11 Best Hotels Near Union Square NYC

Union Square is one of the most iconic spots in New York City. It sits at the junction of two streets in Manhattan, namely Bowery Lane (now Fourth Avenue) and Broadway. Hence, it remains an important hub as a subway junction, a creative hangout, and home to some of the city’s best markets. So, we decided to make Union Square and the surrounding neighborhoods our base for exploring everything Manhattan, and why not? The best hotels near Union Square, NYC, ranged across a whole host of budgets, not to mention vibes and locations as well. Since the neighborhood itself covers just a few blocks, it’s one of the city’s smallest neighborhoods. So, the choices of stays we found often spilled onto the adjacent neighborhoods. We couldn’t be happier about it, given that Union Square is surrounded by some of Manhattan’s best neck of the woods.

So, even though we found few hotels within its defined region, they suited all kinds of sensibilities, with the other choices being a stone’s throw away. Staying at these hotels allowed us to stay close to the action and that too in style and comfort. Moreover, we were close to most of the top things to do in New York City. To that end, here’s a guide to basing yourself in one of the smallest yet buzziest areas of the Big Apple.

Hotel Giraffe by Library Hotel Collection

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We begin with the gorgeously affordable Hotel Giraffe by Library Hotel Collection. It lies in the Flatiron District and is a straight 10-minute walk to Union Square along Park Avenue South. So, we couldn’t get closer to Union Square without actually staying in the neighborhood. Check-in was a breeze, and we were delighted to find a Juliet balcony in our Queen Room, which was extremely rare by NYC standards. Besides the fresh air and free Wi-Fi, our room had mod-cons like gadget-controlled fixtures, dark shades, and modern bathrooms with robes, slippers, and even a bathtub. That’s not all; they even gave us two complimentary water bottles and we could even request an in-room coffeemaker and tons of other amenities from the front desk. How cool is that?

Just like other Library Hotel Collection properties, this one also had a delightful cheese and wine reception in the evenings that we wouldn’t miss. Our days also began on a great note with continental breakfasts, and they even had complimentary 24/7 coffee services in the lobby. Finally, we even enjoyed a meal at their in-house restaurant, Bread & Tulips.

The Evelyn NoMad

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Best boutique hotel. History and modernity go hand in hand at the Evelyn NoMad, a historic Art Deco-inspired luxury hotel not far from Union Square. Sitting just north of Madison Park, we were a mere 15-minute walk from the bustling Union Square. This hotel boasted loads of history, which we loved. Built way back in 1903, it was formerly the Gershwin Hotel and is a Beaux-Arts architecture gem even after its multi-million dollar makeover. The name comes from Evelyn Nesbitt, which the hotel pays homage to with many photographs of her all over the place. We were thrilled to wait in the Art Deco lobby during check-in.

We were most impressed by the rooms too, which were very spacious with comfortable beds and porcelain bathrooms. What’s more, we were very pleased to find free Wi-Fi, plush robes, hairdryers, coffeemakers, and Frette linens as well. The room was also full of musical touches and vintage vibes, especially the musical notes on the bathroom walls that alluded to the hotel’s history.

Despite being a boutique hotel, there was a fantastic Italian cafe/restaurant Leonelli Bakery where we’d indulge in lattes, pizzas, and cookies, and we could even bring them up to our rooms! Our favorite, though, was the hip and happening bar that served some of the best cocktails around. The most impressive bit was that despite there not being a restaurant, our breakfasts were included, being served at the Brooklyn Diner Pop-Up from 7-11 am every day.

The New York EDITION

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The New York EDITION sat overlooking another famous NYC green, Madison Park, a 10-minute walk from Union Square. We were thrilled to be staying in this slice of NYC history, as the hotel sat in the 1909-built Met Life Tower, once the world’s tallest building. On the inside, the decor was hyper-modern, though, with staircases looking like contemporary art sculptures. It’s not surprising that it’s considered one of the best Marriott hotels in New York City.

We especially loved the minimalistic design of the rooms, which ensured incredible views of the city from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Moreover, all rooms and suites were decked out in neutral hues with white wood floors and thoughtful touches like the faux-fur bed throws. Minibars, luxe bathrooms with powerful rain showers and Le Labo bath products, free Wi-Fi, and plush beds with Frette linens made our stay all the more comfortable.

Downstairs, the Jason Atherton-helmed Clocktower Restaurant/Bar was most Insta-worthy, with its mahogany wood panels and gold-framed black-and-white vintage photographs of NYC on the walls. Our recommendation? Take time to play a fun game of billiards in the game room at the restaurant.

Freehand Hotel New York

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Best hostel. Who says hostels can’t be fun? We had tons of comfy fun at Freehand New York, formerly the George Washington Hotel. Located in the Flatiron District, a 15-minute walk from Union Square, this gorgeous place is one of the best hostels in New York! The hostel pays homage to its historic popularity with creatures and writers in the form of custom artwork everywhere. However, don’t be fooled by its official tag of ‘hostel,’ as it is anything but dowdy. We had a wide choice of upscale dorms and private rooms here, which ranged from bunk rooms sleeping four people to private corner rooms with skyline views, each as chic as the last. Even the bathrooms were amazing, small but neat with blonde wood, sleek green tiles, and great lighting.

Imagine a hostel having multiple drinking and dining destinations; Freehand NYC had five! Besides a seafood-focused American restaurant, there was also a grab-and-go breakfast place and, our favorite, the tiki-style rooftop bar. And since they don’t have in-room minibars, there was a lobby shop with drinks and snacks, as well as designer toothbrushes, throw blankets, and chic candles.

The Marlton Hotel

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The literary enthusiasts in us were extremely excited to be staying at the Marlton Hotel, a 1900-built icon where Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac once stayed. They both reportedly holed up in the hotel to work on their iconic and famous manuscripts. The hotel itself sits on a picturesque stretch of Greenwich Village and is around a 10-minute walk from Union Square.

We loved the 100+ rooms, which were all on the cozier side but done up extremely well. Think beds draped in faux-fur blankets and Côté Bastide bath products. What’s more, there was free wi-fi throughout the place, including our French-bohemian style room which also had faux-fur bed throws and brass light fixtures. We especially loved the copper fixtures, white-and-black floors, and marble accents in the bathroom, which boasted C.O. Bigelow bath products.

One of our favorite things to do on the property was camping out by the fireplace in the clubby lobby and enjoying a glass of wine on chilly evenings. The espresso and cocktail bars aside, the Margaux restaurant served delicious all-day European fare.

Washington Square Hotel

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Sitting on the northwestern edge of Washington Square Park is the eponymous Washington Square Hotel. So, the location, which is a mere 10-minute walk from Union Square, couldn’t get any better. It’s much like the Marlton and has been a haven for artists, writers, and creative types for more than a century. In fact, it’s central to the neighborhood’s history and has been home to the likes of The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and more.

Despite having opened its doors way back in 1902, the hotel boasted a thorough 1960s Art Deco vibe with its period art and vintage Hollywood photos. We had the choice of nearly 150 rooms and suites, all of which had similar photographs of stars like Audrey Hepburn and Art Deco-inspired furniture. While the entry-level rooms are nice enough, our Deluxe Room had a lot more natural light. Moreover, the bathrooms also had robes, slippers, and hairdryers, much to our delight.

It’s rare for a Manhattan boutique hotel to have a spa, but this one had it. After a long day of exploring, we headed to the Serenity Suite Spa for a much-needed massage and body treatment. Finally, we wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at the North Square Restaurant and Lounge.

Moxy NYC East Village

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One of the best hotels in New York City near Union Square also happens to be one of the best hotels in East Village, NYC, the Moxy NYC East Village. It was a less than 10-minute walk to Union Square along 4th Avenue, and the gorgeous expanse of East Village lay right behind us.

We had the choice of nearly 300 hi-tech rooms and suites, all of which were big on comfort with many mod-cons. Think oversized industrial-style windows with great views, plush beds, flatscreen TVs, and even travel steamers. Interestingly, the sink stood in the sleeping area, and the shower cubicle and the toilet were cordoned off. We could even request retro-style turntables and a curated vinyl collection to be delivered to our rooms.

One of the best things we liked about this Moxy outpost was the multiple dining venues. Besides the all-day restaurant, there was also a French-Mediterranean fusion restaurant, a late-night lounge, and a low-key rooftop bar. Our favorite was the bar, cafe, lounge, and outdoor terrace, which was great to hang out at when the weather was nice. Did we mention that we got discounts for several local hotspots? Yes!

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

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A five-minute walk from Union Square brought us to the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, which gave us the impression of a cozy pre-war townhouse more than a hotel. Imagine a lovely street-level floor with high, sprawling ceilings, massive windows, tables for working, and lots of nooks for sitting and lounging. What could be better? 

The hotel’s Art-Deco style is inspired by the 1920s 5th Avenue, including its offerings. So, there were evenings when we listened to soulful live jazz in the lounge. The bookworms in us were thrilled when we saw the hotel library, which had many classic reads and even many early editions of Greenwich Village authors. There was nothing better than curling up in front of the fireplace with a book and a glass of wine. Meanwhile, the Society Cafe served delicious American cuisine, while the Parlor bar just off the lobby was the perfect place for aperitifs and nightcaps.

We had the choice of 113 rooms peppered across 18 floors, which only added to the hotel’s pre-war cozy townhouse feel. There were some interesting quirks in all rooms, like working rotary phones, bold printed wallpapers, white-and-black-tiled wallpapers, and custom-made Macassar Ebony furniture. Frette linens and free Wi-Fi are modern additions.

The Inn at Irving Place

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Best B&B. We were thrilled to find a charming B&B right in the very heart of Manhattan, just a block from Union Square Park. Behold The Inn at Irving Place, a stunning 1834-built Georgian brownstone bursting with midcentury charm. It sat on a serene, leafy boulevard, so it felt peacefully removed from the bustle while still being right next to Union Square Park.

The grandeur of the exterior and the architecture is mirrored on the inside too, complete with a sweeping staircase topped with Persian carpets. However, it was more than just a quaint escape in the heart of the city. After a day of exploring, we’d kick back in the fanciful Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon and parlor with a hearty five-course afternoon tea fit for royalty. Later on, we’d grab drinks at the kitschy cocktail bar before stepping out to enjoy NYC’s nightlife.

With just eight rooms and four extended-stay residences, staying here was as intimate as it was exclusive. What’s more, all of them were furnished uniquely with antiques, wooden shutters, four-poster beds with embroidered linens, and ornamental fireplaces. Our room, the Edith Wharton suite, was perfect for a special anniversary.

Hyatt Union Square New York

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You’d be hard-pressed to find a more conveniently located hotel than the hip Hyatt Union Square New York. It sits just a block south of Union Square, putting many places to see and things to do in Manhattan all around us. Just like all other Hyatt outposts, all rooms here were slick with signature Hyatt Grand beds, high-tech mod-cons, and flatscreen TVs linking to online concierges. Our higher category suite even had a separate living area and superb views of the neighborhood around. However, all rooms boasted nice muted designs with open bathrooms, double-wide showers, and stone-and-wood baths. The best thing of all? The windows actually opened!

The amenities at this hotel are nothing short of impressive. Aside from a 24-hour fitness room, the hotel had a tie-up with the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and salon nearby. So, we even got some downtime after a long day of exploring the Big Apple. However, our favorite amenity was the free bike rental program, which even came with included maps. Wrapping things up was the Bowery Road restaurant and bar, which served all meals.

W New York Union Square

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Best location. Tucked at the northeast corner of Union Square Park, the W New York Union Square is as centrally located as it gets in the neighborhood. Did you know that this W outpost is actually the flagship branch of Marriott’s W Hotels in NYC? Yes! This design-minded outpost sits in a 1911-built Beaux Arts structure that was formerly the Guardian Life Insurance headquarters. In its second life as a hotel, the W is bringing trendy living to the Union Square neighborhood.

We had the choice of more than 250 trendy rooms and suites, all decked out with pops of cobalt and red walls and Bliss bath products. Even though the entry-level rooms are average-sized, we’d recommend the larger, more spacious suites. Nevertheless, all rooms and suites boast luxe bath products, dark furniture, and high-tech mod-cons.

“We’ve always loved staying at the W, and the Union Square outpost was just what we were looking for!”

WOW Travel

The amenities at this hotel left us most impressed, especially the drinking and dining establishments. We dug into Mediterranean and Italian delights at the ground-floor restaurant. The Mexican eatery even hosts karaoke and drag nights, along with serving amazing cocktails. A 24-hour gym and another cocktail lounge complete this place.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all these stays in and around Union Square, the following are rather special for their specific and specialized features.

• Best location: W New York Union Square
• Best B&B: The Inn at Irving Place
• Best hostel: Freehand Hotel New York
• Best boutique hotel: The Evelyn NoMad

Where to Stay in and around Union Square NYC?

Since it’s a historic intersection area in Manhattan, Union Square is itself and is surrounded by some very prominent neighborhoods. The heart of the neighborhood is the verdant Union Square, which is home to a playground, a green market, a holiday market, and the Union Square subway station. That being said, it’s a small neighborhood just four streets by three streets.

So, which are the neighborhoods surrounding Union Square? We begin with the Flatiron District just north of Union Square, whose highlight is the iconic, wedge-shaped Flatiron building made famous by the movie Baby’s Day Out. Besides a subway station, it’s also home to some excellent hotels, including boutique ones. Secondly, there’s the popular West Village/Greenwich Village, a charming slice of a neighborhood with lots of restaurants, shops, and historic brownstones. It might be celebrity-heavy, but this leafy and quiet neighborhood is perfect for exploring NYC on foot.

East Village on the other side comprises everything from Ukrainian Village to Alphabet City extending right up to the East River. It’s Manhattan’s creative hub and is home to some quirky yet amazingly affordable hotels. Finally, Chelsea is to the west of Union Square, one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. It’s home to not only great hotels but also museums, parks, markets, and the High Line,

What is Union Square known for in NYC?

For nearly 200 years, Union Square has been a gathering place for everything from recreation and political events to entertainment and commerce. It’s a lively and diverse neighborhood.

Which is the most affordable hotel near Union Square?

Hotel Giraffe by the Library Collection is one of the most affordable and value-for-money hotels on this list and in the neighborhood.

Which is the overall best hotel in Union Square?

That would be the W New York Union Square, as it’s one of the only two hotels that sits within the neighborhood, the other being the Hyatt Regency.