Kaitlyn Rosati

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 world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to 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

Pizza is one of the most popular dishes on the planet, so when you’re in New York, it’s understandable if that craving hits tenfold. While the city is well-renowned for those classic, foldable New York-style slices and charred, Neapolitan-inspired rounds, the pizza capital of the country (no matter what Connecticut claims) is also home to a plethora of chewy, thick deep-dish pies. Deep dish in New York terms expands far beyond “Chicago deep-dish,” including specialty Sicilian and Detroit-style pies. Since cheap eats cravings are meant to be satisfied, we flung ourselves headfirst into field research and happily deviated from the thin-crust norm (and sub-par slices from 24-hour pizza spots, which, post-pandemic, are fewer and farther between). From spongy Sicilian squares paired with live music to nostalgic ‘90s Detroit-style cheesy and spicy pies, we’ve rounded up standout eateries slinging delicious NYC deep-dish options. So, follow our lead: if you’re craving something outside of the traditional New York slice, add these deep dish pies to your New York bucket list.  July 2025: We’ve included some old-school “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” classics, along with some newer openings, featuring toppings like whole burrata and Calabrian chili pesto that would make pizza purists squeamish. RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best pizza in NYC How we curate and review at Time Out

With an uprise in uneasy airline news as of late, it’s no surprise that road trips are as popular as ever. But what exactly are road trippers seeking when they plan their next great adventure? While some road trip patterns are here to stay, there’s been a recent uptick in trends like micro-tripping, passion-tripping and gig-tripping. Regardless of the reason behind hitting the open roads, it all points to one consistent factor: having control over the wheel means travelers have more control over their itinerary and plans. So, for those worried about flight cancellations and lost luggage, road trips are a pretty stellar way to nip those fears in the butt while still getting the ultimate travel experience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your next road trip or are curious as to what’s driving travelers, no pun intended, here are the top 10 USA road trip trends in 2025.    

There are two types of trips: proper vacations, where lounging by a beach with a cocktail in hand is the only to-do list item to check, or wild, rowdy adventures. An adventure vacation is for those with an “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mindset, involving anything from heli-skiing in Idaho to flying a plane over the Finger Lakes in New York. If diving with sharks sounds like it’s up your alley, like it is mine, you’ll be pleased to know you don’t need to fly to South Africa to do so–you can do so in Florida, like I did. And though I dropped a pretty penny on a flight to New Zealand strictly to bungee jump in Queenstown, if I had only looked a little closer to home, I would’ve known Vegas is home to the world’s highest sky jump. Take it from the pro of signing life waivers simply for a thrilling adventure, and get your heart racing with one of these on-the-edge extreme adventure vacations you can take right here in the USA. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor adventure in every state

Many travelers fly to far corners of the earth like Iceland to spot the northern lights, Nepal to immerse themselves in snow-capped mountain ranges, and Morocco to frolic through auburn rolling sand dunes. However, if Americans simply take a peek into their own backyard, they’d realize they seldom have to go far to see some of the world’s most fascinating natural scenery. The USA is one of the most geographically diverse nations in the world, and the proof is in the pudding when you visit our national parks. These protected lands, from coast to coast, safeguard and showcase untamed wilderness with awe-inspiring beauty and diverse wildlife ecosystems. Today, there are more than 400 sites in the National Park Service, including 63 major parks—from America's first national park, Yellowstone, to lesser-known ones in destinations like southern Texas, which straddles the Mexican border (Big Bend), and northern Minnesota, which straddles the Canadian border (Voyageurs). When adventure calls and you don’t quite feel like whipping out that passport, turn to this list of the best national parks in the U.S. Pro tip: Grab an America the Beautiful pass, which gets you year-round access to all the parks. You'll be glad you did as you hike beneath towering redwoods, camp out under a blanket of stars, and witness the unspoiled natural beauty. RECOMMENDED: The best national forests in the U.S.

Trying to find ways to stay warm in these frigid New York winters might seem like a challenge, but luckily, the city is full of cozy spots that can quickly dissipate those winter blues. If you’re looking for your next date idea, whether it’s eating a giant bowl of gooey cheese by a fireplace or staying warm via belly laughs at a comedy show, these 10 spots are sure to wow your date in the coziest of settings. RECOMMENDED: Best date ideas in NYC for romance and fun

You know how the old saying goes, “New year, new you,” right? It's not a lofy resolution if you kick off January by checking yourself into one of the best wellness retreats in the USA. Whether you’re feeling sluggish from the holidays, looking to turn a new leaf for 2025, or simply wanting to be kind to yourself in the form of self-care, these wellness destinations will ensure you start the new year with your best foot forward. Or, simply bookmark these spots for future you—there's always next year! RECOMMENDED: The best sleep retreats in the U.S.The best spas and spa resorts in the U.S.

As we ring in 2025, we’ve got travel on the mind—of course. If you find yourself pining for your next great American adventure but want to do something out of the ordinary, there are some new openings happening across the country that you won’t want to miss. Whether it’s a museum, an amusement park, or a new festival, get ready to plan some trips for the new year with one of the coolest new things to do in the USA in 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in the world in 2025

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

Pumpkin spice lovers, rejoice. Fall is finally upon us (well, almost). It’s time to mark your calendars for sighting some proper fall foliage, frolicking in the leaves, and getting lost in a corn maze. While it’s easy to argue that fall is the superior season, not all regions are created equally when it comes to leaf peeping, and it’s no secret that one of the best in the country is in New England. If you’re looking for a proper fall getaway, here are 10 destinations for a New England fall road trip serving up your autumn fix. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see fall foliage in the U.S.

A three-day weekend is the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to summer. While we’re sad for summer to end, Labor Day gives us a chance to celebrate with one last hurrah. It’s never too soon to start planning an amazing Labor Day getaway from NYC, so check out these options, from relaxing to adventurous. While there are plenty of day trips from NYC that can scratch the itch, the long weekend is enough time to squeeze in a weekend getaway. Looking for some culture? Head to the Hamptons. Partial to the outdoors? The Adirondacks are for you. If you’re more of a shorebird, consider Wildwood or Fire Island or a lakeside adventure. Sure, you could hit up the best beaches in NYC or salute the summer at an outdoor bar or beer garden, but to squeeze every last drop out of summer, start planning one of these Labor Day getaways from NYC today. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Labor Day in NYC

New York State has over 7,600 lakes, so narrowing down which ones to visit on a weekend getaway or day trip from NYC can feel like a daunting task. Whether it’s for a family-friendly getaway, for wine enthusiasts, or just for a serene city break, we’ve done the legwork for you to make planning your next lake getaway a breeze based on what you’re looking for. RECOMMENDED: 9 gorgeous hidden waterfalls near NYC10 best treehouse Airbnbs near NYC

Despite its famous moniker as a concrete jungle, New York actually brags a fair bit of green space, and Bryant Park is one of the best examples. So, if you’re keen to be in the center of Midtown action but still have a little nature nearby, Park Terrace Hotel is a tough one to beat.  It sits just opposite the park, but also has an onsite sauna, a lovely restaurant, views over New York Public Library and some seriously top-notch service, which is more than enough to make you want to stay awhile.  Why stay at Park Terrace Hotel? While crammed hotel rooms are common in Midtown (the area is known both for tight rooms and super cramped apartments) my Deluxe Studio King Room was larger than anywhere I’ve ever lived in the city. My room would have been ideal for two people, but as a solo traveler I revelled in having a little extra space, including a couch to lounge on while I soaked in the views of the library and Bryant Park each morning.  It’s also pretty hard to find a Midtown hotel which has a good – and I mean really good – wellness element, but the sauna in the hotel’s ‘basement’ was an unexpectedly luxe touch.  What are the rooms like at Park Terrace Hotel? With a total of 225 rooms and studios across 15 floors, many of which offer unparalleled views of Bryant Park and the New York Public Library, Park Terrace Hotel sure has variety. There’s the Classic Room, a cozy yet contemporary space that can accommodate up to two guests. The Deluxe is also best for two, but with an upg

Being a full-time traveler means I’ve slept in my fair share of hotel rooms, but I seldom find a stay which hits every mark: spacious rooms, niche and well-preserved history, a good location, incredible dining, and top-notch service. But the Shelburne Sonesta New York is as well-rounded a hotel as you can get.  Located just steps from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building, this hotel is close enough to be a visitor’s playground, but has dining options where you’ll be sat side-by-side with locals. The 1929-built building has plenty of apartment-style rooms, giving you the chance to step back in time and live in old New York, and these are especially ideal for families seeking more space. But what I learned staying here is that they can cater to every type of traveler. Why stay at The Shelburne Sonesta New York? It’s rare that I’d encourage you to book a hotel specifically with the incentive to not leave it, but the Shelburne Sonesta New York has everything you need for a one or two night stay. Their onsite restaurant, Take Care Bistro, opens early and has a full barista bar, and as the hours throughout the day pass, their veggie-forward menu makes for one of the best lunch and dinner options in the area.  There’s a traditional USPS mailbox located in the lobby, which, despite being nearly a century old, is still functioning. You’ll find plenty of comfortable space to catch up on work, and if you forgot your laptop, there are two computers available to use with print

Times Square is one of the flashiest neighborhoods in New York. Some would argue it’s the epicenter of the city. It’s loud, chaotic, and busy all the time, but the draw to be based in Times Square is understandably enticing.  But The Knickerbocker Hotel proves that even the busiest parts of the city can offer not only some peace and quiet, but luxurious respite, too. It’s full of rich history (the dry martini was born here, guys), and has one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever laid my head on in this city. All that with its soundproof rooms and minimalist decor, you’ll enjoy the convenience of the most chaotic parts of Manhattan while feeling light years away. Why stay at the Knickerbocker Hotel? Location and comfort are two important factors to consider when booking any hotel, and The Knickerbocker has nailed both. Because of its prime midtown location, you not only have easy access to New York’s top attractions, but also to just about every major subway line. Getting out to more local-populated hangouts like Jackson Heights, Queens (just jump on the 7 train) and Williamsburg, Brooklyn (jump on the M) are easy jaunts. Aside from its prime real estate, the Knickerbocker is a flavour of proper, old-school New York suave without feeling dated, and that’s thanks to the modern tech touches incorporated throughout. It even gives a little Hollywood glamour–my first thought on arrival was that Marilyn Monroe would have blended in perfectly here.  What are the rooms like at the K

Many associate New York ‘za with grabbing a quick slice on the go, whether for a quick mid-day snack or a late-night booze soaker-upper. At Ace’s Pizza in Williamsburg, however, their Detroit-style pizza is an entire dining experience. Detroit-style pizza has seen an uptick in popularity in recent years, and Ace’s is partially to thank. Opened in February 2021, Ace’s is serving up the fluffiest, cheesiest pizza that could easily convert the highest of pizza purists. The dough is pillowy, but the cheese takes it over the top: they use a mix of low-moisture mozz and brick cheese (the signature Midwest touch), and put the sauce directly on top before finishing the bake. They offer three sizes: personal pie (two pieces), medium (six pieces), or large (10 pieces). You can’t go wrong with any of their toppings, but their pepperoni pie is completely coated in crispy little cups of pepperoni that are oozing with spicy oil, taking the umami factor to a whole new level. But it’s not just pizza you’ll want to head here for. Their wings are crisped to perfection, coated in sauces like Nashville hot or Carolina gold, and their “double-stuffed cheesy bread” is pretty much cheese with a hint of bread. Ace’s also offers a great natural wine list and some draft beers, including “Ace’s Perfect Pilsner” made by Flagship Brewing Company out in Staten Island. The vibe of Ace’s can best be described as nostalgic. It feels like a time machine back into the '90s, with Nintendo consoles, red and yell

One of the biggest hurdles visitors to New York can face is which area to stay in, but as a long-time resident of the city I always advise first-timers to choose somewhere that’s within walking distance to some of Manhattan’s top attractions.  Enter the Hotel Park Ave. Formerly the Mondrian Park Avenue hotel, this place is practically on the doorstep of tried and trusted local hangouts and must-sees like Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, and Herald Square. The Lore Group (who took over in November 2024) have given this place a modern refresh, and plenty of the rooms, including my 18th floor suite, have balconies to show off that iconic Manhattan skyline.  Why stay at Hotel Park Ave? Manhattan is the kind of place where you want to soak in the skyline at every possible opportunity, and if you opt for one of the 23 rooms which have balconies, Hotel Park Ave’s are pretty solid. You don’t even need to worry about feeling too crammed, as each one has alfresco seating so you can properly kick back, but splash out on the Nomad Penthouse (a gleaming 1,275 square foot space on the twentieth floor) and you’ll be treated to two.  The Lore Group’s ultra-modern refresh of the place also isn’t just about its look, though you will be greeted by a chic lobby with Jan Hendzel Studio’s monumental ‘Pebble Jumble’ sculpture featured. However, there’s also contactless check-ins and check-outs. As for the rooms, my most important must-have is a bed which feels like a cloud, and all

The New York restaurant scene can transport you anywhere from Malaysia to Brazil, but if you crave something a little closer to home, Chicago-style Emmett’s will certainly do the trick. Opened in 2013 by Chicago native Emmett Burke, and not to be confused with their sister restaurant, Emmett’s on Grove, Emmett’s is ideal for a nice night out, offering stellar food and a warm, chill atmosphere. The vibe: Offering both seasonal outdoor and year-round indoor seating, Emmett’s is a prime option regardless of season. Inside is dimly lit and moody, with a small bar and just a few tables. The outdoor seating area consists of one table right out front, along with a covered patio area featuring a bench and two additional tables. The staff is efficient yet friendly, frequently checking in on guests while also handling takeout orders and bussing tables. Emmett’s has that quintessential neighborhood feel. The food: I specifically came to Emmett’s for their deep-dish pie, but the super crispy, thin Chicago-style tavern pie is an equal standout. Emmett’s does not skimp on the toppings, and a knife and fork is served with the deep dish for good reason. The deep dish takes 30-40 minutes to cook from the time it’s ordered, but if you’re in a New York hurry, the tavern-style pizza arrives faster. The menu has several nods to Chicago, like a Chicago-style hot dog and an Italian beef sandwich, but other standouts are a bleu cheese-stuffed burger and an arugula salad with sliced apple for some ta

Prior to the pandemic, traveling frequently to far-flung destinations was not out of the ordinary for me. I was a bartender in New York and would arrange my schedule to take long weekends to go swim with nurse sharks in Caye Caulker, Belize, or eat late-night arepas on the streets of Cartagena, Colombia. I once even booked a flight to Rovaniemi, Finland, that left later that day because I got a good flight deal during prime northern lights season. RECOMMENDED: The best pet-friendly hotels in the U.S. So, when travel as I knew it had changed in March 2020, I watched as my passport collected dust, wondering if I’d ever hear the sweet sound of being stamped into a new country again. With a serious travel itch that felt impossible to scratch, one day in February 2021, I looked at my dog, Bowie, who would soon be undergoing intensive surgery to remove a cyst in his neck, and thought, what if I give us both the gift of getting out of this house? He was about to spend an unknown amount of time in a hospital, and I had reached textbook levels of stir-crazy. So, with very little planning and the same wing-it approach that I’d always taken, Bowie and I got in the car and began driving on Valentine’s Day. Photograph: Kaitlyn Rosati for Time OutBowie in Virginia Beach, Virginia Our first stop was Louisville, Kentucky. I had never been to Kentucky before, and had seriously underestimated what a far drive it is from New York City (roughly 12-13 hours). We shared Tupperware takeout briske