11 Best Hotels in NYC with View

New York City has a lot of, well, everything. That also extends to its hotels, and the city had as many as 120,000 hotel rooms across the 5 boroughs in 2022 itself! That means that there’s certainly a hotel out there for every kind of traveler. The flip side is that most NYC hotel rooms that are closer to the ground afford no view at all, even that of the street! In fact, many hotel rooms are notorious for having brick walls right outside the room windows. That doesn’t mean that the city doesn’t have hotels with Instagrammable views right outside the windows. We’ve scoped out the best hotels in NYC with a view to die for.

What’s more, the list isn’t limited to only grande dames that look out to Central Park South. They even include properties in locations that might have not even sprung to your mind (JFK International Airport runways, we’re looking at you). Here’s a detailed guide to staying in the Big Apple and getting to see some excellent views, and not missing out on them because you didn’t know where to look!

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

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Best Brooklyn hotel. It’s hard to dismiss this hotel when it comes to views. The sustainable and greenery-filled 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn Heights offers some of the most spectacular bird’s eye views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.

Yes, Brooklyn Heights might not even be considered a worthy destination for hotels, but few properties are as amazing as this one. For one, it sits directly in front of Brooklyn Bridge Park. What’s more, the rooms boasted huge, floor-to-ceiling windows, with many offering jaw-dropping views of Brooklyn Bridge. Since we were looking for frame-worthy shots, we booked the Bridge King room (there’s also the Bridge Suite) for views of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you want views of the other side of the city, the Liberty King and Liberty Suite offer sweeping and unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty.

Perhaps the best views of the city are from the rooftop, which boasted a bar and an infinity pool that we never wanted to leave. After a long day of exploring, nothing was better than sipping cocktails poolside, with the sun setting and Manhattan views in the distance. That’s why it’s also one of the best hotels with rooftop pools in New York.

Aman New York

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Aman New York might just be the hottest ticket in the Big Apple right now, and we couldn’t agree more. The buzzy Fifth Avenue hotel, which sits in a historic structure, was the ultimate lap of luxury.

However, the crown jewel was, literally, the 14th-floor Garden Terrace, which offered stupendous views of the city’s skyscrapers and Midtown Manhattan. There are multiple reasons why this space was, is, and will perhaps always be the best rooftop place in the city. For one, it’s open throughout the year, which is an absolute rarity in NYC, thanks to the retractable roof. Secondly, it has a happening corner bar, which serves some of the best booziest drinks we’ve ever had. Since it’s open throughout the year, there are even fire pits to cozy up by the fire pits. The best bit? The entire space is filled with gorgeous greenery and a plethora of water features.

The terrace wasn’t the only place to enjoy the views; the rooms and suites felt as if they were on a different planet from the bustling Fifth Avenue below. Not only were they pin-quiet, but also they boasted huge windows with unobstructed views of the elegant and classic Fifth Avenue buildings.

The Standard, High Line

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Imagine hotel rooms in NYC that don’t just have windows, they have entire window walls. We’re talking about the Standard Hotel, which overlooks the gorgeous and verdant High Line, towering high over Manhattan. A “room with a view” is an understatement here; all rooms had floor-to-ceiling walls of windows with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the High Line. Staying in our room here felt like we were sitting in the clouds, especially when we could do it even from our bathtubs! On the inside, the rooms were nothing less than luxurious, cozy, and chic, with modish touches.

That’s not all; the Standard is also famed for its world-class clubs and bars — yes, multiple. The Rooftop and Le Bain were perfect for sipping on cocktails with the dazzling cityscape views to match. Don’t miss the live DJs here; the music adds a slightly psychedelic and incredible touch to the entire atmosphere. This is where you’ll find the most dramatic views in Downtown, and they’re worth it.

The Dominick Hotel

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We were looking for a luxurious bolthole in SoHo with amazing views to boot, and The Dominick Hotel perfectly fit the bill. It was more than a hotel with a view; it was a hotel with views — plural. The 46-storeyed SoHo haunt boasted floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms, so we could admire the Manhattan skyline right from the comfort of our comforters. Since the rooms sit between the 27th and the 44th floors, the sky-high views here rival some of Midtown’s tallest hotels as well. Not surprisingly, the upper floors commanded some of the choicest panoramas in Manhattan, with the Dominick Duplex Penthouse boasting views of practically everything Big Apple, from the Hudson River to the Empire State Building.

We were treated to these views even outside our rooms; we’re talking about the Terrace on the seventh floor. It boasted a lovely seasonal outdoor pool, where we could enjoy a leisurely swim before settling on one of the plush daybeds or cabanas. It’s no surprise that this is one of the best NYC hotels with rooftop pools.

TWA Hotel

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Best airport views. Now this one is going to be a little different and we can’t believe we’re recommending an airport hotel, but here we are. Welcome to the TWA Hotel, which is a testament to the fact that airport hotels can be chic. Sitting inside Eero Saarinen’s famed 1962 TWA Flight Center, this hotel is a haven for plane nerds. You’ll find major ’60s retro vibes throughout the hotel in the best possible way. Think lots of plush red fabric and textures, a Twister Room, and whatnot. At the same time, it was filled with all the mod-cons we could dream of.

So, where do views figure in all of this? From the rooms, from the rooftop, you name it. The best rooms and suites here faced the runway, offering unobstructed and unique views of flights landing and taking off. We recommend booking the Runway View rooms like we did to get up close and personal with the flights taking off from Terminal 5. But that’s not all. The TWA Hotel even has a spectacular rooftop, complete with a bar and a supremely Instagrammable pool. When we wanted to unwind, we’d head to the rooftop for a swim, followed by a lounge on the chairs. The highlight, though, was the 10,000-sq-ft observation deck, where we could see flights landing on the runway. Interestingly, the observation deck is open to not just hotel guests but also day trippers, who can soak in the views, complete with aviation-themed cocktails.

Moxy NYC Lower East Side

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The idea of a new, shiny Lower East Side hotel might be head-scratching for some lifelong New Yorkers, but the Moxy NYC Lower East Side lives up to its promise. This quirky and sleek Moxy property boasted some of the most panoramic views in NYC downtown. Its height affords it a better vantage point than many of the structures around it, thus ensuring that we were treated to excellent views. Some rooms, like our Executive King, had views all the way from the Empire State Building in the north to the One World Trade Center in the south! Thanks to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, we could feast our eyes on these gorgeous and unique views right from our lofty perch.

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The views from the room aren’t the only reason the hotel is so popular. If a room with a spectacular view isn’t within your budget, there’s always the rooftop bar, aptly called The Highlight Room. The 16th-floor space boasts massive glass windows in the indoor space and even has a lush outdoor terrace for when the weather is nice. Whether it was watching downtown views from indoors or soaking up the sunset views on the terrace, complete with cocktails, the views were simply mesmerizing. That’s why it’s one of the best hotels in New York City with a skyline view.

The William Vale

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The eccentric and super-modern William Vale practically changed the game for the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Its most action-packed, and only truly luxurious, hotel featured some of the dreamiest views of Manhattan’s skyline and the East River we’d ever seen. It’s not surprising that the hotel occupies the third position on Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards for NYC hotels! The best part about the uber-chic rooms is that they all have balconies! Now that’s one of the most luxurious things we’ve ever seen in any hotel in the Big Apple. Besides the furnished balconies, the rooms also had massive windows to take in as much of the outside inside as possible.

That being said, the rooms weren’t the only place that afforded such wonderful views. We also loved the vibe and the views from the snazzy 22nd-floor rooftop bar Westlight. It was hard to not go ga-ga at the absolute beauty of the scene right in front of us, especially during sunset. The glimmering vistas of Manhattan across the East River were something that would be engraved in our minds forever. The best bit, though, was the huge 20-yard rooftop swimming pool, from where we could soak in the sunlight, water, and views across the suburb and the East River. 

Graduate Roosevelt Island

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Most unique views. As the only hotel on Roosevelt Island between Manhattan and Brooklyn, the views at the playful Graduate Roosevelt Island were truly unparalleled. While local New Yorkers don’t frequent Roosevelt Island that often, this hotel has changed the tide for both locals and travelers. We loved the retro-chic and funky decor, but what blew us away were the mind-blowing and unobstructed views of the East River and Manhattan’s skyline, along with the Queensboro Bridge and Roosevelt Tram.

While the rest of the hotel is cutting-edge, chic, and amazing, the popular consensus is that the 18th-floor rooftop bar, Panorama Room, is undoubtedly its crowning glory. The place is famed for offering one-of-a-kind 360-degree indoor-outdoor views of not just the East River and Manhattan, but also Roosevelt Island, Brooklyn, and the East River flowing towards the North Atlantic Ocean. A bonus point is that it also has great cocktails on offer, making it all the better. Aside from the unbeatable views, the bar also has swanky, richly-colored interiors and live jazz on Wednesdays. We loved the contemporary, jewel-hued rooms and suites too, which were bright and cozy, and offered views as different as the Panorama Room.

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

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Could you imagine getting up-close-and-personal views of the Empire State Building while staying in New York City? It’s possible at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, which also boasts some of the largest hotel rooms in Manhattan and one of the most convenient locations in the Big Apple. In fact, the hotel has won legions of fans for its sweet-smelling lobby, its top-notch food, oversized, apartment-like stays, and the views it offers. Its location right across from the Empire State Building made it the perfect spot for architecture lovers to book rooms and view the amazing views. The 27th-floor Empire State Presidential Suite has the best views across the hotel. For those looking for something less expensive, the One-Bedroom Empire Suite 2404 also offers the same views, albeit from a lower floor. We especially loved that the views from the bathrooms were equally indulgent, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The rest of the hotel also offered amazing views, whether it was from the conference rooms, the convention halls, or the banquet rooms. The drinking and dining at this hotel is world-renowned, whether it is the Ai Fiori and its elevated Italian Riviera/French cuisine or the 1,000-bottle-strong wine cellar. The newly unveiled fourth-floor Executive Club lounge is the latest addition to the opulent space.

CitizenM Bowery

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As the tallest building in the Bowery neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, it was obvious that we’d be treated to fantastic views at CitizenM Bowery. Rooftop bars with views are at a premium when it comes to NYC Downtown, which is what made this hotel all the more special. We’re talking about CloudM, the hotel’s rooftop bar, which was not just all kinds of chic, but boasted some of the most exhilarating views. It was the perfect place to begin our evenings with an aperitif before we headed out to explore the city’s nightlife. Even the daytime views here were excellent, especially since the place had an indoor/outdoor seating space.

The rest of the hotel was equally impressive, especially the rooms on the higher-up floors which also boasted similarly amazing views. We could not only see the surrounding neighborhood but even as far out as the East River, which was less than a neighborhood away. Since all 300 rooms were the same, we chose one on the higher floor for the views. Nevertheless, they all came with king beds, blackout shades, minifridges with Evian water, sleek lighting and temperature controls, flatscreen TVs, and modern bathrooms.

Mandarin Oriental New York

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Best Central Park views. There are multiple reasons why the Mandarin Oriental New York is at the top of this list, starting with the fabulous views. Thanks to its location on Columbus Circle overlooking Central Park, and the fact that the hotel itself sits between the 35th and 54th floors, the views here are the best in the city. The rooms here are, in fact, some of NYC’s highest-located hotel rooms. Since it’s one of the best hotels near Central Park, the views are jaw-dropping from the floor-to-ceiling windows. That, combined with the crisp Italian linens and high-touch service, makes the starting daily room rate of USD 750/night worth it.

“If there was any place in New York with million-dollar Downtown and Central Park views, the Mandarin Oriental was it.”

WOW Travel

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The rooms aren’t the only place with amazing views. We loved the unique views from the panoramic windows or the MO Lounge, where we enjoyed afternoon tea and even evening cocktails. In fact, the award-winning spa on the 35th/36th floors also offered panoramic views of Central Park. Even though the pool at the spa is an indoor one, the views from the floor-to-ceiling window walls were a total knockout. That’s why it’s also one of the best hotels with an indoor pool in New York City.

Our Verdict!

While we love all these Big Apple hotels with amazing views, here are some of the best ones with their best features to help you choose where to live.

• Best Brooklyn hotel: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
• Best Central Park views: Mandarin Oriental New York
• Most unique views: Graduate Roosevelt Island
• Best airport views: TWA Hotel

Where to Stay in NYC for the Views?

This list is going to be a little different from other usual amazing NYC neighborhoods, isn’t it? We begin with Brooklyn Heights, often called America’s first suburb and boasts deep roots. Its crown jewel is Brooklyn Bridge Park, a world-class waterfront park offering amazing views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and Lower Manhattan. It also has a handful of excellent hotels with the same amazing views. Next, there’s the Upper East Side, one of NYC’s classic neighborhoods. It hugs Central Park, has amazing architecture, and is home to some world-famous cultural institutions, including the top things to do in New York City. Not only do the hotels have views of all of the above, but also of its leafy avenues.

Thirdly, there’s the trendy and energetic Williamsburg with a diverse community. Topping everything are the million-dollar views from the Williamsburg waterfront. So, staying here means that you can enjoy views of both Midtown and Lower Manhattan, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the East River. Then, there’s the Financial District, a bustling financial hub with glittering nighttime views, especially from the higher floors of skyscraper hotels in the neighborhood. You can catch panoramic views of New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Finally, there’s Long Island City, a former industrial neighborhood-turned-upscale residential community. Today, its waterfront boasts an incredible park, luxury highrises, and wonderful views of Roosevelt Island, Queensboro Bridge, and Chrysler and Empire State buildings.

Which is the best hotel for Downtown views?

The Standard, Moxy Lower East Side, and CitizenM Bowery all offer superb views of Downtown.

Which Brooklyn hotel is best for views?

That would be the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, which offers superb views of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the East River, and Manhattan.

Which hotel has the best Central Park views?

The Mandarin Oriental offers some of the most spectacular views of Central Park.