downtown, and nestled between both the East and Hudson Rivers, The Beekman is surrounded by some of Manhattan’s most cherished attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, South Street Seaport and City Hall.
3. Hotel 50 Bowery
Manhattan’s first Joie de Vivre Hotel, 50 Bowery is a boutique hotel that captures the energy of NYC. Inspired by the cultural crossroads of its location on Manhattan’s oldest street, the hotel has created an immersive experience reflective of Chinatown’s evolution. It celebrates Chinatown’s unique history while blending thoughtful modern touches, harnessing the spirit of change, and serving as a platform for discovery within both its local community and New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods such as the Lower East Side, SoHo, and Brooklyn. With 229 rooms, a rooftop restaurant and bar, ground-level restaurant, and basement lounge, all owned and operated by Dale Talde and the Three Kings Group, 50 Bowery will become a gathering point for the community like Chinatown has never experienced!
4. Archer Hotel
Archer’s New York boutique hotel sits midblock on 38th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues — all brick, glass and steel. Rising 22 stories, its new industrial elegance evokes the creative soul of its New York City Garment District neighborhood and is just blocks from favorite New York City attractions — the Theatre District, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park and Times Square.
Filled with quirky, curated luxuries and a sincere staff dedicated to your service, this midtown Manhattan boutique hotel promises 180 luxe guest rooms, the bold American flavors of Charlie Palmer Steak and the classic Spyglass Rooftop Bar with its stunning Empire State Building views.
5. The Quin
Inspired by the vibrant creative energy of the city – at the intersection of art, nature, and fashion – the Quin is the Quintessential New York hotel. The Quin has earned the distinction of being selected by Travel+Leisure as one of the coolest new hotels in the 9th annual IT List
6. The Iroquois
Ideally situated near Times Square and Grand Central Station, the Iroquois New York Hotel in Midtown Manhattan melds classic design with contemporary amenities for a quintessential New York stay. Built for both business and leisure travelers, our Midtown Manhattan hotel features 117 well-appointed guest rooms including nine suites with features such as Comfy Simmons Beautyrest mattresses and comfortable work stations.
As a 4-star luxury boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan and a part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Iroquois New York is the top choice for special events, with intimate Midtown Manhattan meeting space suitable for cocktail parties and private dinners of up to 20 guests.
7. The Knickerbocker
Conceived as the premier luxury lifestyle hotel overlooking Times Square between Broadway and Bryant Park, The Knickerbocker’s 330 guestrooms, including 27 Junior Suites and 4 Tribute Suites—the Caruso, Cohan, Martini and Parrish—offer the perfect respite from the high-octane energy of a vibrant city. Nestled within the hotel’s 16-story Beaux-Art façade, all accommodations boast a sleek and contemporary style, with customized floorplans, soaring 12-foot ceilings, 8-foot doors and 6-foot windows creating an indulgent sense of space.
Bespoke furnishings, oak wood finishes, richly textured fabrics and intelligent lighting add to the sublime ambiance, while plush Stearns & Foster® Euro-top beds piled high with luxurious SFERRA® linens and Ploh® feather pillows invite blissful moments of calm and reprieve. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, guests staying in The Knickerbocker’s New York City suites will find all the comforts of home at their fingertips, from state-of-the-art technologies to exclusive dyptique bath amenities.
8. Hotel Elysée
The Hotel Elysée is an oasis of luxury, elegance and calm, just steps away from Central Park in bustling Midtown Manhattan. Hotel Elysée features seven room types: Deluxe Queens, Deluxe Kings, Deluxe Doubles, Junior Suites, King Suites, Grand King Suites, and three Presidential Suites dedicated to idols of the arts who have been honored guests. Our 100 spacious and distinctly decorated rooms and suites feature unique antiques, original art, iPod docking systems, signature bathrobes and slippers, marble bathrooms, and soaring ceiling heights.
9. The Langham New York Fifth Avenue
Historic museums, legendary attractions, celebrated entertainment, and award-winning dining establishments. There’s a reason why New York City is the city that never sleeps. Nestled in the city’s most coveted district, Midtown Manhattan, a limestone tower that soars 60 stories into the sky. Located between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, discover sharp metropolitan style that embodies the dynamic spirit of the city.
Contemporary luxury. Urban sophistication. 234 residentially-styled guest rooms and suites designed to relax, inspire, and surprise. Each furnished with indulgent amenities such as Swedish Duxiana beds and large marble-clad bathrooms with rainfall showers. Many highlighted by views of the iconic Manhattan skyline that is framed by the oversized glass windows.
10. The Chatwal
In the heart of Manhattan, most conveniently located on 44th Street, The Chatwal, New York is steps from the best of entertainment, dining, shopping, Broadway theaters and the city’s media and financial giants. This beautiful landmark hotel built in 1905 by Stanford White has been restored and renewed by master architect Thierry Despont, re-launched in 2010.
The Chatwal’s 76 keys includes 29 stunning Suites and 14 ‘themed’ suites with spacious designer terraces as well as bespoke services including a team of professional Butlers, 24-hour in-room dining and distinct private bars.