For many visitors to the city, Midtown is the quintessential image of New York with some of the most iconic sights spread out in this area. Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the Financial District, and many of New York’s must-see landmarks dot the area. Apart from these sights, some of the most iconic hotels in Manhattan are found in the area. The best hotels in Midtown NYC are destinations in themselves with their grandiose architecture, rich history, and top-class restaurants.
Many of the best hotels in Midtown NYC overlook Central Park or other gorgeous landmarks of New York City. Their prime location puts you close to all that makes Manhattan so special. Whether you’re interested in strolling through Central Park or the food packed streets of Hell’s Kitchen, have a business meeting in the Financial District, or want to splurge on shopping at Fifth Avenue, you’ll definitely find a great hotel closeby. Some of the best hotels in Manhattan are located in Midtown so you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes down to choosing. We’ve picked out the 11 best hotels in Midtown NYC to help you narrow down your choices.
Archer Hotel
11
Close to all the action of Midtown and within a stone’s throw from Bryant Park is the Archer Hotel, one of the best hotels in Midtown NYC for its prime location. A short walk will take you to the Empire State Building or Times Square. It’s also an easy 10-minute walk from here to the Grand Central Station; the transportation hub of 42nd Street Times Square Station is just six minutes away.
Luxury and style abound at the Archer Hotel with its great design and attention to detail. You’re welcomed to the hotel by a tastefully designed double-height lobby and friendly staff. Although the hotel exudes luxury and style, one of the main drawbacks is the size of the guest rooms. Guest rooms are undoubtedly comfortable and chic but a bit too cramped even by New York standards. However, the rooms have floor to ceiling windows that brighten them up. They are also well equipped with a host of amenities. The attached bathrooms are surprisingly well spaced compared to the rooms.
On-site dining and drinking options at the hotel are top-notch with the beautiful Charlie Palmer Steak steakhouse and Spyglass Rooftop Bar. The rooftop bar located on the 22nd floor is popular for its great views of the Empire State Building. The Lobby Bar is also another good place to hang out for snacks or meetups. The hotel lacks a gym on the premises but guests get free passes to the New York Sports Clubs that are nearby.
The Peninsula
10
There is so much that makes The Peninsula sit right up in the list of best hotels in Midtown NYC. From the grandiose century-old building with its Beaux-Arts exterior and grand two-story foyer to its coveted location, The Peninsula ticks all the right boxes. It’s a short stroll to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and a block away from New York City Center. Shopaholics can shop till they drop on Fifth Avenue where the hotel sits. Those looking to explore other parts of the city will find easy public transit within a six-minute walk.
Originally opened as the Gotham Hotel in 1905, the hotel closed within three years due to bankruptcy. The Peninsula opened much later in 1988 after several renovations. However, much of its original character remains in place. The spacious rooms definitely stand out as even the smallest room is quite large by New York standards. Rooms have an old-world charm with a large work desk and an additional pullout wing. A single button allows you to control the lighting in rooms while a console in the tub helps with radio controls. The gorgeous marble bathrooms are fitted with shower/tub combos or walk-in glass showers.
A clear standout is the large indoor pool and the Peninsula Spa, one of the best in the city. The gym is also another notable feature of the hotel with its great equipment and space. Guests also have a number of in-house dining and drinking options to choose from. Clement the upscale restaurant is a popular dining venue but it also serves lunch on weekdays. A great place for sipping cocktails is the Gotham Lounge or the pricy rooftop bar, Salon de Ning.
Chambers Hotel
9
If you’re looking for a good centrally located hotel in Manhattan the location of the Chambers Hotel is perfect. Just 484 m from Central Park and a few blocks from the classy, residential Upper East Side, the hotel is at a walking distance from most of New York’s attractions. Shopaholics will be in their element here as the hotel is located close to the three Bs – Barney’s, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman and other shopping outlets. Although the area can get a little quiet in the evenings, it’s quite safe.
What makes this hotel really special is the artwork that adorns most of the interiors. Almost every hallway of the 14 storied building is like an art gallery. You’ll find elaborate murals on the walls too. Each of the 77 guest rooms and suites are slightly unique from the other in terms of size and layout. However, they all have tall windows and high-quality wood furniture with platform beds. You’ll find some interesting extras in the rooms such as orange slippers, free bottled water, gourmet minibars. The suites, divided into two levels are another standout. Some even have furnished terraces that overlook the city.
You won’t find the traditional features that the high-end boutique hotels have to offer, but the hotel is one of the best hotels in Midtown Manhattan that are great value. 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. Ma Peche the restaurant has a good variety of French-Vietnamese dishes.
The St. Regis
8
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 Midtown NYC. 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 that was last 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. The staff is well-trained and pleasant. Guests also have the service of around-the-clock butler irrespective of the room category.
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.
The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club
6
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an art gallery when you enter the gorgeous Quin in Midtown West. The name is a shortened form of ‘quintessential New York,’ and the design-driven hotel aims to showcase these elements. It is definitely a standout property, easily one of the best hotels in Midtown NYC. The hotel is in the heart of Midtown, just two blocks from Central Park. It’s a convenient location to most of the Midtown sights.
The design is timeless with its soaring vaulted lobby and artwork, a true oasis in the bustling part of the city. Modern guest rooms are well equipped with a host of comforts and have a cozy residential vibe. Rooms on the lower level can get a little noisy from the street but rooms on the higher floors have some great views of the surroundings.
Service at the hotel is top-notch with a concierge to arrange reservations or create tailor-made itineraries. Although there is no in house spa, guests can book treatments at a spa nearby. The hotel has a good fitness center where guests can even avail of yoga sessions. A sophisticated American grill, the Wayfarer is a good place to enjoy inventive small plates and sip some cocktails.
Lotte New York Palace
5
Across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in East Midtown, you’ll find the iconic Lotte New York Palace Hotel. Set in a historic built neo-Rennaissance mansion, the hotels exudes elegance and class. In recent times the hotel gained prominence when it was used as a location for the popular TV show ‘Gossip Girl.’ The hotel is one of the best hotels in Midtown Manhattan for business travelers because of its great location. You’re surrounded by luxury shops and restaurants. Midtown’s cultural landmarks are also within easy walking distance from the hotel.
A sprawling lobby with two bars and a gilded central atrium gives guests a glimpse into what was once an opulent hotel. Although luxury and class still dominate, modern touches sometimes feel out of sync in this iconic hotel, especially The Towers which is a separate hotel within the hotel.
Out of the 909 rooms, 733 are in the mansion while the rest occupy The Towers. Some rooms offer beautiful views of the cathedral. Spacious guest rooms have a tasteful, traditional decor with big crystal lamps and white leather headboards. These are topped up with some great amenities although modern technology takes a backseat here. The bathrooms with their lack of soaking tubs are also a bit of a letdown. However, the stock of Molton Brown toiletries makes up for it.
For dining, guests have a wide range of options, from an intimate 25-seat cocktail salon to the Villard which serves farm-to-table New American breakfasts and brunches. The in-house bakery, Pomme Palais is also pretty good. The hotel was also renowned for its spa but the spa is currently under renovation so instead guests can enjoy special spa treatments in the room.
The Chatwal
4
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.
The Plaza
3
The Plaza is a symbol of elegance and class and stands out as one of the best hotels in Midtown NYC. One cannot miss this iconic landmark hotel on the southern edge of Central Park with its historic Beaux-Arts architecture and palatial entrance. It has seen the who’s who of society pass through its doors since its opening. Just a few steps from Fifth Avenue’s shopping and the iconic Pulitzer Fountain, the location of the hotel couldn’t be better for travelers.
The interiors evoke a feeling of nostalgia, of being in a film. Luxury drips from the dramatic chandeliers in the grand lobby of the hotel. Guest rooms echo this luxurious feeling with tall ceilings, huge windows, and lavish interiors. Gorgeous spa-like baths sparkle with 24-carat gold plated fixtures. The suites are standouts with huge living spaces decorated with curated art and bespoke furnishings. The Eloise Suite is especially popular with fans of the fictional book character, Eloise.
Other amenities that guests at the hotel can look forward to are a state of the art fitness center, world-class restaurants and two bars, a full treatment spa, and a salon. The highlight is the Todd English Food Hall with nine different food counters that serve a wide range of specialties. Palm Court sees a large footfall during Afternoon Tea.
The Ritz-Carlton
2
A recent facelift has given the Ritz-Carlton an even brighter sheen, taking it a few notches up in the rankings of best hotels in Midtown NYC. Sitting directly across from Central Park at the southern border, the hotel is surrounded by upscale restaurants and luxury shops. It’s also within close proximity to many of Midtown Manhattan’s attractions such as Carnegie Hall, (two blocks south), and Lincoln Center, (10-minutes by foot).
The Ritz Carlton occupies a grandiose 19th-century limestone building that was once the St. Moritz Hotel. When it reopened in 2002, it stood right at the top of the best hotels in Manhattan and has maintained its standards since then. A beautiful, classic lobby decorated in luxe floral arrangements welcomes guests. The classy style seeps through all corners of the hotel to the guest rooms. Large, bright rooms equipped with a wide range of modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay. There is also a nightly turndown service which often includes chocolates. Attached marble bathrooms are outfitted with soaking tubs and separate showers.
You can expect a number of luxurious features at the Ritz-Carlton such as the La Prairie Spa and Star Lounge. The lounge offers an excellent selection of wines and cocktails in a gorgeous setting. Auden Bistro, the in-house restaurant serves three meals a day and has a good selection of gourmet American favorites. Apart from this the hotel also has a large 24-hour fitness center.
Baccarat Hotel
1
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 Midtown, NYC. 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.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Midtown:
- Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour – One of the best things to do when visiting a city is to sample its street food. This two-hour walking tour will give you a chance to enjoy six delicious tastings from award-winning carts and trucks.
- Food, History, and Architecture Tour – Eat your way through two of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods with gourmet tastings and an insight into the architecture of the area.
Recommended Activities In Midtown:
- NYC: Hudson Yards Walking Tour & Edge Observation Deck Entry – Enjoy a guided tour of Midtown’s newest neighborhood and climb to the highest outdoor sky deck to take in breathtaking views.
- Central Park Tour by Pedicab – See Central Park from the comfort of a pedicab on this one hour tour. The guide will regale you with stories about this beautiful park and also take you to visit the top attractions in the park.
