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This New York City hotel has the best views in the whole city, say Time Out experts

Soak up stunning panoramic views of two boroughs via open-air balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Gerrish Lopez
Written by
Gerrish Lopez
Time Out Contributor, US
The rooftop of the William Vale Hotel
Photograph: Courtesy the William Vale | The rooftop of the William Vale Hotel
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Nowhere does skyline views quite like New York City, but to the best vantage point of that famous cityscape is across the East River. According to Time Out’s freshly updated guide to the city’s best hotels with a view, Williamsburg’s own William Vale claims the crown as the best hotel in NYC for absolutely gorgeous views.

The scenery takes center stage as soon as you enter the hotel. Glass elevator banks open onto expansive hallway windows framing the borough, but the real magic awaits inside the guest rooms. Every single room features a private balcony, so you can step outside and gaze down at the bustling streets below or take in sweeping panoramic vistas of Manhattan.

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Balcony room at the William Vale Hotel
Photograph: Courtesy the William ValeBalcony room at the William Vale Hotel

The visual spectacle continues on the 22nd floor at Westlight, the hotel’s crown-jewel rooftop bar. Offering a staggering perspective on the city skyline, the terrace even features complimentary bright-yellow observation viewers so you won't miss a single detail.

At the pool, you can cool off with drinks and bar bites or or unwind in barrel saunas and hot tubs. And of course, the Midtown skyline anchors the view here too, turning a simple poolside swim into a cinematic experience. Time Out's experts note that poolside spots sell out quickly, obviously, so be sure to book your reservation well in advance.

Beyond the vistas, the hotel serves up incredible culinary options at LEUCA, its vibrant southern Italian restaurant. Indulge in chewy, charred Neapolitan-style pizzas or sample rich pasta dishes. The standout crowd favorite is the lumache—pasta tubes tossed in a rich lamb ragù and topped with a delicate dollop of ricotta.

While heavy hitters like Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge round out Time Out's top three, William Vale remains unmatched for balcony views, making it a top spot for both vacationers and staycationers.

The 10 best hotels in New York City with a view, according to Time Out:

  1. William Vale
  2. Equinox Hotel
  3. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
  4. Times Square Edition
  5. Ritz-Carlton Central Park
  6. Mandarin Oriental
  7. The Standard High Line
  8. Park Terrace Hotel
  9. Thompson Central Park
  10. The Shelburne Sonesta New York

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