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Whether you book a suite in one of New York’s fanciest hotels alongside Central Park, a quirky room in an offbeat boutique property, or an elegant bedroom in a historic brownstone, where you stay is a bit part of your trip.
At ExperienceFirst, we want you to have a memorable experience here in New York, so we’ve rounded up a selection of iconic luxury properties, trendy boutique hotels, and one delightful inn worth visiting (if for nothing else than a cool cocktail) so you can make the most of your trip.
After a busy day touring New York, settle in at one of these classic New York hotels.
First off, let’s look at some luxury hotels. Got money to splash or a big event to celebrate? The big city has luxe stays just waiting to welcome you.
1. The Plaza New York
Where to find it: 768 Fifth Avenue at 59th Street, New York, NY 10019
One could argue that no New York City hotel is more iconic than The Plaza, thanks to its location at the southwest corner of Central Park, French Renaissance style, century-plus history, and many appearances in film and television (“Home Alone 2,” “Sex and the City,” “Crocodile Dundee,” “North by Northwest,” etc.) as well as the “Eloise” children’s books. The series chronicles the title character’s adventures as a resident of the hotel.
The real-life Plaza gleefully celebrates this with several Eloise-inspired experiences that children will love.
2. The Algonquin
Where to find it: 59 West 44th Street near Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10036
When the Algonquin opened in 1902, a single room cost $2 a night. Today’s rates are, let’s just say… somewhat higher.
Although the building itself isn’t known for its architecture, the hotel achieved city landmark status for its place in New York’s literary and cultural history. Over the years, many notable writers and artists, including Dorothy Parker and Maya Angelou, stayed or hung out here.
The hotel is also known for its resident cat who patrols the hotel lobby. The latest in a long line of felines to hold the position is Hamlet.
3. The St. Regis New York
Where to find it: 2 East 55th Street at Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Opened in 1904 by Col. John Jacob Astor IV (who later died in the sinking of the Titanic), the luxurious St. Regis New York is perhaps best known for its signature butler service (a big draw for the rich and famous) and the Bloody Mary cocktail, which was invented at the hotel’s King Cole Bar.
Named after the Maxfield Parrish mural “Old King Cole,” which hangs inside, the bar (and other public areas of the hotel) underwent a major renovation in 2024 and does a good job evoking the dark and cozy atmosphere of early 20th century New York City, minus the cigarette smoke.
4. Four Seasons New York Downtown
Where to find it: 27 Barclay Street at Church Street, New York, NY 10007
When it comes to hospitality, the “Four Seasons” is synonymous with ultra luxury. While the Four Seasons in Midtown Manhattan may have more history, we chose the Four Seasons New York Downtown (opened in 2016) for its Tribeca location — yes, you’ll be near fine dining and trendy bars, but you can also walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, stroll along the Hudson River Greenway, or take one of our tours, such as the Wall Street Insider Tour or the 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Tour.
The hotel itself is known for opulent suites (the Empire Suite is big enough to host a dinner party for 10 people), a luxury seven-room spa, a 75-foot lap pool, and the ultra-premium steakhouse Cut by Wolfgang Puck.
5. Waldorf Astoria New York
Where to find it: 301 Park Avenue at East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022
No list of iconic New York hotels would have any credibility without including the Waldorf Astoria, which opened nearly a century ago and has hosted every president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama, according to the White House Historical Association.
Closed to the public since 2017, the hotel underwent a years-long restoration and a change in ownership. Both the interior and exterior of the 47-story Art Deco building have landmark status, so the work had to seamlessly integrate the property’s classic and modern elements.
“Visitors returning to the property will notice many of the historical elements, from the Grand Ballroom to the lobby with the famous Waldorf Astoria clock, have been restored to bring back the original grandeur, while thoughtful enhancements were incorporated for today’s traveler,” says Luigi Romaniello, the hotel’s managing director.
The Waldorf is set to reopen any day now and is booking guest stays from September 2025 onward.
The above are some of the biggest and best hotel brands in New York, but if you’re craving something different, a boutique hotel is a better fit. New York City has plenty of those too. Here are some of the best.
6. The Standard High Line
Where to find it: 848 Washington Street at West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014
The Standard High Line will appeal to travelers who prefer bold design to stuffy luxury and corporate sameness. Every room has floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, mood lighting, and rain showers with natural light (that means whoever is using the glassed-in shower is, um, on display to anyone hanging out in the room — you’ve been warned).
The location is fantastic. The hotel is literally built over the High Line, an elevated freight train line converted into a stunning linear park, and is just blocks from the Whitney Museum and Little Island. Be sure to check out our High Line and Chelsea Walking Tour and then relax with a brew at The Standard Biergarten.
7. Yotel New York Times Square
Where to find it: 570 Tenth Avenue at West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
You can take a look into the future of hospitality with a stay at Yotel. If you need to store your bags before check-in while you take our Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour, a robot concierge will secure your luggage in a locker.
After you check yourself in at the self-service kiosks, you can contact Mission Control to make special requests, such as borrowing a Lumie sunrise alarm clock. But you probably won’t need the Lumie if you book the Penthouse King Suite with floor-to-ceiling doors that open to your own private 700-square-foot terrace.
Also, be sure to make the most of the public areas, including Social Drink and Food, one of the city’s largest hotel rooftops, and Green Room 42 cabaret club.
8. CitizenM New York Times Square
Where to find it: 218 West 50th Street near Broadway, New York, NY 10019
CitizenM is a modern hotel with imaginatively designed facilities — if you want your Instagram posts to really pop, this is the hotel for you.
Located in the heart of the Theater District, the hotel has easy access to transportation, shows, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
What makes this hotel really stand out (other than its amazing decor) is the affordable luxury without all the bells and whistles — or even space. For example, you won’t find bellhops or rollaway cots (there’s no room for them!), but you’ll enjoy an extra-large king-sized bed with Italian linen and a tablet that controls the TV, temperature, mood lights, and blackout blinds.
9. NobleDEN Hotel
Where to find it: 196 Grand Street near Mott Street, New York, NY 10013
One of the things you’re going to love about the NobleDEN Hotel is the location — a kind of nexus of Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita, SoHo, and the Lower East Side. This puts you in a prime location for exploring an array of attractions, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and some small but worth-seeing museums.
Pro tip: Check out our top-rated SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Walking Tour while you’re in the area.
Inside your NobleDEN, you’ll appreciate amenities such as a bedside minibar and extra storage at the foot of the bed.
10. The Inn at Irving Place
Where to find it: 56 Irving Place at East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
With only six exquisitely furnished rooms, The Inn at Irving Place can be found inside a landmark 1934 townhouse in the heart of New York’s historical Gramercy Park neighborhood. Guests are surrounded by details that recreate a bygone era.
Offerings include a five-course afternoon tea served in Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon on the parlour level and bathroom amenities by C.O. Bigelow.
Looking for more in New York?
We’ll be here all day if we talk about each hotel in Manhattan, let alone NYC. There’s something for every kind of traveler here — that’s one of the truly great things about New York.
Speaking of variety, you have plenty of choice when it comes to where to eat in New York. Check out some of our recommendations, and we’ll see you soon!
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