The Plaza, NYC
Photograph: Courtesy Richard Mandelkorn
Photograph: Courtesy Richard Mandelkorn

The 15 best luxury hotels in New York City for 2025

In the land where dreams are made of, live the dream in one of these ultra-luxe hotels

Shaye Weaver
Contributor: Alyssa Ammirato
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Does anywhere do luxury quite as well as New York City? Well, according to our round-up of high-end hotels, the answer is probably not. From sleek, glassy, towering stays which overlook Columbus Circle and Central Park to tiny little boutique hotels which feel more like ridiculously fancy private homes, luxury comes in all grandiose shapes and glitzy sizes here. 

New inclusions are the Park Terrace Hotel and Loews Regency New York, but they’ve joined regal institutions The Knickerbocker, Mandarin Oriental, Thompson Central Park New York, and, of course, The Plaza. And we aren’t just talking about cloud-like bedding and pretty decor – luxury also means gorging on dishes crafted by world-class chefs, being in prime New York locations, and enjoying polished, attentive service. So, looking to splash out on an ultra-luxe stay in NYC? Here’s where we would recommend.

📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City

How we curate our hotel lists

Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the worldnew openings, old classics and everything in betweento bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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The Best Luxury NYC hotels

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Midtown West
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The Knickerbocker Hotel proves that, even slap-bang in the centre of Times Square, you can find comfort and proper, five-star luxury. This hotel, where the dry martini was supposedly invented, combines famous New York history with contemporary elegance, offering a calm retreat from Midtown’s chaos. Soundproof rooms, minimalist décor, and one of the city’s most comfortable beds make The Knickerbocker a standout choice.

Its location is unbeatable: Broadway, Bryant Park, and Grand Central are all close by, with almost every major subway line on your doorstep. This means easy access not only to Midtown attractions but also to outer boroughs like Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. There’s more to New York than Manhattan, after all. 

The 330 rooms and suites are somehow both understated and indulgent, with 12-foot ceilings, oversized windows, warm wood and leather finishes, and spacious layouts. Beds feature Stearns & Foster Euro-tops, SFERRA 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and Ploh goose down pillows. The bathrooms have marble finishes, rain showers, backlit mirrors, and Diptyque amenities. High-tech touches include bedside tablets controlling lighting, curtains, and temperature, plus Samsung Smart TVs, and room options range from Superior and Deluxe Kings to the Martini Suite, which comes with an in-room martini kit and video tutorial. 

Outside, Times Square will live up to its disorderly, lively reputation, but this hotel has been thoughtfully designed to ensure you still have some peace. For travellers wanting luxury, convenience, and quiet right in the middle of New York, The Knickerbocker will have you covered. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip over the dining options – Charlie Palmer Steak IV serves classic dishes (the Knick Burger with short-rib bacon jam was a personal highlight), and The Martini Lounge offers tableside service and caviar in homage to the drink’s origins, which feels just about as luxurious as it can get.

Address: 6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036
Price: Standard room rates begin at $329 per night, Standard King Room starts at $450 per night
Closest transport: N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7 trains at 42nd Street-Times Square; M, D, F, B trains at 42nd Street-Bryant Park; Grand Central Station is a ten-minute walk; LaGuardia Airport is a 30-minute drive; JFK International Airport is an hour drive.

Kaitlyn Rosati
Kaitlyn Rosati
USA contributor
  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Lenox Hill
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The Loews Regency New York is the epitome of everything it means to stay on the Upper East Side, from its sweeping black Park Avenue awning to a grand, polished lobby with business travellers and luxury shoppers flitting through. Opened in 1963, the hotel retains its old-timey charm (with black-and-white photographs lining its 21 floors) while modern touches have been included over the years, like the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa and the Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar. Its prime location between Bloomingdale’s and Central Park offers speedy access to high-end shopping, iconic green space, and excellent subway connections along Lexington Avenue.

The 379 pet-friendly rooms range from Superior Kings to massive 1,400-square-foot suites, some with their own balconies. The Regency Bar & Grill, the hotel’s main restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with highlights like veal meatballs, yuzu-infused tuna tartare, and pan-seared branzino with citrus fennel salad. For a sweet finish, the Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar next door offers left-field desserts such as a (delicious and weird) marzipan-covered principessa.

Service is mindful and polished, with the staff here ready to meet any request, from quick check-ins to in-the-know local recommendations. Facilities include the salon (where you can even get your hair done) and spa, a well-equipped gym, and access to steam rooms and saunas. Surrounded by prim and proper Park Avenue gardens, luxury boutiques, and fine dining, this hotel is everything you could want from a quintessential, high-end New York stay.

Time Out tip: There’s no pickleball court at the hotel, but you can get complimentary paddles and balls at the front desk to take to Central Park’s CityPickle.

Address: 540 Park Ave, New York, NY
Price: Superior King rooms from $459 per night; Park Avenue Two-Bedroom Suite from $2,400 per night
Closest transport: Lexington Avenue–63rd Street Subway (F, Q trains); Lexington Avenue–59th Street Subway (N, R, W, 4, 5, 6 trains); LaGuardia Airport 25-minute drive

Brian Cicioni
Brian Cicioni
Contributing writer
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  • Hotels
  • Midtown West
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Park Terrace Hotel offers a rare blend of busy Midtown energy and welcome tranquility, positioned opposite Bryant Park with views of the lovely New York Public Library. Its 225 rooms and studios span 15 floors, many showcasing the sights, and options range all the way from cozy Classic Rooms to Premier High Floor rooms with shedloads of natural light. Remarkably quiet for its location, the hotel delivers on restorative vibes alongside easy access to Times Square, Grand Central, and the B, D, F, and M subway lines just one block away.

Branch is the hotel’s stylish restaurant and members-only club, ideal for brunch, cocktails, or remote work in its relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Room service, provided by popular Italian spot La Pecora Bianca, is available daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering standout dishes like fried provolone, and for drinks, TALEA’s Bryant Park Sour is a must-try. Beyond the dining, the hotel features a sauna—a rare Midtown luxury—available by request, and the sixth-floor Pergola brags a stylish, covered outdoor space, adaptable for all weather, which is a top spot to unwind above all the hustle.

Service at Park Terrace is warm and personal, with staff quick to assist and a guest atmosphere that feels as welcoming as the team itself—don’t be surprised if you get into a few conversations in the elevator. Outside, Bryant Park hosts events year-round, from the festive Winter Village to movie nights in the summer months, and whether you want to check off all the city’s top landmarks or retreat into a smart, relaxing room, Park Terrace Hotel offers a standout location and luxurious hospitality.

Time Out tip: If you’re landing in NYC for the first time, this is a brilliant place to stay–it’s in the midst of Manhattan’s must-sees, but well connected to the rest of the city and peaceful enough to detract from all the noise, which can be a little overwhelming. 

Address: 18 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Price: Rooms from $379 per night
Closest transport: 42nd Street–Bryant Park Subway (B, D, F, M trains)

Kaitlyn Rosati
Kaitlyn Rosati
USA contributor
  • Hotels
  • Midtown East
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Nestled behind the walls of a landmarked building, this hotel exudes history from every crevice, be it the marble double staircase or the sophisticated rooftop bar. Following a recent renovation, the interiors feel fresh and refined, but the hotel retains its bygone-era charm. So, whether you’re here for sightseeing, window-shopping, or a luxe spa retreat, The Peninsula is a truly knockout luxury hotel. 

Its 219 rooms are designed to feel like upscale Manhattan apartments, with cool-toned palettes, plenty of artwork, and Quagliotti bed linens. The suites feature large living areas, luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs (some with in-tub TVs), and techy amenities like touchscreen tablets for concierge access and room controls. Dining is just as polished, with seasonal American fare at Clement, classic cocktails at the Bar at Clement, and the intimate Gotham Lounge with live piano music. The crown jewel is Pen Top, the hotel’s rooftop bar offering indoor-outdoor spaces, sweeping Fifth Avenue views, and private winter igloos for a memorable evening.

What sets this place apart from other Midtown hotels is the spa. The Peninsula offering includes a glass-enclosed indoor pool, and it is hands down the most impressive one I’ve ever seen in NYC. Steam rooms, saunas, ice fountains, and a tea lounge, along with a full menu of massages and facials—ideal for unwinding after a day in the city—are all on offer, too. 

Time Out tip: Here in the warmer months? Make sure to enjoy the sundeck which adjoins this hotel’s gleaming pool. 

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

Will Gleason
Will Gleason
Content Director, The Americas
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  • Hotels
  • Upper West Side
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

If you’re looking for a chic place to rest on the doorstep of Midtown’s greatest sites, look no further than The Wallace Hotel. It’s nestled on the Upper West Side between the 72nd and 79th Street subway stations, and is just a short ride from Broadway theatres, Times Square, and Bryant Park, yet surrounded by the quiet elegance of a largely (bougie) residential neighborhood. 

Opened in October 2020, this hotel brings a hit of fun to the otherwise prim and proper neighborhood, starting with its striking lobby which features bold, geometric black-and-white tiled floors and a clock sculpture. Beyond check-in, the golden-curtained Wallace Lounge sets the tone for the hotel’s sense of style. It’s a swanky, Deco-inspired cocktail bar which features jewel-toned velvet sofas, a roaring fireplace, and live jazz on a 1920s grand piano most nights. The menu includes classy bar bites (think tuna tartare wrapped in nori and mini brioche lobster rolls) but the setting invites lingering over cocktails like the decadent Baiki Martini topped with caviar pearls. Fancy stuff, right? During my visit, the lounge was buzzing, with couples dancing to standards while glasses clinked in time to the music. It makes you feel like part of the neighborhood rather than a visitor passing through.

Interiors of the rooms are dressed in soft neutrals, muted pastels, and sleek brass finishes, with thoughtful touches like cozy robes, slippers, rainfall showers, and advanced tech features including touch-controlled lighting, Chromecast-enabled TVs, and electronic shades. 

Time Out tip: The Lincoln Center, the Museum of Natural History, Central Park, and Riverside Park are all within walking distance (as are five different subway lines) making the hotel a brilliant pitstop for your first trip to New York. 

Address: 242 W 76th Street, New York, NY 10023
Price: Rates currently start from $247
Closest transport: 79 St subway station (1 line) is 4-minute walk down the street

  • Hotels
  • Midtown West
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Thompson Central Park New York has got all the luxe polish you could possibly want from a hotel just next door to Central Park, without the Billionaires’ Row prices. It occupies the former Le Parker Meridien on West 56th Street, and reopened in November 2021 after a renovation by Thomas Juul-Hansen and Stonehill Taylor. The result is sleek, mid-century modern design, from neat standard doubles to the lavish 900-square-foot Thompson Suite. For an elevated experience, the Upper Stories rooms (floors 26 to 33) offer views over the park, speedy check-in, access to a private lounge with complimentary refreshments, priority dining reservations, and enhanced in-room amenities like Dyson hair dryers and Nespresso Vertuo machines. Swanky, right?

The lobby, which features velvet sofas, statement chandeliers, and contemporary art, is home to Parker’s, an all-day lounge with live jazz, signature cocktails, and bougie takes on classic NYC comfort food, plus the famous Burger Joint, still serving one of the city’s most iconic burgers. Nearby fine-dining Indian Accent is another good place to stop by for dinner. Oh, and the hotel even offers an exclusive Picnic in the Park package, which makes the most of its Central Park proximity and comes with a picnic basket, portable record player, and instant camera for a picture-perfect afternoon.

Stay here and you’re within walking distance of everything Midtown has to offer, including Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art, Lincoln Center, and Broadway theatres, as well as Fifth Avenue boutiques and Columbus Circle. Craving something quintessentially ‘New York’? The Russian Tea Room is down the road. 

Time Out tip: Cop a screening at the nearby Paris Theater–it’s the longest-running arthouse cinema in NYC. 

Address: 119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Price: Rooms from $383 per night
Closest transport: 57th Street Subway (N, Q, R, W trains); 7th Avenue Subway (B, D, E trains)

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Lenox Hill
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The Pierre is a New York classic. Central Park views, timeless elegance, and exceptional service—what more could you want, right? It opened in 1930, designed by Schultze and Weaver, and the 41-storey property blends Versailles-inspired grandeur with neo-Georgian accents, marble floors, and romantic spaces like the Rotunda with its hand-painted murals. There are 189 rooms and 76 apartments—many of which are pet-friendly—and the hotel has hosted icons from the likes of Coco Chanel to Elizabeth Taylor. You’ll even find the hallways lined with candid Ron Galella photographs of its famous guests. 

Rooms feature sumptuous king beds, elegant furnishings, and endearing touches like artisan chocolates and personalised notes, and many boast stonking Central Park views. The service is stellar, from the warm welcome and Mariebelle chocolates at check-in to the concierge team—led by industry celeb Maurice Dancer—who personally experience local events before recommending them. Guests can also enjoy the on-site Two E Bar & Lounge with live jazz, high tea in the Rotunda, curated art displays, and boutique shopping, including Santa Maria Novella. The hotel’s restaurant, Perrine, rustles up modern takes on indulgent French classics and an Indian menu, all crafted with farm-fresh ingredients.

Central Park and Fifth Avenue are close by, so The Pierre offers both a classy base for exploring and an indulgent place for a city staycation. Cultural landmarks like The Met, MoMA, and The Guggenheim are within easy reach, as are theatre, dining, and boutique-lined Madison Avenue. 

Time Out tip: When we say the concierge team here knows their stuff, we mean it. Sure, you’re well-placed for plenty of NYC’s OG attractions, but for under-the-radar recommendations, ask them at the lobby. 

Address: 2 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065
Price: Rooms from $490 per night
Closest transport: 5 Av/59 St Subway (N, R, W trains); Lexington Av/63 St Subway (F, Q trains)

Shaye Weaver
Shaye Weaver
Contributor, Time Out New York
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Midtown East
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

If you’re after Gilded Age grandeur, the Lotte New York Palace is the place for you. Built way back in 1882 as the Villard Houses—opulent mansions designed for railroad tycoon Henry Villard—the property is a designated New York City landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its courtyard, seen in a number of films and TV shows, leads to a grandiose lobby full of marble statues, gold leaf banisters, and a pink marble fireplace. The hotel comprises the historic mansion and a modern tower, with upper floors offering spectacular views over St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center.

Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully detailed, with crown moulding, electronically controlled curtains, bedside lighting remotes, and dreamy beds. The Gold Room bar—once a favourite of Gossip Girl’s Chuck Bass—retains its original gold-plated ceiling, frescoes, and wood panelling, creating an irresistibly romantic setting for expertly made martinis and cocktails. This level of comfort and service, paired with the building’s history, makes the experience feel like stepping back into an era of proper, gleaming New York opulence.

Its perch in Midtown East puts guests close to Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, and the Museum of Modern Art, with a slightly calmer atmosphere than the bustle of Times Square. The neighbourhood also offers rooftop bars like Ophelia, iconic entertainment at Radio City Music Hall, and high-end shopping. 

Time Out tip: The Gold Room menu actually features a cocktail called the Gossip Girl–try it. 

Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
Price: Rooms from $370 per night on the hotel’s website
Closest transport: 51 St Subway (6, E, M trains)

Delia Barth
Delia Barth
Global Head of Video
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  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The Mandarin Oriental is nothing short of a sanctuary. Seriously breathtaking views, impeccable service, and a world-class spa culminate in an outstanding place to stay. Perched high above Columbus Circle, the 244-room hotel welcomes guests from its 35th-floor lobby, adorned with Dale Chihuly glass art and sweeping panoramas of Central Park and the Hudson River. Rooms range from elegant standard kings to opulent suites, like the 800-square-foot Hudson River Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious living and dining area. 

Wellness takes centre stage at the Mandarin Oriental Spa, where signature Time Rituals, massages, and facials are complemented by an amethyst crystal steam room. Snazzy, right? Booking in for spa treatments well in advance is essential, especially for sought-after services. As for the MO Lounge, it’s ideal not just for food but also for people-watching territory, serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea with panoramic park views. Its cocktails, light bites, and refined atmosphere make it a pretty knockout dining option. 

Here, they really know a thing or two about attention to detail. From binoculars in guest rooms for skyline gazing to robotic toilets and bedside lighting controls, everything has been thought of. The concierge team excels at securing coveted reservations and must-try New York experiences, and guest services extend to borrowing iPads or essentials on request. The serene, Zen-inspired interiors, coupled with exclusive amenities, make the Mandarin Oriental one of the most-polished New York luxury hotels.

Time Out tip: The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is filmed on Rockefeller Plaza just a 20-minute walk from the hotel. Snag a ticket or just go for a stroll and enjoy the buzz—it’s a glitzy NYC feature to match this glitzy place to stay. 

Address: 80 Columbus Circle (at West 60th Street), New York, NY 10023
Price: Rooms from $1,000 per night
Closest transport: Columbus Circle Subway (A, B, C, D, 1 trains)

Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Things to Do Editor
  • Hotels
  • Financial District
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

This building’s pride and joy is the nine-storey Victorian pyramidal atrium, a dramatic space frequented in the 19th-century by literary icons like Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain, as well as publishing titan William Randolph Hearst. Originally part of Temple Court, one of Manhattan’s earliest skyscrapers (built in 1881) the atrium retains its cast-iron railings, intricate woodwork, and rich encaustic tiles thanks to a meticulous 2016 restoration, which earned it interior landmark status in 2024. 

The Beekman houses 287 individually styled rooms and suites, ranging from studios to lavish turret penthouses. Interiors feature a homely mix of furnishings, soft king-size beds with Sferra linens and blackout curtains. Some come with  terraces and city views, while quieter rooms face the inner courtyard. The hotel also boasts a 24-hour gym, an inviting lobby with its own signature scent, and attentive staff who are quick to respond to requests—often via text. Dining is a major highlight: Tom Colicchio’s Temple Court serves refined American fare under the soaring atrium, while Daniel Boulud’s Le Gratin offers a warm, amber-lit Lyonnais-inspired bistro experience. The Bar Room and the speakeasy-style Laissez Faire are ideal for a nightcap in a setting dripping with Old New York atmosphere.

Staying at The Beekman means you’re steps from some of New York’s oldest landmarks. City Hall is across the street, Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange are a short stroll away, and the revitalised Seaport is within easy reach for shopping, dining, and waterfront views. 

Time Out tip: For a really special evening, book a table at Le Gratin for delicious French classics, and then head to the romantic Bar Room for some drinks. 

Address: 123 Nassau Street, New York, NY 10038
Price: Starting from approximately $342 per night
Closest transport: Fulton Street Station (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z lines) is just a 3-minute walk away

Shaye Weaver
Shaye Weaver
Contributor, Time Out New York
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  • Hotels
  • Flatiron
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad is a soaring 50-storey landmark of contemporary luxury, perfectly placed between the business-rush of Midtown and the cultural must-sees of Downtown. The 219 guestrooms and 31 suites are bathed in natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows framing properly jaw-dropping skyline views, all the way from the Empire State Building down to the Statue of Liberty. Bespoke furnishings in calming neutral tones and Diptyque amenities add to the tasteful, luxe feel of the place, while select rooms feature deep soaking tubs which are ideal if you need a reboot from all that rushing around. Guests can even book suites for more space and luxury, some offering panoramic corners ideal for sunrise or sunset views over the skyline. 

Downstairs, Michelin-starred chef José Andrés leads the hotel’s restaurants: Zaytinya’s vibrant mezze menu celebrates Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese flavours, while the Lobby Lounge and Bar provides an elegant spot for a pastry, espresso, or nightcap. 

Need something restorative? The 6,800-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa offers treatments using premium products, including Augustinus Bader’s signature facial, alongside steam rooms, saunas, and eight serene treatment spaces. The 24-hour fitness centre is equipped with Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio machines, with chilled eucalyptus towels waiting post-workout. Whether you’re here for skyline cocktails, José Andrés’ world-class cuisine, or simply the peace of your plush bed high above NoMad, the experience feels distinctly New York.

Time Out tip: High above all the street-level bustle, Nubeluz, the glittering rooftop bar, pairs amazing with inventive cocktails in a glamorous setting. It can get pretty lively, so it’s a brilliant pitstop if you’re heading out for the evening. 

Address: 25 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001
Price: Starting from approximately $1,148 per night
Closest transport: 28 St subway station (N, R, W lines) is just 2 minutes away

  • Hotels
  • Financial District
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

FiDi has a reputation as just a hub of trading floors (the clue is obviously in the name, after all) but the Wall Street Hotel redefines all that. Built on the historic site of the Tontine Coffee House (fun fact: the original home of the New York Stock Exchange) this boutique hotel nods to its past while embracing a refined, maritime-inspired aesthetic. 

It was opened in 2022 by the Paspaley family, who are renowned for founding Australia’s oldest pearling company, the hotel’s design is dotted with pearl-inspired details: scallop-edged barstools in the Lounge on Pearl, and oyster watercolours above Frette-sheeted beds. Guests can take in skyline views at the rooftop Bar Tontine or linger in the lounge over oysters and martinis – soak up the sea-theme, why don’t you?

Seafoam greens and tranquil blues are the color schemes for the rooms, and ultra-luxe touches like heated bathroom floors, deep soaking tubs, velvet pillows, and custom-designed oyster-inspired gifts that benefit the Billion Oyster Project, really top it all off. Select rooms include fireplaces for added coziness, while the Carnegie Suite offers a writing desk for guests who can’t quite switch off from work.

La Marchande, the in-house brasserie from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, serves a standout raw bar and French-inspired dishes, but beyond the hotel’s walls, guests are steps away from Federal Hall, the South Street Seaport, and the current New York Stock Exchange. Keen to explore farther afield? There’s good proximity to subway lines and NYC ferries. –

Time Out tip: Trouble sleeping? The teched-out Great Pearl Suite offers a personalized, restorative sleep experience. 

Address: 88 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005
Price: Starting from approximately $1,138 per night
Closest transport: Wall Street subway station (2, 3 lines) is a 3-minute walk from the hotel

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  • Hotels
  • Spa hotels
  • Midtown West
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

From gilded chair legs to gold-plated bathroom fixtures, every detail at The Plaza oozes old-world glamor. Since 1907, this National Historic Landmark has hosted an illustrious guest list, from The Beatles to Christian Dior, and starred in cultural icons like The Great Gatsby and Eloise. The vibe here is ridiculously regal but undeniably warm, with the scent of fresh gardenias greeting you in the grand lobby beneath a massive chandelier. 

The Rose Club serves classic cocktails on velvet banquettes, while the Champagne Bar pairs caviar with flutes of bubbles, and The Palm Court, famous for its afternoon tea, even has a Eloise themed offering served up beneath the stained-glass dome. For a more casual bite, the Todd English Food Hall will have some gourmet snacks to satisfy you.

The service? It matches all the splendor. The Les Clefs d’Or concierge team excels at securing the city’s most coveted tables and Broadway seats, while suite guests enjoy dedicated butler service. Guest rooms brag silky white linens, Le Labo bath products, and in-room iPads to control lighting, drapes, and temperature. Opt for a suite overlooking Central Park and you’re guaranteed those goosebump-endusing views. 

Its location is another of The Plaza’s greatest luxuries. At the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South (does it really get more iconic than that?), you’re steps from MoMA, high-end Fifth Avenue boutiques, and Broadway theatres. Head to Central Park for morning strolls or ice-skating at Wollman Rink, and you’ll feel giddy at the reminder that you’re staying in one of the city’s greatest landmarks. 

Time Out tip: For the full Plaza works, make sure to book afternoon tea at The Palm Court—it really does live up to the hype (the short rib slow braised sandwich in particular). 

Address: 768 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019
Price: Starting from approximately $1,000
Closest transport: Multiple subway lines service Grand Army Plaza—just across the street from Central Park South (59th Street), offering convenient access throughout the city.

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Lenox Hill
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Tucked away on the cozy, swanky Upper East Side, The Lowell Hotel is a luxurious pitstop amidst some of the planet’s most luxe boutiques. With just 74 rooms across 17 floors, it’s an intimate and classy experience, consistently ranking among the best in the world. Designed by Michael Smith—famed for decorating the Obamas’ private White House quarters—the interiors feature posh furnishings, and homeliness (if you can call the Upper East Side homely, that is). 

The marble lobby is decorated with fresh orchids and hydrangeas and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies make for a particularly wholesome welcome on wintery New York days. From the moment you check in, the service is kind and discreet, with a level of personal care that feels more like a private club.

The rooms? They go above and beyond the standard formula here. Guests can request one of the rare wood-burning fireplace suites or ivy-draped terraces and each one is fitted with elegant, understated furnishings, sumptuous beds, and thoughtful amenities, from wrought iron keys to curated artwork. The lighting, temperature, and layout have all been finessed, and personal touches like slippers by the bed and luxe robes really add to the comfort. 

Dining at The Lowell is an experience in itself. The Pembroke Room, known for its white-glove service, is the place for a refined breakfast or afternoon tea (complete with house-made jams) and Majorelle, the hotel’s French-Moroccan fine-dining restaurant, dazzles with both its menu and its vibrant floristry. 

Time Out tip: The Lowell’s Club Room provides a guest-only space to unwind, so whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening in or exploring the neighbourhood, the hotel offers both a sanctuary and access to the buzz of the city. 

Address: 28 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065
Price: Starting from approximately $913 per night
Closest transport: Lexington Av–63 St Station is a 5-minute walk away

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Midtown West
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York (which opened in 2015) blends glossy elegance with a hint of vintage grandeur, its dark, moody aesthetic punctuated by the brand’s signature red and illuminated by 17 dazzling crystal chandeliers. As the first hotel from the legendary French crystal house–founded by none other than King Louis XV in 1764– it feels like part museum, part 21st-century palace. 

The 114 rooms feature four-poster beds, glass-walled showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an ironically-named ‘mini’ bar stocked with full-sized premium spirits, Ladurée treats, and Baccarat glassware. A bedside tablet controls everything from lighting to drapes, lets you summon chilled champagne with crystal flutes, and book meals at the Grand Salon, spa treatments at the La Mer Spa, or time at the 55-foot pool. Suite guests even enjoy complimentary in-room blowouts in the early evening – if that isn’t luxury, we’re not sure what is. 

The vibe here is one of unapologetic excess. Why not begin with a champagne welcome in the chandelier-dotted Petit Salon, before lingering in the glass-walled Grand Salon over a breakfast of viennoiserie served on crystal tiers? It’s a bit ridiculous, but for a special occasion, what the hell. At The Bar (exclusive to hotel guests) you’ll find black-and-white tiled floors, towering ceilings, and—you guessed it—more chandeliers. Signature cocktails, caviar service, and indulgent bites like truffle grilled cheese are served in meticulously polished Baccarat glassware, each piece cared for by dedicated glass attendants. The location is equally as enviable: step outside and you’re directly across from MoMA, a short stroll from Fifth Avenue boutiques, and within easy reach of Central Park and Rockefeller Center.

To properly make the most of your stay, book a room with a city view and you’ll be able to soak in the skyline at golden hour, and don’t skip the hotel breakfast—it’s a luxury experience in itself. 

Time Out tip: Leave time to enjoy afternoon tea in the Grand Salon, spend an evening in The Bar soaking in its Versailles-inspired glamour, and carve out time for the Spa de La Mer and pool. 

Address: 28 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
Price: Starting from $838 per night
Closest transport: 53rd Street Station (E, M lines) is a mere 2-minute walk down the street

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