Having stood as the symbol of American resilience for nearly a century now, the Empire State Building remains one of the most historically significant structures in New York. It is also the longstanding tribute to New York’s Art Deco architecture, hence the high number of visitors to the site on a daily basis. While you only need to look to see the building itself, the best New York hotels near Empire State Building are not as conspicuous, hence this review. Our team is made up of local experts who have first-hand experience of staying at most Manhattan hotels. While there is no shortage of hotels in Midtown Manhattan, things can get a bit confusing when narrowing down to specific outlets. From hidden gems to glamorous five-star hotels, here are the 11 best hotels in NYC near Empire State Building.
Table of contents
- Hotel 32 32 New York
- Kixby Hotel NYC
- Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel
- U Hotel Fifth Avenue
- Hilton Garden Inn New York/Midtown Park Avenue
- Hotel Hayden
- The Hotel at Fifth Avenue
- Pestana CR7 Times Square
- Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
- Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York
- Arlo Nomad
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in NYC Near Empire State Building?
- How long can I stay in the Empire State Building?
- Is there a hotel in the Empire State Building?
- Is it worth visiting the Empire State Building?
Hotel 32 32 New York
11
We booked a studio with two queen beds at Hotel 32 32 New York while looking for an affordable hotel near Empire State. We wanted a kitchen so we could whip up a meal after a long day in the city and our room came with all the basics. Our room was clean and had sufficient space for storage and moving around unlike most cheap Manhattan hotels. The kitchen had a two-burner cooker, a microwave, and a minifridge as well as a kitchen sink for washing dishes. We also had sufficient dishes and cutlery.
Our favorite part of this hotel is the balcony. Although the view was largely blocked off by office buildings, we still enjoyed the cool air outdoors. Our room was also fairly quiet by Midtown-Manhattan standards, not to mention the gracious service by the staff. Moreover, It is located on 32nd Street, a short walk away from the Empire State Building.
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Kixby Hotel NYC
10
The Kixby Hotel is the place to go for the best views of the Empire. We booked a Lux Queen here a while back, mostly because of their popular Lookup rooftop bar which is open throughout the year. From the bar, we had an unhindered view of the skyline, not forgetting the selected cocktails which were great. We had the full view of Empire State from the terrace, as well as other top Manhattan attractions.
The Subway is also a block away from the entrance which makes moving around NYC easier. Our room was spacious and had enough space for four people which was a good deal at the price we paid. We were also a few steps from Macy’s as well as other top shopping joints. There was also a Deli right next door, so we could pick up breakfast and lunch on the go.
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Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel
9
As the name suggests Best Western Premier, Empire State Hotel is one of the hotels in NYC near the Empire State. Located in the heart of Koreatown, this hotel is conveniently close to the best eateries in Midtown New York. We booked a room here for the idyllic views of Manhattan from the hotel’s full-length windows as well as quick access to Scarpetta, the Italian restaurant right next door. We were also pleased by its closeness to the subway which made it easy for us to get around town. The front desk staff was very kind, and even stored our luggage at no extra cost after arriving early, as we went for lunch.
We were also upgraded to a room on a higher floor. Our new room was quiet and offered a better view of the skyline. Our room was super spacious, considering alternatives in this part of the city. We also had a large bathroom, a minifridge, a working thermostat, and blackout curtains. Our favorite part of this hotel was the generous staff who were always willing to help.
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U Hotel Fifth Avenue
8
We came across U Hotel Fifth Avenue while looking through cheap boutique hotels in Manhattan for a short stay. It is located on Fifth Avenue, just a few steps from the Subway station. We didn’t have the clearest view of the Empire State from our room, but it is a five-minute walk away, so we didn’t mind. The front desk staff was very generous and helpful, helping us with dinner reservations and lots of bottled water.
We booked a cozy queen room, and while it wasn’t very spacious, it was neat and had a comfy bed. The bathroom was also clean, with good water pressure in the waterfall shower and clean marble sinks. The hotel’s in-house restaurant is a Starbucks located in the lobby. There are still more affordable restaurants and pubs a few steps away on 34 Street.
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Hilton Garden Inn New York/Midtown Park Avenue
7
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Midtown Park Avenue is one of the most centrally located hotels in Midtown NYC. The hotel is a block away from the 33rd Street Subway station. We love staying here because it is within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Macy’s, and Times Square. We have our favorite room on the 18th floor which has a clear view of the Empire State Building and the rest of the NYC skyline.
On our last visit, the staff stored our luggage for us while we grabbed lunch and still helped us with early check-in. As usual, our room was spotless and modernly furnished. The shower is large enough for two people which is nice. We also got extra towels and a blanket, allowing one more person to sleep on the pullout sofa.
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Hotel Hayden
6
We were drawn in by the rooftop pub at Hotel Hayden from where we could enjoy an unhindered view of Midtown Manhattan and Chelsea. Located in the heart of Chelsea, the hotel fully embraces the spirit of the flower district with potted plant gardens all over the place right from the entrance. The fine-touch decorations on each floor also give the hotel a warm feeling making it one of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan. The hotel is also located a short distance from the Subway and within walking distance of Midtown.
We had one of the most fulfilling continental breakfasts at the restaurant, including enough bites to carry on the go. The staff was also friendly and gave us a room change to have adjacent rooms with the rest of our group. The bathroom was a little cramped but clean and well-stocked with enough water pressure.
” We got a surprise upgrade to a room with a perfect view of the Empire State Building, and will definitely stay here again next time.”
WOW Travel
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The Hotel at Fifth Avenue
5
The Hotel at Fifth Avenue is one of the best boutique-hotel options near the Empire State for anyone looking to enjoy a clear view of the iconic landmark. We stayed here in the summer and had a satisfying experience, starting with the rooms which are super-spacious by Midtown standards. We were especially attracted to the rooftop terrace from where we had a clear view of Manhattan.
The hotel is a few steps from the Subway station and has easy access to both Penn Station and Grand Central. There is no in-house restaurant, but there are three restaurants right next to the hotel so we didn’t mind. Our room wasn’t the fanciest, but it had all the basics including a well-stocked bathroom, a TV, and a coffee maker. The AC and Wi-fi were also faultless which was a big plus for us.
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Pestana CR7 Times Square
4
We received a great discount for a double room at Pestana CR7 Times Square and enjoyed a quiet Christiano Ronaldo-themed stay. The hotel is our top recommendation for couples and families looking for generously spacious rooms in hotels near Times Square. We were especially impressed by the friendly staff who gave us an upgrade to a junior suite with a balcony. The bedroom also had full-length windows with a clear view of Times Square and the Midtown Manhattan Skyline.
It is within walking distance of most prime attractions in Midtown including Penn Station and the Empire State Building. Throughout our stay, we were given complimentary bottled water refills all day long. We also got complimentary bagels and croissants as well as unlimited coffee refills at the minibar.
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Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
3
We have stayed at Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street multiple times because of the convenience of the location. It is one of our favorite Hilton hotels in NYC, located a few steps from the subway station which makes moving around easy. It is also one of the best-located places, right next to Empire State Building. From our ŕoom on the 21st floor, we had a clear view of everything around 35th Street including the full length of the Empire State Building.
The hotel is also close to Macy’s, Maddison Square Garden, and many other attractions in Midtown Manattan. Moreover, we have never had cleanliness issues with this hotel. Our only concern is the bathrooms which are a little cramped, but real estate comes at a premium in this side of New York. A daily breakfast at The Grill in the lobby is always satisfying, not forgetting the generous staff who always make us feel at home.
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Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York
2
When looking for one of the quietest hotels near Empire State, NYC, then Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York is a great choice for you. It is about 200 meters from the Empire State Building and has a rooftop terrace with an unhindered view. We stayed here as a family in the summer and were impressed by the generous service.
From the car service from the airport to extra blankets on arrival, the staff really made us feel at home. Our best experience was the dinner on the rooftop terrace. Their steak was well done, and they had lots of menu options for a low-carb diet which was great. The view of the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop is breathtaking.
We were upgraded to a suite on the top floor with full-length windows and a little balcony where the whole family could sit and enjoy the city view. Our Suite, especially the living area, was very spacious, by NYC standards. We were especially impressed by the customizable lighting in the bedroom and bathroom which had deemers for eye comfort. The staff also gave us extra bedsheets and pillows for the sofa bed so everyone could be comfortable.
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Arlo Nomad
1
Arlo Nomad is one of our favorite hotels next to Empire State Building as it offers a great view thanks to its full-length glass windows. It is one of the best modern hotels in the area with great visual aesthetics that make for great Instagram photos. The full view of the Manhattan skyline also gives a thrilling vibe, as the sky rooms feel like little urban nests. We have stayed here many times, and our favorite room is the Sky King Room on the 20th floor. The hotel is easily accessible, just a short walk from the Subway.
Free bikes are offered at this hotel allowing adventurous guests to tour Manhattan with ease. We also enjoy the free continental breakfast at the hotel. However, nothing beats the ambiance of the rooftop terrace at the Arlo Nomad, often frequented by Instagram lovers for the best shots of the skyline. King rooms aren’t super-spacious, which is to be expected in that side of Manhattan, but the beds are large and comfy.
We’ve never had an issue with cleanliness here either, and the modern furnishing in the room makes it feel classy. Our favorite part is the bathroom whose frosted glass doors offer extra privacy. The waterfall shower and tub combination also offers a refreshing start to your day.
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Our Verdict!
Members of our team enjoyed a great stay at each of the hotels on this list. Based on our experience, each of them has the potential to satisfy anyone looking for a nice place to stay near the Empire State Building. We have also narrowed the list further to these four that offer guaranteed satisfaction in their specific category.
- Best value for money: Arlo Nomad
- Best location: Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
- Best hotel for Couples: Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel
- Best hotel for long stays: Pestana CR7 Times Square
Where to Stay in NYC Near Empire State Building?
Midtown is the place to stay when planning to be within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Times Square, and other iconic attractions in central NYC. It has NYC’s best shopping spots including Macy’s and also the best of the nightlife within a few blocks.
The second option is Chelsea, the meeting point of the Fashion District and the Flower District, so it has some of the city’s best markets. Hotels here have quirky decorations, full of colorful art. It is the best place for those who don’t mind a short taxi ride to Midtown in exchange for a quieter stay in a more affordable hotel.
You can also stay in the Theatre District when hoping to catch a Broadway show and still be close enough to The Empire State Building, then the Theatre District will suffice. A bustling nightlife thrives here alongside some of the best restaurants and shopping joints.
Upper East Side, located right next to Central Park, is the best neighborhood for a quiet luxury stay in NYC near the Empire State Building. It is an affluent neighborhood that is still close enough to Midtown.
How long can I stay in the Empire State Building?
It depends on the number of floors you plan on touring. Two hours are generally enough to explore the main building and the upper dec
Is there a hotel in the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building doesn’t have residential accommodation. However, Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel is located right next to the ESB.
Is it worth visiting the Empire State Building?
Absolutely. The building is an iconic piece of architecture with lots of relevance to the history of NYC. The view of Manhattan from the top deck is also breathtaking.
