11 Best Luxury Hotels in Manhattan NY

No place in the world does luxury quite like New York City. Manhattan sits right in the middle of that luxurious melting pot, with sumptuous five-star restaurants, deluxe spas, and swanky lounges with spectacular views of the city. That’s why there are umpteen choices for a luxury hotel in Manhattan, NY, whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for an indulgent staycation. Manhattan’s luxe stays are indulgent, debauched, and decadent — in all the best ways possible. What’s more, they range from classic, vintage getaways to sleek, contemporary stays, catering to every taste of every traveler. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some welcome indulgent breaks in the city never sleeps, right at the heart of it all — The City.

Four Seasons New York City Downtown

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Best contemporary luxury. We begin with the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, which is undoubtedly the Big Apple’s most luxurious hotel. Famed designer Yabu Pushelberg designed the hotel, and his touch is evident; tidal wave marble walls, gilded books in the lobby, and an eye-catching suspended staircase.

We loved everything about this Four Seasons outpost, especially the decadent Four Seasons Spa, which offers an exquisite spa menu. Later on, we spent time at the gorgeous indoor pool that makes the Four Seasons one of the best NYC hotels with indoor pools. With two-storeyed windows with stunnign views, we felt like we were outdoors, but with poolside service! The standouts, though, were the restaurants, at the top of which is the classic Wolfgang Puck restaurant Cut, the very first from the celebrated chef in the city?

The digs here were the epitomai of luxurious and elegant comfort, with the plushest Four Seasons Beds, spa-inspired marble bathrooms, stocked minibars, Nespresso machines, and iPad-controlled services. Did we mention the in-mirror TVs and deep-soaking bathtubs in the bathrooms? Yep.

The Dominick

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The high-rise Dominick is a welcome addition to the downtown NYC hotel scene in SoHo, boasting excellent views of the city and the Hudson River. Space in the middle of NYC downtown is a true luxury, and even the entry-level rooms here are a little more than 400 sq. ft., and even include floor-to-ceiling windows and a seating area, making everything look more spacious. All are designed by Italian designer Fendi Casa, featuring rich color palettes and fabrics, exceptionally plush beds, and unique bathrooms with Turkish marble, and deep soaking tubs, and — get this — many have city views.

Entering one of the hammams at the decadent spa will make you feel like you’ve traveled to Turkey; do try the Moroccan/Turkish bath treatments. Aside from a fantastic kids program, the hotel also had ambassadors (like concierges) who catered to our every need and whim. The standout were the three restaurants, which also included one helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. Ask for one of the higher floor rooms — the Dominick is one of the best NYC hotels with a view.

The Plaza Hotel

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Best old-world luxury. The Plaza Hotel is a Midtown Beaux Arts gem that has been the standard for luxury in Manhattan and NYC going back more than a century. Pomp and pageantry are the cornerstones of this five-star hotel, which sits in the heart of Central Park South, complete with horse-drawn carriages. Did you know that this is where jazz greats like Miles Davis and Billie Holiday got their first break? In fact, it was also where Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball was held and also hosted The Beatles when they first came to the United States!

The floral displays everywhere — purple and red roses, hydrangeas, and orchids — might have felt out of place anywhere else, but not at the Plaza. We kicked off our luxurious holiday with a visit to the Guerlain Spa, after which we dug into afternoon tea at the Palm Court, making our way through sandwiches, desserts, teas, caviar accents, macarons, and whatnot. It was also where breakfast would be served every morning. Evenings were reserved for the Champagne Bar with drinks, cocktails, and live music.

The rooms and suites were thoroughly contemporary. Our Deluxe Courtyard Room had, besides other sleek mod-cons, even had a private terrace. So, we could actually step outside our room in the heart of Manhattan, in NYC no less, and enjoy the lush and quiet surroundings. It’s not surprising that it’s one of the most expensive hotels in NYC.

Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel

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Aspen comes to Wall Street in the form of the Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel. In a neighborhood known for stiff suits and towering skyscrapers, this boutique hotel is a cozy retreat. The wining and dining is the main scene here, with the signature Felice Restaurant & Wine Bar being the go-to spot for authentic Tuscan fare. However, the bar, La Soffitta, was perfect for sipping drinks and people-watching the Wall Street power set, with whom it’s popular. Despite there being no pool or spa, this hotel felt serene and tranquil, which is missing from most business hotels around the city.

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The rooms and suites here are comfortable, simple, and yet elegant, with sleek white-and-brown marble floored bathrooms and Grohe silver fixtures. The sliding doors, dark wood moldings, desks, and mini-bar areas impressed us, especially since we wanted somewhere luxurious and unique to stay. Our unit even had a plush window seat with brightly colored pillows and black cushions for an aesthetic pop.

The Mark Hotel

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How can we not include the celeb favorite Mark Hotel, which is also one of the most expensive hotels in the world. Not just that, but it’s also home to one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world too! We’re talking about the Mark Penthouse Suite, which costs USD 75,000/night! That being said, there’s a lot more to this bold Manhattan stay, making staying here a truly inimitable experience.

We loved both the unique restaurants here, but there was a lot more here, like Frédéric Fekkai’s salon right at on the property. What’s more, we also enjoyed chauffeured rides around the neighborhood in the in-house car, a McLaren no less! Even though there were no wellness facilities, we didn’t need any as we were setup for appointments anywhere we wanted and were chauffeured wherever we wanted to go. Did we mention that this hotel is pet-friendly too, with pets getting luxurious treatment in the form of plush beds, food and water bowls, and treats? Yep.

Coming to the rooms and suites, they all beautifully blended classic and Art Deco designs and featured luxe bathrooms with towel warmers, bathtubs, and in-mirror TVs, and sleek mod-cons and exquisite decor outside.

The St. Regis New York

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Best modern luxury. A designated NYC landmark, The St. Regis New York, was envisioned as a sumptuous retreat by its original owner, socialite John Jacob Aster IV. Today, the swanky hotel surely lives up to it, and then some. Luxury begins right as we entered, as every room (yes, even the standard, entry-level ones) is assigned a St. Regis butler who helped us with our every whim and fancy. Since it’s the St. Regis, most of the rooms and suites boasted soft gray, bold blue, and white color schemes and were decorated with rich textures and silky, brocade fabrics. We especially loved the luxurious touches like the chandeliers and the pillowtop bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, making us feel like modern-day royalty.

“Sumptuousness is staying at the St. Regis; we loved the feeling of “quiet luxury.”

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Our days began with sumptuous breakfasts in the open-space and elegant Astor Court, which is also where we enjoyed a Sunday brunch and afternoon tea since we stayed the weekend. The King Cole Bar was the standout, with delicious cocktails.

The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

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We oft overlook the Financial District and all the luxury it has to offer, especially in the form of The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel. Tucked in a Victorian-era elegant structure, the alluring hotel boasted unorthodox appeal. The showstoppers are the nine-storied atrium, complete with a Renaissance Revival-style glass ceiling, and the pyramidal skylight. Three restaurants aside, including two James Beard award-winning ones, the hotel features a carefully curated artwork collection, a courtesy car, and even a dual-level fitness center.

The rooms and suites contained a slew of luxury amenities, including marble-lined bathrooms, IPTVs with DVR, sateen Sferra linens, and custom-designed oak beds. There are even two duplex gurret penthouse suites, complete with roof access if you’re looking to splurge. Nevertheless, all rooms are exquisitely decked out in earth hues, vintage-style furnishings, and aged oak floors.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

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One of the best hotels in Uptown NYC is celeb central The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel. This Upper East Side gem sits just a block from Central Park and retains its historic glory, with every U.S. president since Truman has having called it their unofficial NYC home. Oh, and get this, it was a favorite with many royals and heads of state, including the late Diana, Princess of Wales. We were sold. The tastefully decorated interiors aside, the bespoke amenities and the excellent service impressed us to no end. The Bemelmans Bar is a hidden gem, with whimsical, large-scale murals of Central Park and its four seasons, as is the intimate cabaret destination supper club Café Carlyle.

Coming to the digs, all rooms and suites here were differently styled, but they all boasted stunning artwork, luxurious bathrooms, and plush mod-cons. In fact, more than 20 suites even have Steinway/Baldwin baby grand pianos! We chose the Central Park View Suite, which offered unobstructed views of Central Park and Manhattan’s skyline.

Baccarat Hotel New York

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Right next to the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown West sits another modern and utterly indulgent museum in the form of a hotel, the Baccarat Hotel New York. As the name suggests, this is a hotel that overflows with endless Baccarat crystal and unbridled luxury. In fact, the entire hotel is an OTT visual eye-candy with glamorous, shimmering public spaces teeming with glittering Baccarat crystals in the form of accent showpieces, chandeliers, and whatnot.

While the hotel doesn’t have regular amenities like a pool, etc., it spoiled us in other unique ways. For instance, we loved dining at the show-stopping restaurants with Jouffre silk-covered walls, parquet floors, velvet banquets, Baccarat chandeliers, and delicious food. A state-of-the-art fitness center aside, they also had concierge and butler services and an in-house luxury car for us to cruise the streets of Manhattan in style.

The rooms and suites weren’t as over-the-top as the public spaces; rather, they were softly luxurious with Italian Frette linens, sleek mod-cons, champagne call buttons, and marble bathrooms. That doesn’t mean that the signature baccarat was missing, for every room had the signature crystal accents. It’s not surprising that it’s one of Manhattan’s most luxurious hotels.

Crosby Street Hotel

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With its incredible attention to detail, it’s no wonder that Crosby Street Hotel is luxury abound. The hotel’s commitment to satisfaction is what makes this hotel excellent. This place is truly a landmark with the industrial design paired with world-class hospitality.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the iconic SoHo, you couldn’t ask for a better panorama in Manhattan. Also, this hotel is built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient technology. That’s why Crosby Street Hotel is an excellent choice for responsible travelers like you. In fact, the hotel has even received a certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It’s one of the most eco-friendly hotels in town.

The stunning Crosby Suite is what you should reserve. This room offers magnificent views of the city and beyond. The color, original art, and elegant furniture make it one of the most unique rooms you’ve ever seen in your life. Each suite comes with a spacious living area and high ceilings. Then you have a master bedroom with a king bed. The bathrooms are beautifully designed in granite and oak. This is truly an exceptional place for an unforgettable moment in New York City.

Aman New York

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Most exclusive. One of the newest entrants to the luxury NYC hotel scene is Aman New York, a scintillating 5-star hotel in Manhattan, NY. This outpost of the world-famous luxury hospitality brand Aman Resorts blends Japanese minimalism and Manhattan glamor. It appropriately sits on the upper floors of the 100-year-old, 25-storied Beaux Arts beauty and landmark Crown Building, which was home to the Museum of Modern Art earlier.

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The entire hotel is a hive of celebratory energy, whether it’s the two restaurants of the famed Jazz Club that is an ode to Manhattan’s Roaring 20s, complete with elevated cocktails and bites. With three floors dedicated to wellness, the hotel not only has a salon and fitness center but also a cryotherapy chamber, a private Banya spa house, and a hammam. However, the enchanting garden terrace delighted us the most, especially since it’s open throughout the year, thanks to the retractable glass roof. When we’d want to unwind, we’d relax amidst the floating firepits, water features, and lush greenery.

Staying at Aman includes a long list of indulgences and perks — think flexible check-in, butler service, complimentary house cars for nearby drop-offs, and daily breakfasts. That extends to the Japanese-inspired suites with high ceilings, working fireplaces, panoramic views, clever mod-cons, and luxuriously tranquil bathrooms.

Our Verdict!

Here’s a specialized list to help you choose the best lxuuurious staying experience for you in Manhattan:

• Best contemporary luxury: Four Seasons New York City Downtown
• Best old-world luxury: Four Seasons New York City Downtown
• Best modern luxury: The St. Regis New York
• Most exclusive: Aman New York

Where to Stay in Manhattan?

Manhattan stretches from the Financial District in the very south (overlooking the Upper Bay, Governor’s Island, and Statue of Liberty) to as far as Inwood in the north. The borough is home to some of the swankiest neighborhoods of NYC, including Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, the Upper West, the Upper East, and Greenwich Village. It’s also a melting pot, encompassing cultural neighborhoods like Harlem, Chinatown, and Washington Heights. Moreover, every neighborhood has a distinctly different vibe.

One of its most luxurious neighborhoods is Central Park South in Midtown Manhattan. Sitting just south of Central Park, as the name suggests, it’s home to quietly luxurious residences and hotels, as well some of NYC’s best upscale attractions. Next, there’s the Upper East Side, which has been one of NYC’s most expensive and luxurious neighborhoods since the turn of the 20th century. Even today, you’ll find wide, leafy avenues, museums, Michelin-star restaurants, designer boutiques, multi-million-dollar brownstones, old-money crowd and, well, luxury stays.

Thirdly, there’s SoHo (“South of Houston”), an artists’ haven-turned-world of designer boutiques, cool cafes, and luxury boutique hotels. Finally, we have the triangle below Canal Street, a.k.a. Tribeca, a stylish area hugging the Hudson River. This lovely neighborhood has a huge wellness scene, high-end restaurants, art galleries, and luxury hotels and apartments.

Which is the most luxurious neighborhood in Manhattan?

Central Park South and the Upper East Side neighborhoods are close to luxury attractions and have high-end hotels with upscale amenities. 

Where do celebrities and film stars stay in Manhattan?

Most movie stars and celebrities prefer a select few hotels in Manhattan. These include the Mark, the Four Seasons NYC Downtown, and the Carlyle. The Mark is uber-upscale and gets booked months ahead of the Met Gala, which is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art right down the street.

Where is the highest view of Manhattan from a hotel?

That would be the 54th floor of the Hyatt Centric Times Square. It’s home to Bar 54, NYC’s highest rooftop bar with stunning views of the skyline.