The 14 best hotels in New York City with a view

Visiting New York can feel fleeting, but if you’re after somewhere that manages to feel like a homely safe base (which happens to be just a beat away from the Chrysler Building), then look no further than the Shelburne Sonesta. It’s nestled inside a 1929 Murray Hill building which blends old New York charm with modern comfort and offers everything from snug guests rooms to gargantuan suites. 

The dining here is top-notch stuff. Take Care Bistro, on the first floor, is a veggie-forward lunch and dinner spot (though they serve coffee from early in the morning), and Vintage Green is this hotel’s knockout rooftop bar—it’s got flowers, fairy lights, and some actually decent bar food. Think truffle fries, katsu sliders (my favorite), oysters and Pat LaFrieda hot dogs that’ll make you want to ditch the brilliant restaurant scene outside the hotel. Throw in the (random) USPS mailbox, dog-friendly amenities and even an on-site medical practice and you’ve got yourself an unexpectedly comprehensive hotel. 

The rooms here range from tidy studios to two-bed apartments, and a portion of these come with a kitchenettes. Keen to really, really splash-out? The one-bedroom Empire Suite brags a wraparound balcony and views of—you guessed it—the Empire State Building. Even lifelong New Yorkers won’t be able to resist taking a snap of this one. 

Service here is efficient but friendly, and it really tops off all the reasons why this hotel is proof you don’t have to sacrifice personality for location, nor spend a fortune in the process. 

Time Out tip: If you do fancy cooking some of your own food and making use of that pleasing little kitchenette, Union Square Farmer’s Market is just a 20-minute walk from The Shelburne Sonesta, and is where you’ll find the freshest produce in this part of NYC. 

Address: 303 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
Price: Guest room rates begin at $298 per night, apartments begin at $361 per night
Closest transport: 4, 5, 6, 7 Trains at 42nd St-Grand Central; Grand Central Terminal is less than a 10-minute walk away

Midtown is a noisy place, but for a stay which balances proximity to New York’s must-see attractions and a calming, design-forward ethos, this hotel, perched opposite Manhattan’s Bryant Park, is a great place to start. You’re on the doorstep of Fifth Avenue and New York Public Library, but inside you’ll find an excellent hotel which brags spacious rooms, genuinely warm service and even a sauna. 

Park Terrace Hotel is pretty big, housing 225 rooms which range from cozy Classics to Premier High Floor spaces, and my Deluxe Studio King (which had park views and a sofa from which to enjoy them) was fresh and bright. Oh, and on the basement floor is a sauna (in Manhattan! I know) which is well worth a visit–just call the front desk to have it heated before you venture down. 

Branch is Park Terrace Hotel’s stylish restaurant and member’s club which is a pretty decent spot for casual cocktails or getting a bit of work done. After something heartier? La Pecora Bianca delivers lip-smacking Italian food for both in-house guests and as room service at the hotel. Keen to bask in those iconic Manhattan views (come rain or shine)? Head up to The Pergola, arguably this hotel’s crowning jewel. It’s an all-weather terrace which ensures outdoor lounging is an option, no matter the month of the year. 

With the B, D, F, and M trains just a block away, the whole city’s at your doorstep. It’s a soft landing spot in one of NYC’s busiest neighborhoods.

Time Out tip: Bryant Park has a packed calendar of events–check out what’s on during your stay. 

Address: 18 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Price per night: Standard rooms start at $425; Deluxe Studio King starts from $645
Closest transport: B, D, M, F at 42nd Street-Bryant Park is one block away

A room with a view is quite literally the name of the game here. The windows don’t just stretch from floor to ceiling—they are the walls. From your perch high above Manhattan at The Standard, near the High Line, the city rolls out beneath you in every direction. Staying in one of these rooms is a bit like sitting in the clouds, especially when you’re soaking in the bathtub and gazing out over the skyline. Yes, even the bathrooms come with views—though you might want to make sure you’re not too overlooked before turning it into a show.

Inside, the look is modern without going full grey-and-glass. Instead, it’s warm, chic, and inviting: cosy enough to feel like home, but still elevated a tad, to remind you you’re somewhere special. From here, you can watch the Hudson turn gold at sunset, linger over the glittering lights at night, or simply curl up with the city at your feet. There’s a wide choice of rooms: so whether you’re after two doubles, a twin, or the frankly delightful deluxe queen suites, The Standard has got you sorted. All of them are kitted out with Italian sheets, plumped-up pillows, and lighting you can set to match your mood. The wood panelling throughout adds an earthy, grounding touch that keeps things comfortable while still feeling indulgent.

And those views don’t stop once you leave your room. The 24-hour gym offers the same sweeping cityscapes, so you can clock miles on the treadmill while gazing out over Manhattan’s rooftops. Here, as everywhere else in the hotel, the windows are vast and wall-spanning; it’s as if the city has been painted just for you.

Time Out tip: The Whitney is nearby, so stop on by if you want to check out some art.

Address: 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Price: Starting at $390 per night
Transport: Penn Station, Grand Central Station, and NYC’s major airports are all nearby. 

Taking over the iconic former Le Parker Meridien space on West 56th Street, the Thompson Central Park underwent a major mid-pandemic facelift by architect Thomas Juul-Hansen and designers Stonehill Taylor, officially reopening in November 2021. The result is mid-century modern sleekness—this is a Thompson property, after all—throughout both the public spaces and private guestrooms. The Thompson is already competitively priced compared to its Central Park South neighbours, but a panorama like that is priceless.

With soaring 36-foot-high ceilings and extravagant furniture—think crushed-velvet sofas, contemporary artworks, and glittering chandeliers—you could easily feel like an ant in a giant’s kingdom. There are two standout dining options: the jazzy all-day lounge Parker’s, which hosts live jazz and serves a solid Cosmo for $25 alongside New York-y classics like a truffle-sauced ‘dirty water’ hot dog, and the Burger Joint, a Le Parker Meridien holdover that still serves one of the city’s most celebrated hamburgers.

The hotel’s 587 rooms range from a refined 300-square-foot double to the sprawling 900-square-foot Thompson Suite. Style and view become more impressive and glamorous the higher you climb. The pick of the bunch are the Upper Stories rooms (floors 26–33), which offer private check-in, priority access to the restaurants and residents-only gym, and entry to an exclusive lounge stocked with complimentary drinks and snacks. In-room perks include Dyson hair dryers, Nespresso Vertuo machines, and, best of all, sweeping views of the park; a rare treat in this skyscraper-packed part of the city.

Time Out tip: For those keen to make the most of the hotel’s Central Park location, the Thompson’s Picnic in the Park package is a charming option. It comes with a blanket, a basket full of foodie goodies and a Victrola portable record player with a stack of vinyls and a Kodak mini instant camera to capture the moment. 

Address: 119 W 56th St, New York, 10019
Price: Starting at $560 per night
Transport: B, D, E at 7 Av; N, R, W at 5 Av/59 St; M at 5 Av/53 St

Welcome to the height of luxury: this chic five-star hotel offers breathtaking views, with many rooms overlooking the greenery of Central Park. The elevated experience begins the moment you step into its 35th-floor lobby, a space made spectacular by shimmering Dale Chihuly glass art. The upscale atmosphere flows seamlessly through every guest room, from the standard kings to the opulent suites. It’s the little touches that make the difference here: binoculars for skyline-gazing, a robotic toilet in the bathroom, indulgent turndown service, and room service that feels more like fine dining.

The location is hard to beat, with the high-end shops at Columbus Circle accessible directly through the hotel’s private entrance. To get there, head to 60th Street and take the lift up to the reception. The lobby is a statement in style—neutral tones accented with splashes of pink and bright green, with fresh flowers arranged in every corner. It’s the kind of space you could spend an hour simply admiring.

Service is just as impressive: staff at the front desk greet you with genuine smiles, there’s a shoe-shining service on hand, and waiters are ready to point you toward the best dishes on the menu. Dining at MO Lounge is a must—lunch is served against a backdrop of the panoramic Manhattan skyline. Breakfast is equally tempting: for the bold, there’s the marvelously massive American breakfast, an overflowing plate of hash browns, your choice of meat, and eggs cooked any way you like. For something lighter, choose from creamy yoghurts, buttery croissants, and fresh breads. 

Time Out tip: The hotel is kid friendly! There’s even babysitting services ready and waiting for you.

Address: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, 10023
Price: Double rooms from start from $1,050
Closest ransport: Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle

Parallel to the Brooklyn Bridge itself, this contemporary property delivers jaw-dropping architectural views over the East River. The rooftop pool and bar are the kind of places you’ll plan to visit ‘just for a drink’ and then mysteriously never leave. Perfectly placed in the heart of DUMBO, it’s a short stroll to the neighbourhood’s best restaurants, art galleries, shops, and more—before heading back to crash in comfort. Request a skyline-view room if you want Manhattan to be the first thing you see when you wake up (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), otherwise save a few bucks and enjoy those same views from elsewhere in the property—they’re still stunning.

The rooms are open-plan and spacious, with thoughtful storage features. Even the showers have clear glass doors and the bathrooms offer minimal privacy, so be prepared. The Bamford Wellness Spa is the sort of hideaway that makes the city fade away completely—think soft lighting, hushed tones, and that gentle herbal scent that instantly drops your shoulders two inches. There’s a steam room to melt away stress, and a lounge for sipping tea and pretending you have nowhere else to be. The front desk concierge even greeted us as ‘king’ and ‘queen’. Crowns not included, sadly.

But if it’s not already obvious, it’s the views that make this place unforgettable. From the waterfront location to the rooftop vantage points, they’re nothing short of spectacular. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to look back on these sights for years to come.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to check out the nearby Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for some of the best ice cream in the city.

Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, 11201
Price: From $939.43 per night
Closest transport: Subways nearby include A, C to High St

Okay, stick with me—there’s an island escape just a five-minute tram ride from Manhattan. That’s right: Graduate New York is a hotel literally in the East River, sitting snugly between Manhattan and Queens. And somehow, despite being so close to the chaos of Midtown, it feels like a world away. The skyline alone will have your heart doing somersaults. You can arrive by tramway, subway, ferry, or even bus, and from the moment you check in, it’s clear that this is a hotel built around views—the kind that make you pause, phone in hand, and think, ‘I could happily stare at this for hours.’

Graduate New York has 224 jewel-toned rooms that somehow manage to feel both cosy and grand. Every room is designed to maximise those 360-degree indoor-outdoor vistas, so wherever you’re standing, there’s something to look at. If you want to go all out, the Presidential Suite is worth it—it even comes with your very own Smeg fridge. Inside, expect plush velvet sofas, enormous beds you could lose yourself in, and a mini-bar that’s far too tempting to ignore. There’s a sense that every detail has been considered, from the lighting to the little touches that make a stay feel special without ever being over-the-top.

The hotel’s photo potential is basically endless. The Panorama Room, its rooftop bar, is perfect for sunset shots—or just staring at the horizon with a cocktail in hand, pretending you have nowhere else to be. The food menu is simple but satisfying: bar staples, shareable plates of meat and snacks, and the truffle fries, which are so good I’m still thinking about them days later. From my room, I could see the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center—all in a single window pane. Honestly, it’s like having your very own Manhattan postcard, only better, because you’re living in it.

Time Out tip: Order a cocktail at the rooftop bar, you won’t regret it.

Address: 22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044, United States
Price: From $274.17
Transport: Subway F to Roosevelt Island; or take the Roosevelt Island tram from 59th Street

Everything about the William Vale comes back to the views. They’re spectacular and practically unavoidable no matter where you are. Step off the elevator on any floor, and you’re met by a wall of solid glass framing the sprawling expanse of Brooklyn. After walking down a short hallway to your room, you can relax on a private balcony overlooking the tiny, ant-like New Yorkers below—yes, every single room in the hotel has a balcony. The hotel’s current crown jewel, a rooftop bar called Westlight on the 22nd floor, offers a perspective on the New York skyline so staggering it might make you do a double-take. Just in case you somehow fail to appreciate it, the bar even provides complimentary bright-yellow observation viewers.

If food is more your bag, head to LEUCA, the beating culinary heart of the William Vale. Channeling the best flavours of southern Italy, every dish hits the mark. Neapolitan-style pizzas are chewy and charred to perfection, while pasta dishes arrive steaming and generously portioned. The crowd favourite? The lumache—tubes of pasta tangled in a rich lamb ragù, finished with a cloud of ricotta that tempers the spice just enough to keep you coming back for more.

Take a dip in the rooftop pool to cool down—you can even have bar snacks and drinks delivered straight to your lounger. Then, head into the barrel saunas and hot tubs to heat up again. Naturally, a view of the Midtown skyline is the main draw here too, making every moment poolside feel like a cinematic experience.

Time Out tip: The poolside can get crowded, so book in advance

Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY
Price: From $395 per night, if you book in advance
Closest transport: Subway L to Bedford Ave; G to Nassau Ave

Michelin is known for awarding restaurants with stars but it recently expanded its expertise by awarding hotels with Michelin Keys. The Bowery Hotel in East Village was recently awarded one Key, which we’ve found to be right on target. 

Once you step through the big double doors of The Bowery Hotel, you might feel like you’re in another era. The decoration nods to the past: there are antique couches and chairs scattered throughout the spacious lobby, while the warm greetings from the staff set the tone for a welcoming stay.

It would be quite easy just to stay in the lobby: you’ll find a happy mass of people settled there with their laptops or books, simply soaking in the scenes.  Spanning four rooms, it includes multiple seating areas, a snug bar with stools, and an outdoor terrace for those who want some fresh air. Attached to the hotel is Gemma, an Italian trattoria serving seasonal dishes and boasting an extensive wine list in a relaxed, comfortable dining room.

Taking the vintage, dimly lit elevator up to the 12th floor, I entered the Bowery King room and was immediately struck by the views—Manhattan and Brooklyn stretched out endlessly, with a particularly stunning glimpse of the newly renovated Domino Sugar factory. The room itself balances luxury and livability, with a king-size bed, a sofa, a coffee table, a large desk, and plenty of corners to sit and soak up the city from different angles. 

There’s plenty to do outside the hotel, too. The Bowery is the perfect place to start exploring downtown: it is just a short walk from Houston Street and East Village hotspots. Take a trip to Katz’s Delicatessen or Russ & Daughters for the most iconic New York experience. 

Time Out tip: If you’re an ice cream lover, don’t miss the nearby Museum of Ice Cream

Address: 335 Bowery, New York, 10003
Price: Prices start at $325 per night
Closest Transport: Subways B, D, F, M to Broadway–Lafayette St; 6 to Bleecker St

The Pierre has been a Fifth Avenue landmark overlooking Central Park since 1930, its opulent rotunda instantly recognisable from films like First Wives Club, Meet Joe Black and Ocean’s 8. Over the decades, it’s welcomed icons from Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld to Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, and yes—celebrities still slip through its doors today.

From the rooms, the views of Central Park are nothing short of spectacular, a rare treat in Manhattan. On the ground floor, the rotunda is a showstopper: curved walls, a soaring ceiling, and ornate trompe l’oeil paintings that are both gorgeous and dizzying. In 2009, the India-based luxury hotel brand Taj poured $100 million into a renovation, layering in colourful silks, Indian artwork and an even stronger sense of glamour. For New York’s well-heeled, the ballroom is the place for high-profile parties and weddings, a space made for both grand moments and picture-perfect memories.

It’s the details, though, that make The Pierre truly shine. Rooms are softly carpeted, there’s chocolate from MarieBelle at check-in, and small touches—mini Empire State Building sculptures, macarons, and truffles—add a playful luxury. Staff are effortlessly attentive, anticipating needs without ever feeling intrusive. Staying here isn’t just a night in a hotel; it’s a full-on Central Park-adjacent, Fifth Avenue, old-Hollywood-meets-modern-luxury experience. 

The Pierre is good fun too: its Two E Bar & Lounge is a great spot for grabbing drinks and enjoying live jazz: it is open Tuesday through to Sunday There’s also high tea, a rotating programme of art and shopping that includes the Florentine apothecary Santa Maria Novella and the Suite Reyad Salon.

Time Out tip: The restaurant Perrine, led by executive chef Michael Mignano is quite extraordinary. Farm fresh ingredients are at the heart of this largely French menu, with a few twists. 

Address: 2 E 61st St, New York, 10065
Price: Prices start at $895 for a double room
Transport: Subway N, Q, R to Fifth Ave–59th St

If you’re looking for a Gilded Age, old-money historic NYC experience, Lotte New York Palace on Madison Avenue is just the place. Lotte Palace was built during the Gilded Age, 1882 to be exact. The lobby, courtyard and the main hotel building comprise three wings of the Villard Houses, a row of mansions built in the 1880s by McKim, Mead & White (which are New York City-designated landmarks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places) for railroad tycoon Henry Villard. During my stay, I was given a room on the 45th floor. My ears took a second to pop when I got off the elevator, but the annoyance of that feeling quickly lifted when I caught a glimpse of the view out my window. I looked straight out over Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, right towards Rockefeller Center. It’s the type of view that even I, a lifetime New Yorker, was in awe of.

So, as you can probably guess, the sights are quite incredible. But Lotte New York has other standout qualities too. The lobby is dressed in white and gold and features a sweeping staircase that immediately evokes the grandeur of a bygone era. Crystal chandeliers hang overhead, casting a warm, inviting glow, while intricate moldings and marble floors add to the sense of old-world elegance. 

The hotel’s bar, The Gold Room is famously Chuck Bass’s favourite hangout in Gossip Girl. Order a dirty martini and buckle up for the night. The bar menu is top-notch too: we opted for a Pizerette which I could order again and again. The whole place is drenched in old money appeal. Once you’re done eating and drinking there, move on to Rarities, a more upmarket cocktail salon serving champagne and more exclusive spirits. 

Time Out tip:  If they’re not sold out, make sure to buy tickets for Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic show in the hotel’s salon. 

Address: 455 Madison Avenue, New York, 10022
Price per night: Double rooms from $749
Closest transport: Subway: E, M to Fifth Ave–53rd St; 6 to 51st St

Towering over the chaos of Canal Street in contemporary New York style, ModernHaus SoHo sits in the southwest corner of this neighborhood, and brags some seriously incredible views. Formerly The James New York, this 114-room hotel underwent a massive refurb back in 2020 and now features bold pops of color and a shedload of contemporary works from owner Jack J. Sitt’s personal collection. In the lobby, there’s a Kaws sculpture, Hardland Miller Portraits, and even some Javier Calleja art. 

The tan leather, dark wood and floor-to-ceiling glass in my Skyline King Studio made it feel more like a sleek SoHo loft than a hotel room, and if you tilted your head, you could even glimpse a view of the water. Twenty Three Grand is the hotel’s restaurant, which keeps the gleaming, glassy feel going with its greenhouse-like dining room. I wasn’t wowed by the salmon and avocado mousse starter, but the mains are where this place really hit their stride. Order the angel hair pomodoro with blistered tomatoes, and the sala-verde doused with branzino. 

Jimmy’s rooftop bar is on the 18th floor and is full of nods to Picasso’s Blue Period inside, and brags a pool with stonking Manhattan views outside–oh, and guests can skip the $20 entry fee. And while SoHo’s best shopping and galleries are right outside, the hotel’s soundproofed rooms make the city feel miles away when you’re ready to retreat. 

Time Out tip: Jimmy is a pretty lively spot, so if you prefer something a little more laid-back, head down to the second floor and grab a coffee or a cocktail at Jumpin’ Jacks, which is decked out with sweeping, mid-century-style sofas and lots of supple leather. 

Address: 27 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
Price: Per night, rates here start at around $460
Closest transport: Canal Street Station for A, C, and E trains is a 3 minute walk

Housed in a landmark 1905 Beaux Arts building and freshly renovated, The Peninsula is an immaculately-executed hybrid of old-world grandeur and modern sophistication. This place overlooks Fifth Avenue, and the second you ascend the marble double staircase into its lobby, you’re transported from the chaos outside into an oasis of polished service, refined design, and quietly opulent comfort.

As the US flagship of The Peninsula Hotels group, the property offers 219 rooms and suites that feel more like upscale Manhattan apartments than standard hotel rooms. Cool tones, luxe Quagliotti linens, and carefully chosen art create a serene space, while the updated technology—like in-room touchscreen tablets for concierge access and room controls—adds all the convenience of a 21st-century stay. The marble bathrooms are a highlight, especially the soaking tubs (some with in-tub TVs), and my suite’s vast living area and tranquil bedroom made it easy to forget I was slap-bang in the middle of Midtown.

Dining is equally polished. Clement rustles up elegant New American dishes (think: lobster pasta and za’atar roasted racks of lamb) while the Bar at Clement offers a cosy lounge vibe and the Gotham Lounge pairs cocktails with live piano music. The standout? That would be Pen Top, the hotel’s indoor–outdoor rooftop bar with Fifth Avenue views so striking they’ve hosted more than a few proposals. 

Downstairs, the spa is an unexpectedly serene urban retreat, featuring saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and a tea lounge, while the glass-enclosed indoor pool—ringed with skyscraper views and opening to a sun deck in warmer months—is perhaps the most spectacular of its kind in NYC.

​​Time Out tip: Pen Top tends to add some romantic igloo-covered dinner tables in the colder months. Don’t miss these! 

Address: 700 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Price: Starting from approximately $995 per night
Closest transport: 5 Av/53 St Station (E, M lines) is a 4-minute walk away

Some hotels in New York feel special the second you step inside, and this is one of them. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park delivers the kind of old-school Manhattan luxury that belongs on your bucket list, from its brick façade and vintage canopy entrance to its marble-and-orchid-filled hallways that feel straight out of a Gilded Age ocean liner. Opened in 1929 and transformed into a Ritz-Carlton in 1999, it’s a Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond property with a location that’s hard to beat—Central Park is literally across the street.

Rooms are elegant yet understated, dressed in muted earth tones with plush sitting areas, fresh flowers, and marble bathrooms big enough to impress even the most seasoned luxury traveler. After a little something extra? Opt for a Park View Room and you’ll get a telescope for stargazing (or people-watching along 59th Street). 

The hotel’s La Prairie Spa is an oasis in itself, with facials, massages, yoga, a steam room, and separate lounges for men and women. Food and drink options span the refined Club Lounge (breakfast through late-night desserts with sweeping park views) to Contour, the dark-wood, low-lit restaurant serving polished comfort dishes like lobster rolls or hummus with grilled pita. The cocktails? They come with a little sense of place, like the cider-spiked Central Park Spice in the winter months.

Its location makes it perfect for both exploring and indulging. Central Park’s bridges, lakes, and walking trails are right outside, and The Met is about a 30-minute stroll away. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the Ritz Kids Check-in—a balloon-filled corner with a uniformed teddy bear ‘staffing’ a pint-sized desk. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip over the American Folk Art Museum which is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel and reopens for its fall exhibitions at the end of September. 

Address: 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
Price: Starting from approximately $1,025 per night
Closest transport: 59 St–Columbus Circle is a 5-minute walk