Manhattan is often referred to as the cultural, financial, and entertainment capital of the world. It is one of the most densely populated boroughs in New York City that is pulsating with life and energy. Manhattan sees a large footfall of travelers throughout the year, and as such, there is no dearth of places to stay. The best hotels in Manhattan New York offer top class service with a host of amenities. You’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay. From budget properties to century-old luxurious hotels, Manhattan has them all.
Manhattan Island is loosely divided into three sections, Upper Manhattan (Uptown), Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan (Downtown). Fifth Avenue divides the East Side and West Side. Some of the most iconic New York City sights such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park lie in Manhattan. The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a huge magnet for travelers who flock here for business and leisure. Whether it’s getting pampered at a spa, working up a sweat at a fitness center, or meditating in a yoga class, the best hotels in Manhattan will give you all that and more. Whatever your reasons for visiting the city though, our list of the 11 best hotels in Manhattan will help narrow down your choices.
Baccarat Hotel and Residences
11
Luxury exudes from every corner of the Baccarat Hotel that sparkles with Baccarat crystals. The hotel’s location coupled with some great amenities puts it at the top of the list of best hotels in Manhattan, New York. Located in Midtown Manhattan across from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Bacarrat puts you in the middle of all the action. Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and the luxury fashion houses of Fifth Avenue are all within easy walking distance from here. E/M trains are just around the corner and the Rockefeller Center transit hub is about six minutes from here.
You can be sure that you’ll be quite dazzled with all the glitz of the interiors of the hotel. The reception area is one level up and has a 24-hour front desk. Tastefully decorated boudoirs and suites outfitted with comfortable bedding have the signature sparkling Baccarat crystal in select areas. You can expect a host of amenities in the room to add to the comfort of staying at this luxurious property.
Apart from the amenities in the elegant rooms, you’ll also find plenty to keep you occupied outside the room. From a fancy restaurant and bar to the LaMer spa with a pool and a fitness center, the service at the Baccarat is also top-notch.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
10
Occupying one of the most prime locations in Manhattan, the Trump International Hotel & Tower puts you in close proximity to most major sights. Overlooking Central Park from its prime position near Columbus Circle, the hotel is one of opulence and class. Times Square and Broadway Theaters are a few blocks away as is Fifth Avenue. Getting around Manhattan is easy via the subway from Columbus Circle, a major subway hub that has several subway lines running through it.
A major $30 million design overhaul pushed the hotel right to the top of the best hotels in Upper West Side, NYC. In fact, the hotel comfortably occupies a top slot in the best hotels in Manhattan. The entrance is through a set of glass doors embellished by gold accents into a wood-paneled lobby. Although the hotel exudes luxury, many feel that it has the feel of a luxury condo rather than a hotel. That being said, the hotel does not cut corners on luxury. Guest rooms feature rich wood, 55-inch televisions, Blu-ray players, and iPod docking stations. Added to this, most rooms also have European-style kitchens for in-room dining. You can get the best views of Central Park from the two-bedroom suites.
Outside the rooms too, the hotel scores big on amenities. A 6,000 square foot fitness center with a heated indoor lap pool and state-of-the-art spa is a big draw for guests. Top this up with one of two world-renowned restaurants, Michelin-star Jean-Georges and Nougatine and you know you’ve hit the jackpot with this hotel.
Chatwal
9
The Chatwal may not be a big sprawling hotel but what this boutique hotel lacks in size it makes up with its sophistication. Stunning Art Deco adorns the interiors with plenty of nods to New York’s history and culture. The hotel’s location too in the Theater District puts you in close proximity to many popular sights like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. Grand Central Station is 10 minutes southeast while the Times Square subway hub is about five minutes southwest.
The hotel’s service is spectacular with personalized service and a butler included with your stay. 30 of the 76 guest rooms are suites with some that even include private landscaped terraces. All rooms come equipped with Illy coffee and ‘maxibars.’ You’ll also find Asprey bath toiletries in the bathrooms that are outfitted with soaking tubs.
Lambs Club, the restaurant-cum-lounge is a popular hangout with the ‘who’s who’ of New York. Owned by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, the restaurant extends over two floors and serves up a delectable spread. You can enjoy live music here on Wednesday and Friday evenings while DJs spin tunes on Thursdays. Guests can also enjoy the facilities of the prestigious MYND Spa & Salon or work up a sweat at the gym.
Gramercy Park Hotel
8
Featuring one of the most happening bars in New York, Gramercy Park Hotel is also one of the best hotels in Manhattan New York to experience a touch of history. Opened in 1925, and refurbished and reopened in 2006, the hotel has witnessed a fair share of celebrities walk through its doors. Don’t expect any tourist attractions close to the hotel though. Gramercy Park is located on a quiet block of Lexington Avenue overlooking the beautifully manicured Gramercy Park which hotel guests have access to. Union Square, the city’s premier farmers market is a five-minute walk from here. The area around the hotel is relatively quiet except for the night when the paparazzi gather outside in the hope of getting an exclusive celebrity shot.
Gramercy has a bohemian touch to it with velvet, tassels, and a color palette of rich jewel tones. You’ll also find rotating works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring grabbing a lot of attention. Guest rooms feature tall ceilings, luxe textiles, and dreamy feather beds. The unique ensuite bathrooms have a vanity area that is open to the bedroom but can be closed off by French doors. A giant soaking tub and toiletries from Davines Momo, Le Labo, and Aesop are part of the bathroom.
Maialino the hotel’s upscale trattoria serves Roman Cuisine. However, the place to head to in the hotel is the Rose Bar where the glitterati usually congregates. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, jazz aficionados will enjoy Brian Newman and his band. Expectedly, the impeccable service at the hotel comes at a hefty price.
1 Hotel Central Park
7
In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, you’ll find the eco-conscious 1 Hotel Central Park. It’s a 10-minute walk from here to Times Square and the Theatre District and just a block from Central Park. The hotel also provides easy access to the Columbus Circle station which is less than five minutes away. There are also plenty of eating places around the hotel.
It’s easy to spot the hotel with its three-story green ivy living exterior. Nature seeps into various spaces of the building with potted plants and terrariums. You’ll also find nature-inspired art in the lobby. The design inside the 229 guest rooms is also inspired by nature with barn wood ceilings and headboards. You’ll find the usual hotel amenities in the rooms, as well as cotton robes and warm socks. If you’re in a mood to splurge, the Greenhouse Suite should be your first choice. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite offers sweeping views of the city.
Although the hotel is a five pearl property, there are no on-site spa facilities. However, there is a small 24-hour fitness center. There is also a good working area referred to as ‘The Hive’ with well-curated rooms for working or meeting. The restaurant, Jams, run by celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman is a popular venue.
Lowell
6
The reason why the Lowell Hotel sits high up in the rankings of best hotels in Manhattan New York is its impeccable service and beautifully decorated rooms. This high-end boutique hotel located in on a tree-lined street in the tony Upper East Side is just a block from Central Park. It’s also a short walk to the designer boutiques along Madison Avenue and museums from here.
Guest rooms at the Lowell are spacious and elegant with an off-white and light brown color palette. Most of the rooms have fully stocked kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces and some even have furnished terraces, which is a rarity in New York City. The rooms have a host of amenities to add to guests’ comfort.
Despite its small size, the hotel has a few extra perks such as an American restaurant which is famous for its afternoon tea service. You’ll also find a fitness center on the second floor with a wide array of high-end machines.
MADE
5
Cool local twists and an urban-bohemian style set the MADE Hotel a cut above the rest in the upper-middle-range category of the best hotels in Manhattan New York. Situated in the trendy NoMad neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, it’s only a short walk to the Empire State Building from here. Times Square is also less than 15 minutes away and Fifth Avenue shopping is a 10-minute walk.
The interior design is what makes the MADE special. It has an appealing functional lobby space and an overall modern lodge vibe. Although the rooms are a little compact more than enough light filters in from floor to ceiling windows. You’ll find some quirky space-saving features in the rooms like under-bed drawers, fold-away desks and stools, and hidden flat-screen TVs. The rooms are designed for intimacy and are more suited for partners who are comfortable with each other. For one, the wall to the bathroom has blocks of transparent glass with clear views of the shower and toilet. Other standard amenities such as towels and bathrobes and bespoke bath products are provided in the rooms. However, there are no coffeemakers or a USB charging outlet in the room.
The social spaces of the hotel are the standouts with its restaurant Ferris attracting a big clientele. There’s also a rooftop lounge, Good Behavior, on the 18th floor that has a cool urban garden vibe. You won’t find an onsite fitness center though so if you’re an active traveler who enjoys a workout, you may have to look elsewhere. What stands out at one of Manhattan’s hippest hotels is the great service.
Mandarin Oriental
4
Just two minutes away from Central Park occupying the 35th to 54th floor of the Time Warner complex, you’ll find the elegant Mandarin Oriental. This hotel is a good place for celebrity spotting as many celebrities often choose to stay here. Located at the busy Columbus Circle, the hotel is in close proximity to some of New York’s highly acclaimed restaurants. It’s one of the best hotels on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The fashion-conscious shoppers will enjoy browsing through the myriad of stores in Time Warner.
The sky lobby on the 35th floor has a spectacular reception area that exudes elegance with distinctive Asian touches. One of the standout features of the Mandarin is the gorgeous view from the rooms. While some rooms look out on the Hudson River, others provide great views of the cityscape and Central Park. Floor to ceiling windows, Asian inspired decor, and a host of amenities add to the comfort of the modern, luxurious rooms. The ensuite bathrooms are some of the nicest in Manhattan with deep soaking tubs and separate showers.
Another standout feature of the Mandarin Oriental is the Asian themed spa which is a destination in itself. The hotel also has a 75-foot indoor lap pool and a well-equipped gym. Added to this, is the restaurant Asiate which serves contemporary American and Asian flair. The Aviary is also another popular dining venue with a more relaxed vibe.
Soho Grand Hotel
3
The Soho Grand Hotel holds the distinction of being Downtown Manhattan’s first luxury boutique hotel. Housed in a 17-story, red-brick tower on the edge of SoHo and steps away from Tribeca, the property sees a fair share of celebrities passing through its doors. You’re spoiled for choice with a large number of bars and restaurants in the vicinity. It’s just a stroll away from Balthazar Osteria Morini, City Winery, and other popular hangouts. If you enjoy street shopping, Canal Street is just half a block away. The hotel is also conveniently located within four blocks of seven subway lines which makes all of Manhattan’s sights easily accessible.
The hotel’s design is a nod to old New York and two important periods in SoHo’s history. Exquisite art, cast-iron detailing and plush fabrics give the hotel its distinctive character. Guest rooms echo the neighborhood vibe with understated industrial-chic designs. Big windows offer expansive views of the city. The rooms are also equipped with standard amenities with ensuite bathrooms outfitted with shower/tub combos. Suites however have deep soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers.
Soho’s Grand has two restaurants and a bar that is quite popular with the local crowd. It also has a late-night club that plays live music. Apart from these dining options, there’s also an outdoor seasonal restaurant, Gilligans, that offers a fresh summer menu.
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel
2
Directly opposite Central Park sits the iconic Pierre Hotel, another of Manhattan’s historical landmarks. The hotel enjoys an enviable location at the intersection of Midtown and the Upper East Side putting guests in close proximity to many top-class destinations. Guests also have easy access to public transport with numerous subway lines nearby.
Built in the 1920s the hotel is a tribute to Neoclassical Georgian design with a nod to Indian heritage. The US flagship of the India-based luxury Taj group, the hotel is renowned for its great hospitality. It also has the distinction of being one of the few remaining New York hotels with lift attendants. The 714 rooms at The Pierre feature traditional decor with Indian touches and old-world charm. The suites are huge and resemble lavish old-world New York apartments. Prices soar with each level that you climb.
You’ll find some top-class amenities outside the room too such as the fine-dining restaurant, Perrine, which is popular with the Uptown crowd. There’s also the historic Rotunda which offers light evening fare and cocktail service. A 24-hour fitness center, 1500 capacity Grand Ballroom, and other luxurious meeting spaces add to the charm of The Pierre.
St. Regis
1
Once the tallest structure in NYC, the St. Regis stands out for its Beaux-Arts architecture and history. When it opened a century ago, the hotel was touted as one of the finest in the world. Today it still remains one of the best hotels in Manhattan New York. Sitting right in the middle of the high-end shopping district, Fifth Avenue in Midtown, the hotel puts you in close proximity to a number of Manhattan’s iconic sights. Guests can also avail of the free town service that the hotel offers. This service which is on a first-come, first-served basis takes you within a 10-block radius of the hotel.
The iconic hotel is so gorgeously designed that people walk into the legendary King Cole bar just to have a chance to get inside. Elegance and luxury seep through every corner of the hotel, remodeled in 2013. Even the standard guest rooms have 12-foot ceilings from which crystal chandeliers hang. The rooms, however, are not very large. The Superior Rooms are slightly smaller than the standard rooms at the Four Seasons. Not surprisingly, the rooms are well equipped with a large number of amenities. The bathrooms in the standard rooms are spacious but lack a bathtub. Some of the suites here are top class, especially the Royal Suite which has a large foyer and elegant living space, dining, and kitchen area.
Other amenities that guests at the St. Regis can look forward to are a sophisticated lounge and restaurant, Astor Court, and the legendary King Cole Bar. Legend says that the very first Bloody Mary was stirred up at this very bar. Guests also have the service of an around-the-clock butler irrespective of the room category.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Manhattan:
- Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour – One of the highlights of visiting any city is to gorge on the street food. Experience the diverse flavors of the food carts in Midtown Manhattan on this walking food tour.
- The Dead Rabbit – If you love your scotch then this is the place to head to when the sun goes down. Touted as the ‘World’s Best Bar,’ this modern Irish bar located on 30 Water Street is home to the largest collection of whiskey in America. You can also enjoy some ‘mind-blowingly’ good cocktails here.
Recommended Activities In Manhattan:
- New York: “Must See” Full-Day Tour with Observatory Entry – Enjoy an action-packed day on this tour that will take you to the most iconic sights of New York City such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
- New York City: Skyline at Night Tour – Your days in NYC are undoubtedly going to be jam-packed with activities so why not enjoy a tour of a different kind. This four hour night tour offers spectacular panoramic views of the city’s skyline after the sun goes down.
