Hell’s Kitchen also known as Midtown West has carved a notable niche for itself despite its humble and sometimes seedy past. Once the home of poor working-class Irish Americans, the area has metamorphosed into one of the most happening areas in Manhattan. Predictably, many hotels have sprung up in the area over the years but the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen NYC range from the historic to flashy modern high rises.
Hell’s Kitchen is also renowned for its diverse culinary scene. Ninth Avenue and Tenth Avenue is where you’ll find this hotpot of melting cultures. With so much to explore in the area, from the iconic Times Square to the lights of Broadway and Central Park, it’s no wonder that some of the best hotels in Manhattan dot the area.
Hotel Scherman
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Formerly known as the French Quarters, this mid-range hotel in Hell’s Kitchen NYC aims to bring a touch of New Orleans to the Big Apple. Ornamental wrought-iron balconies and an onsite restaurant that serves Creole-style cuisine is a nod to the New Orleans theme. Hotel Scherman was once a boarding house but has been redesigned into a studio-type hotel. It’s one of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen New York in the smaller hotel segment.
The red-brick six-story building sits on Restaurant Row, an area teeming with restaurants. It’s just five minutes to Times Square from the hotel and less than 15 minutes on foot to Fifth Avenue or Rockefeller Center. The location of the hotel is great for those wanting to explore the famed sights of Midtown Manhattan.
There are only 22 guest rooms and five suites at the hotel. These are tastefully decorated with exposed brick walls and dark furniture. All rooms have kitchenettes, min-fridges, and other standard amenities. The two-bedroom suites with pull-out sofas and separate living areas are ideal for families. Other extras that guests of the hotel can look forward to are a complimentary continental breakfast and WiFi, an on-site restaurant and bar plus concierge services.
Yotel
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One of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen New York for those looking for a good, affordable option is the Yotel Hotel. Part of the European chain of hotels, the Yotel combines small spaces with hip, luxurious amenities. It’s a 15-minute walk to Times Square from here and a bit far removed from the hustle and bustle of Midtown. The nearest subway is about 10 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Like most YOTEL properties, the hotel has a futuristic feel to it with self-service kiosks for check-in and check-out and a Yobot on hand to help with luggage. The 669 guest rooms are mainly tiny cabins with smart beds that fold out. However, unlike many ‘pod’ hotels the rooms have their own private bathrooms. The bathrooms are open-plan with glass shower doors and toiletries by Urban Skincare. Although curtains cover some parts of the glass, it’s not exactly private.
The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Green Fig, serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine. It’s a popular spot with locals and travelers and is almost always bustling. Guests can enjoy free breakfast muffins and coffee. Apart from the dining options, guests also have access to a small game room, a fitness center, and free yoga classes.
Warwick New York
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If walls could speak there would be plenty of stories from Warwick New York, that have seen the likes of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Madonna walked through its doors. Cary Grant spent 12 years of his life at Warwick too. Built in the 1920s, this historic landmark still stands out as one of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen NYC (Midtown West). The hotel’s proximity to some of the iconic sights of Midtown such as the Museum of Modern Art,(directly across the street), Times Square, and Rockefeller Center make it a popular choice.
The hotel’s classic black and bronze entrance, uniformed doorman, and elegant lobby are a prelude to what guests can look forward to. History buffs will enjoy the photographic display near the front desk of important events and stars at the hotel. The Warwick was once the headquarters for stars of Paramount Pictures when they were filming in the city. Guests have a wide range of room types to choose from, ranging from standard rooms to Premier Suites.
On the second floor, you’ll find seven distinct rooms for various events whilst the third-floor houses the fitness center. The inhouse restaurant Murals on 54 is open for daily breakfast and lunch. However, the more popular hangout spot is Randolph’s Bar & Lounge with its club-like atmosphere. The drinks are pretty expensive here but you can also enjoy lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite.
Sheraton Times Square
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Families looking for a kid-friendly option in Manhattan will be quite pleased with the Sheraton. It’s one of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen New York suited to families with children. For one, the rooms are larger than most hotels in the area. Added to this, there are plenty of rooms with double beds. Within a short walking distance from the hotel, there are also plenty of kid-friendly food options.
The hotel’s proximity to business venues and Midtown’s sights attracts a diverse crowd. Sitting a few blocks north of Times Square in Midtown West, you’re not too far from many of New York City’s attractions. Just steps from the hotel’s entrance you’ll find the B, D, and E subway stations whilst the other lines are a short walk away.
The Sheraton is a massive property with 1,750 guest rooms, meeting rooms, and banquet halls. Traditional guest rooms make up most of the hotel but you’ll find bigger rooms on the 44th to the 50th floors. Guests staying at the Club Level Rooms have free access to the hotel’s gym and Club Lounge. All rooms have amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this caliber.
In-room WiFi is charged but the internet is free on the ground floor. Extra perks that you can look forward to at the Sheraton are a large business center, 43 different meeting rooms, complimentary continental breakfast, and the Atlantis fitness center. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant and cafe plus a lobby bar. Guests of the hotel also have access to the swimming pool across the street at the sister property.
Intercontinental Times Square
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Those looking for class combined with attentive service should check out the Intercontinental Times Square. This hotel chain definitely goes all out to ensure customer satisfaction. That’s one reason why the hotel sits at the top of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen NYC. Located at the heart of the Theater District on West 44th Street, you’re just a block away from the neon signs of Times Square. There’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem as it’s just a long block away from the famed restaurants of Hell’s Kitchen. Every other Midtown attractions is easy to reach.
Thoughtful design touches seep into various spaces of the hotel without being over the top. Guest rooms are characterized by dark wooden furniture and floor to ceiling windows that provide impressive city views. You can look forward to the amenities that you would find in most chain hotels. Rooms vary between Superior Stand Rooms and the luxurious Presidential Suite that is spread over two floors.
A French brasserie opened by celebrity chef Todd English is open for all meals. The restaurant Ca Va is one of the hottest dining spots in the Theater District drawing quite a regular clientele. Guests can also avail of 24-hour room service although not from the in-house restaurant. A 24-hour fitness center and business center are also available for guests.
Belvedere Hotel
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Built in the 1920s Art Deco period, the Belvedere Hotel is one of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen NYC for a history buff. Most of the public areas of the hotel hold onto their original character whilst the windows of the first floor stand out for their decorative arches and painted carvings. The hotel’s sister property, The Lucerne also stands out as one of the best hotels in the Upper West Side.
Located in the heart of the Theater District, the area is always abuzz with activity. If the bike and foot traffic does not overwhelm you, however, this is one of the best places to base yourself as the location puts you at a convenient distance from most attractions. You’re also spoiled for choice with the numerous dining options that are available. Getting around the city is also easy with a large number of subway lines nearby.
Though the Belvedere calls itself a boutique hotel, it is quite large with 355 rooms. An attractive lobby styled with many period touches welcomes guests into the hotel. The guest rooms are tastefully decorated with a small kitchenette and other amenities. However, there’s no great view to look forward to here as the views are obstructed by neighboring buildings.
The restaurant has a number of dining options but the breakfast is a bit overpriced. There’s a Brazilian style steakhouse with a separate entrance on 49th street but here too the prices are quite steep. Guests can also enjoy room service from either of two different restaurants. Other amenities include a fitness center, hotel concierge service, and airport transfers for an additional fee.
Pod Times Square
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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option the Pod Times Square is one of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen New York in the budget segment. It has a prime location just two blocks from Times Square which is an easy stroll. The area around the hotel is constantly abuzz with activity from the many restaurants, cafes, and other hotels. If you’re up for a walk, many of Manhattan’s top attractions are all within 20 minutes from the hotel.
The hotel occupies 28 floors with multiple elevators. It has a cozy lobby and an on-site tiki bar. As the name suggests the rooms are small but functional. Guests can choose between three types of room from 115-square foot bunk pods to 125-square foot Queen pods. Although there’s no great design to the rooms, they’re quite attractive in their own way with white walls and light-wood finish desks. All pods come with basic amenities and an ensuite bathroom with rainfall showerheads, although the frosted glass screens don’t provide much privacy.
For such an affordable property, the amenities are pretty good. A small fitness center on the 28th floor, a board room with a lovely rooftop area, and a tiki lounge, The Polynesian are some of the amenities that you can look forward to at the Pod Times Square. There is no breakfast served at the hotel but there are plenty of restaurants in the area to choose from.
Archer Hotel
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Enjoying a prime location within a stone’s throw from Bryant Park and not far from the action of Midtown is the Archer Hotel, one of the best hotels this side of town for its great location. It’s a short walk to the Empire State Building or Times Square from the hotel and also an easy 10-minute walk from here to the Grand Central Station. Just six minutes away you’ll also find the transportation hub of 42nd Street, Times Square Station.
The tastefully designed hotel exudes luxury and style. What stands out is the attention to detail. You’re welcomed to the hotel by friendly staff and gorgeously designed double-height lobby. Despite its stylish interiors, one of the main drawbacks of the Archer Hotel is the size of the guest rooms. Guest rooms are undoubtedly comfortable and chic but a bit too cramped even by New York standards. Floor to ceiling windows, however, brighten up the rooms that are well equipped with a host of amenities. The well-spaced ensuite bathrooms are a pleasant surprise though.
You’ll find some great on-site dining and drinking options at the hotel. The gorgeous Charlie Palmer Steak steakhouse and Spyglass Rooftop Bar are popular with travelers and locals. The rooftop bar located on the 22nd floor is renowned for its great views of the Empire State Building. If you’re looking for a casual space to hang out The Lobby Bar is another good option. You won’t find a gym on the premises but guests get free passes to the New York Sports Clubs that are nearby.
Chambers Hotel
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Just 484 m from Central Park and a few blocks from the classy, residential Upper East Side, the Chambers Hotel is a great place to base yourself. The hotel’s location is within walking distance from most of New York’s attractions and shopping with the three Bs – Barney’s, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman and other shopping outlets all in close proximity. It’s a safe area despite the quiet vibe in the evenings.
What stands out at the Chambers Hotel is the artwork that adorns most of the interiors. You’ll feel like you’re walking through an art gallery when you enter the hallways of the 14 storied building. Added to this are some elaborate murals on the walls. No two rooms at the hotel are alike with each of the 77 guest rooms and suites having their own distinct layout and character with some suites on two different levels. Some even have furnished terraces that overlook the city. However, the common feature in all rooms is the tall windows and high-quality wood furniture with platform beds. Pleasant extras such as orange slippers, free bottled water, and gourmet minibars are a great addition to the rooms.
Although the hotel is not big on features that most high-end boutique hotels flaunt, if you’re looking for great value, the hotel is one of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen NYC. Guests get free passes to a nearby health and racquet club with a swimming pool. You can also avail of the in-room yoga and massages. The onsite restaurant Ma Peche is a good place to head to if you enjoy French-Vietnamese dishes.
Dream Midtown
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Dream Midtown sits at the cusp of Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown on 55th Street, putting guests in close proximity to almost every attraction in this part of the city. Situated in a gorgeous Beaux-Arts corner-building, a $20 million renovation in 2015, pushed this hotel up the list of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen NYC. A five-minute walk will take you to Central Park or Carnegie Hall from here. Times Square or the Museum of Modern Art will take under 10 minutes on foot. There are two subway stops at a short distance from the hotel if you want to get to other parts of the city.
Artwork covered vaulted ceilings, a two-story aquarium, stainless steel accents and state of the art technology give the hotel a stylish, modern feel. Trendy headboards curved into an aerodynamic canopy add a contemporary touch to the guest rooms. Like most Manhattan hotels, the rooms are quite compact but make good use of space. The standout guest room is the Guesthouse that has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spectacular view.
PHD Terrace, the bi-level rooftop bar and lounge on the 15th and 16th floors are extremely popular as a nightlife destination as is The Rickey, a vintage-inspired cocktail lounge. There is also an Italian restaurant, Serafina that serves all meals. Though you won’t find an on-site fitness center here, guests have free passes to the Crunch Gym on West 54th Street which is less than 10 minutes on foot.
Ink 48
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Ink 48 pays tribute to its past in the names of its public spaces. The building was once a printing press dating back to the 1930s. Hence the names PRINT for its restaurant and Press Lounge for its rooftop bar. Overlooking the Hudson River from its quiet spot on Eleventh Avenue, the chic decor and amenities put it right at the top of the best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC. One block to the west of the hotel you’ll find two attractions of Hell’s Kitchen, the U.S.S. Intrepid Museum and the Hudson River. It’s a 15-minute walk to Times Square from here and about 10-15 minutes to public transportation.
The beautiful interiors of the hotel are a far cry from the hotel’s publishing past. An elegant lobby with parquet floors and vintage leather chairs welcomes guests to the hotel. Renovated in 2016, the loft-like guest rooms are bright and modern with some funky contemporary designs. Although the rooms are spacious and well equipped with amenities if you’re in a mood to splurge you may want to consider booking the Heaven Over Hell Penthouse Suite. The sprawling suite with a 102 square meter living area and separate bedroom gives guests exclusive access to a huge rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of the Hudson River.
Hell’s Kitchen is known for some of the best food in New York City, and the hotel’s on-site restaurant, PRINT, lives up to this repertoire. Serving dynamic farm-to-table fare, the restaurant is popular with travelers and locals. Another popular space is the rooftop Press Lounge, rated as one of New York’s best rooftop destinations. You can indulge in seasonal cocktails and house-made accompaniments as you take in expansive views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. Other perks of staying at the Ink 48 include a complimentary wine hour in the lobby every evening at five and complimentary morning tea and coffee. Guests also have access to the onsite fitness center, the spa and can use the hotel’s bikes for free. Pets up to 50 pounds are also welcomed at the hotel.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Hell’s Kitchen:
- Hell’s Kitchen Pub Crawl – Enjoy a 3-hour night walk on this pub crawl through some of the popular bars of Hell’s Kitchen.
- Hell’s Kitchen Walking Food Tour – Hell’s Kitchen is a melting pot of flavors from around the world. This walking tour will not only give you a taste of these flavors but also a deeper insight into the history of the area.
Recommended Activities In Hell’s Kitchen:
- Hell’s Kitchen Food & Central Park Combo – Hell’s Kitchen is all about its food. Sample the food at some of the finest restaurants in the area and then walk off those extra calories on a tour around Central Park.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – If you’re in town with kids then a trip to this museum at the Pier 86 at 46th Street should definitely be on your cards. This American military and maritime history museum has a collection of museum ships that are sure to interest the entire family.
