New York has one of the world's most diverse hotel scenes — from legendary grand hotels on Fifth Avenue to cutting-edge boutique properties in Brooklyn, from affordable hostels in Midtown to design hotels in the Meatpacking District. Here are the best options across every category and neighbourhood.
Best Luxury Hotels in New York
The Plaza Hotel (5-star) — The most iconic hotel in New York, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. The Plaza has hosted presidents, royalty, and film crews for over a century. The Palm Court afternoon tea is a New York institution. Rates from £400–£900 per night.
The St. Regis New York (5-star) — A Beaux-Arts masterpiece on Fifth Avenue, with impeccable service and the legendary King Cole Bar. Rates from £450–£1,000 per night.
The Mark Hotel (5-star) — A supremely elegant hotel on the Upper East Side, steps from Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum. The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges is excellent. Rates from £400–£900 per night.
1 Hotel Central Park (5-star) — A nature-inspired luxury hotel overlooking Central Park, with a strong sustainability ethos. Rates from £350–£800 per night.
Best Boutique & Mid-Range Hotels
The Bowery Hotel — A beautifully designed boutique hotel in the East Village, with a warm, residential feel and an excellent lobby bar. One of New York's most beloved boutique properties. Rates from £250–£450 per night.
The Jane Hotel — A historic hotel in the West Village, originally built for sailors. The rooms are small (some are cabin-sized) but the atmosphere is extraordinary and the location is excellent. Rates from £100–£200 per night.
Ace Hotel New York — A stylish, creative hotel in the NoMad neighbourhood, with a buzzing lobby that doubles as a co-working space. Rates from £200–£380 per night.
The Williamsburg Hotel — A design hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with a rooftop pool and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Rates from £200–£380 per night.
Best Budget Hotels & Hostels
Pod Hotels — A small chain of well-designed budget hotels in Midtown and Times Square. The rooms are small but cleverly designed, and the locations are excellent. Rates from £100–£180 per night.
HI NYC Hostel — A well-run hostel on the Upper West Side, close to Central Park. Private rooms available. From £60–£120 per night.
The Local NYC — A budget hotel in Long Island City, Queens (one subway stop from Midtown Manhattan). Clean, modern, and significantly cheaper than Manhattan hotels. Rates from £80–£150 per night.
Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in New York
Midtown Manhattan — The most central location, close to Times Square, the Empire State Building, and MoMA. Convenient but expensive and touristy. Best for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the action.
Upper West Side — Quieter and more residential than Midtown, close to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. Excellent restaurants and a neighbourhood feel.
West Village / Greenwich Village — One of the most charming areas of Manhattan. Beautiful streets, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere. Slightly further from Midtown sights but well connected by subway.
Brooklyn (Williamsburg / DUMBO) — Significantly cheaper than Manhattan, with excellent restaurants and nightlife. 15–20 minutes from Midtown by subway.
Avoid: Times Square hotels are convenient but overpriced and noisy. You can stay nearby without being directly on Times Square.
New York Hotel Tips
New York hotel rooms are expensive and often small by European standards. A "standard" room in a mid-range Manhattan hotel is typically 20–25 square metres.
Taxes and fees: New York hotel taxes add approximately 14–15% to the room rate. Some hotels also charge a "resort fee" or "amenity fee" of £20–£40 per night — check before booking.
Book early: For summer visits (June–August), book 2–3 months in advance. For Christmas and New Year, book 4–6 months ahead.
Consider Brooklyn: Hotels in Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Heights are typically 30–50% cheaper than comparable Manhattan hotels, with easy subway access to Midtown.
