The Upper West Side feels straight out of a New York movie with its quintessential brownstones and quiet side streets. Bordered by Central Park and Riverside Park, the area is much quieter than the touristy areas of Manhattan. You won’t find too many luxury hotels on this side of the city but the best hotels in Upper West Side NYC, ranging from the luxurious to some great hostels are clean and comfortable.
Most of the hotels are located in quiet residential areas but the great thing about these hotels is that they are in close proximity to restaurants and nightlife. The iconic sights of the Upper West Side are also easily accessible from most hotels. Whether its the stellar Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, or the historic Beacon Theatre, you’re never too far away no matter which hotel you choose to stay in. In case you’re looking for other areas to stay in NYC, check out our list of best hotels in Hell’s Kitchen as well!
Hotel Newton
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If you’re looking for a good budget hotel, Hotel Newton is one of the best hotels in Upper West NYC in the lower range of hotels. There are no budget hotels in the immediate vicinity of the hotel so for someone looking for an affordable stay, this is the best there is. The hotel is situated along a busy stretch of Broadway which is Manhattan’s main hub. There are plenty of bars, shops, and restaurants in the vicinity but if you want to travel to other areas, the 96th Street subway station is half a block away.
There are no real standout features of this budget property but one thing that you can look forward to are clean rooms. The decor is a bit dated but you’ll find a few amenities such as mini-fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. Almost all the rooms have en-suite bathrooms with shower/tub combos but some Standard Rooms have shared bathrooms. The suites are slightly larger with separate living areas. Predictably, you get what you pay for here, so other than a small internet corner, there’s not much else to look forward to. Guests, however, can avail of room service from the Manhattan Cafe adjacent to the hotel.
La Quinta Inn& Suites by Wyndham
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One of the biggest draws of staying at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham is its great location. Just down the street from Central Park and not too far from kid-friendly activities in Manhattan and a spot in a primarily residential neighborhood, makes this one of the best hotels in Upper West Side NYC for families on a budget.
Don’t expect anything over the top in the design or decor. However, one thing that you can be sure of is that the space is clean and tidy. Guest rooms are also clean with minimalist decor and some basic amenities. The elevator to the rooms at the top is pretty slow but rooms on the higher floors have lovely views of the surroundings.
Like most budget properties, you get what you pay for here. However, one of the great perks of staying here is the free continental breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Lucerne
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Situated in Manhattan’s mostly residential Upper West Side area, The Lucerne is a luxury hotel housed in a landmark building. The hotel’s location in one of the posh areas of Manhattan combined with a host of attractive features puts it right up there on the list of best hotels in Upper West Side NYC. Central Park is about a 10-minute walk from here while the Museum of Natural History is just 325m away. There are plenty of excellent restaurants close by and limited nightlife. Public transport is a bit limited too with just one 1-line subway station in this part of Broadway, at the end of the block.
The interiors are dressed up in European-inspired architectural charm with a host of modern amenities. Guest rooms have a traditional appearance with carved wood desks, lightly gold reflected wallpaper and Persian-patterned drapes. Higher-end suites have kitchenettes and upscale amenities whilst the ensuite bathrooms have shower/tub combos and complimentary toiletries.
Nice-Matin, the hotel’s onsite restaurant is popular with locals and guests for its French cuisine. The restaurant is open throughout the day. Hotel guests receive a discount on their breakfast bill. Other amenities at the hotel include a fitness center, a business center, a 24-hour concierge service, and in-room spa services.
Empire Hotel
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In close proximity to Central Park, you’ll find one of the best hotels in Upper West Side NYC where you can enjoy a good party. The Empire Hotel often hosts some swanky private events. It also attracts young locals who head for the 12th-floor rooftop bar or the lobby bar. Sandwiched between Central Park and Lincoln Center on a busy stretch of Broadway, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied around the hotel. It’s five minutes by cab to Times Square and the Theater District from here or a leisurely 20-minute stroll if you’re up for it.
The hotel is one the oldest in New York, dating back to the mid-1890s. Some of the nostalgic past is preserved in the exterior of the hotel but the interiors are modern and tastefully designed. The public spaces have a sophisticated allure and likewise with the guest rooms. Rich earth tones dominate the decor of the rooms with dark furniture and marigold walls. Although the rooms are quite compact, they’re well equipped with a number of amenities.
The rooftop bar is quite popular with guests and locals as is the small pool. However, the pool area is sometimes reserved exclusively for private events and off-limits to guests at the time. Another good feature of the hotel is the basement level fitness center. It’s not very big but has sufficient equipment for a good workout.
West Side YMCA
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The West Side YMCA is not your regular hotel but for those looking for good affordable accommodation in a top location, it couldn’t get better than this. It’s just half a block away from Central Park West and three blocks from Columbus Circle where you’ll find plenty of options for commuting to other parts of the city. Other sights of the Upper West Side are also within an easy distance from here.
Built-in 1930, The West Side YMCA has 600 rooms which are either shared or singles. Since this is a hostel rather than a hotel, you can expect cramped living spaces with shared bathrooms. The upside is that the rooms are clean and the Wi-Fi is free. Another big plus point of staying at the YMCA are the extras. The massive 65,000 square foot fitness area has everything from a basketball court, yoga room, two swimming pools strength training machines, and a boxing room all at the guests’ disposal. There’s also a small Gourmet To Go cafe at the entrance for guests looking for breakfast.
The Broadway International Hotel & Hostel
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Enjoying a prime location at Broadway and 101st Street, the Broadway International Hotel & Hostel is one of the best budget hotels in Upper West Side. The hotel is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars and the subway is also two short blocks away. It’s also close to many landmarks of New York City such as the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Central Park, and Columbia University.
You’ll find surprisingly stylish and cozy interiors with some great designs. The multi-lounge room with exposed brick walls and comfortable leather sofa and chairs is extremely popular with guests. Guests can choose between dormitory-style or private rooms which usually have shared bathrooms. Unlike most hostel-style hotels, the rooms and bathrooms are clean. Basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, and towels are provided.
Many guests enjoy relaxing in the multi-room lounge area. Part TV room and part dining area the lounge room is often a lively melting pot of cultures with guests from different parts of the world mingling here.
Hotel Beacon
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Hotel Beacon is an upper mid-range hotel in close proximity to many sights of the Upper West Side. It’s within walking distance to Lincoln Center, Central Park, and the New-York Historical Society from here. Added to this you’ll also find the iconic Beacon Theater next door. Many guests choose to stay at the hotel in order to catch a show at the old theater. The hotel is one of the best hotels in Upper West Side NYC that are good value for money.
The building initially opened in 1929 as a residential complex but was later converted into a hotel. Spacious rooms and suites are ideal for families. Like many of the hotels in the Upper West Side, the rooms are clean and functional rather than stylish or chic. All rooms feature kitchenettes stocked with tea or coffee. While the smallest rooms are more suited to singles, the suites are great for families. Separate living areas and sofa beds provide the flexibility that many families prefer. Other amenities at the hotel include a small fitness center, a lobby business center nook, other meeting spaces, and a stylish bar.
Hotel Belleclaire
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One of the best hotels in Upper West Side NYC that evoke history and nostalgia is the Hotel Belleclaire that opened in 1903. Housed in a landmark building that fuses art nouveau and Beaux-Arts aesthetics, the iconic hotel has featured in several films. Sitting in a quiet-tree lined street, in a residential neighborhood, the hotel is within walking distance of Central Park and Riverside Park. The area is low on tourist attractions but Upper West Side’s attractions such as the Beacon Theatre and Lincoln Center are within easy reach.
The hotel pays tribute to former guests, Mark Twain and Babe Ruth in the suites that bear their names. The Mark Twain Suite offers stunning views of Broadway through bay windows. It has a fireplace and pullout sofa and is styled with literary accents and portraits of Mark Twain. Contemporary yet elegant, the 244 rooms occupy nine floors. Guest rooms feature hardwood floors and plush king beds and have a wide range of amenities for the comfort of guests.
There is no in-house restaurant as such but guests can enjoy a simple breakfast at the cafe in the lobby. Restaurants are in the close vicinity of the hotel so finding a place to eat is easy. A 24-hour fitness center, meeting space, and media center are available for guests. You can also sign up for a free walking tour of the Upper West Side.
Excelsior Hotel
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The Excelsior Hotel is another Upper West Side hotel with a convenient location, a block away from Central Park. Housed in a beautifully restored landmark building, the hotel is also a skip away from the Hayden Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History. It’s a great location for families wanting to put some distance between themselves and the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
Spacious rooms have basic amenities that you would look forward to a good hotel. The bathrooms are also spacious with complimentary toiletries. However, Wi-Fi does not come free. Outside the room, the hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves delicious Cuban fare. You’ll also find a fitness center with a wide range of cardio and weight machines.
Trump International
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Exuding opulence and class from its prime position near Columbus Circle, the Trump International Hotel & Tower puts you in close proximity to most major sights. Times Square and Broadway Theaters are a few blocks away as is Fifth Avenue. The hotel also looks out onto Central Park. Columbus Circle is a major subway hub that has several subway lines running through it so getting around Manhattan from here is pretty easy.
A major $30 million design overhaul pushed the hotel right to the top of the best hotels in Upper West Side, NYC. We won’t be wrong in saying that the hotel is easily one of the best hotels in Manhattan. A wood-paneled lobby greets guests who walk through a set of embellished glass doors. The hotel has a feel of a luxury condo rather than a hotel but it does not cut corners on luxuries. European style kitchens, rich wood furniture, and a host of modern amenities such as 55-inch televisions, Blu-ray players, and iPod docking stations feature in most rooms. The two-bedroom suites offer some of the best views of Central Park.
Not surprisingly, you’ll find some top-notch amenities outside the rooms too. A clear standout is the 6,000 square foot fitness center with a heated indoor lap pool and a state-of-the-art spa. Add to this one of two world-renowned restaurants, Michelin-star Jean-Georges and Nougatine and you know you’ve hit the jackpot with this hotel.
Mandarin Oriental
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Occupying the 35th to the 54th floor of the renowned Time Warner complex, you’ll find the elegant Mandarin Oriental. It’s a favorite with celebrities so if you’d like to catch a glimpse of someone famous, this is where you’ll probably see them. Celebrity spotting aside, there is a lot that will keep you occupied in and around the hotel. The Mandarin is just two minutes away from Central Park. Many of New York’s highly acclaimed restaurants are also in close proximity to the hotel. The Time Warner complex with its myriad of stores has enough to keep fashion-conscious shoppers hooked.
Distinctive Asian touches characterize the reception area at the sky lobby on the 35th floor. You can expect some gorgeous views from floor to ceiling windows in the rooms. While some rooms look out on the Hudson River, others provide great views of the cityscape and Central Park. The modern luxurious rooms with their Asian inspired decor, have a host of amenities. A standout feature is the ensuite bathrooms which are some of the nicest in Manhattan with deep soaking tubs and separate showers.
Another highlight of the Mandarin Oriental is the Asian themed spa which is a destination in itself. Other great features that guests can look forward to are the 75-foot indoor lap pool and a well-equipped gym plus a great restaurant. The Asiate is popular for its contemporary American and Asian flair. Another popular dining venue with a more relaxed vibe is the Aviary.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Upper West Side:
- Nice Matin – Founded in 2003, this Parisian brasserie at the Lucerne Hotel brings in quite a crowd. You’ll also find some Italian leaning specialties on the menu.
- KEFI – This Greek restaurant is popular with locals for their lamb burger, meatballs, and a variety of dips. It’s a great place to enjoy a good meal and feel the local vibe.
Recommended Activities In Upper West Side:
- Standard Central Park Horse Carriage Ride – Enjoy the sights and history of Central Park on this 40-minute carriage ride.
- The Beacon Theatre – For something interesting to do catch a show at the historic Beacon Theatre on Broadway. The historic theater that dates back to 1929 is one of New York’s leading entertainment and live music venues.
