The 21 best hotels in Midtown, New York City

Lined with high-end boutiques and designer labels, Fifth Avenue offers a classy reprieve from the otherwise chaotic hum of Midtown. Among the shiny cultural institutions like the New York Public Library and Rockefeller Center sits the Andaz 5th Avenue, an extravagant yet modernist retreat established in 2010. For those looking to soft-launch the fantasy of living large in a New York apartment, this hotel delivers with loft-like rooms and a splash of curated art. It is a particularly magical find during the winter months, when the glitz of the avenue pairs perfectly with the holiday sparkle of Bryant Park just a block away.

The accommodations feel more like mini modernist apartments in the sky than standard hotel rooms. In the One Bedroom Terrace Suite, twelve-foot ceilings and double-paned windows create an expansive, airy atmosphere, even if the decor leans a bit stark. Thoughtful touches abound, from a full-sized fridge stocked with complimentary snacks to a black porcelain footbath designed to soothe feet tired from pounding the pavement. While the terraces might be New York Small, they offer prime people-watching views of the library crowds below. Tech-forward features, like bedside panels that control the shades and motion-sensor kitchenette lights, further emphasize the hotel’s sleek, contemporary vibe.

The service model is intentionally newfangled, ditching the traditional long check-in desk for a lounge-based experience where staff greet you with tablets and sparkling water. While this feels a bit “tech bro”, the hospitality remains warm and swift, including a daily complimentary wine hour at 5pm. For dining, the basement-level Bar Downstairs and Kitchen offers a moody, secretive atmosphere with dependable staples like cured gravlax and steak frites. 

Time Out tip: Travelling through Grand Central Station? Make a quick pit-stop at the fast-casual arm of Melba’s or sit a spell at Grand Oyster Bar.

Address: 485 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
Price per night: Standard room rates begin at $549/night, Standard King Room starts at $508/night
Closest transport link: 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines, the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Railroad at Grand Central 42nd Street; M, D, F, B trains at 42nd Street-Bryant Park; LaGuardia Airport is a 45-minute drive; JFK International Airport is an hour drive.

📍 Discover the best luxury hotels in New York City

Passing through the revolving doors into the Art Deco-inspired lobby of the Sofitel New York, guests are met with a dimly lit, warm refuge. As the brand’s new North American flagship, this Midtown base has emerged from a site-wide renovation with a polished, professional energy. While the layout is slightly eccentric—you’ll have to trek past a glitzy staircase to find the actual reception—the service is immediate and assured.

The hotel’s primary draw is its unbeatable location, situated just blocks from Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and the theater district. The accommodations are equally impressive, ranging from 350-square-foot rooms to expansive penthouse suites. In the Prestige King Suite, the design follows a sweeping loop that prioritizes comfort over trendy aesthetics. For Big Light haters, the abundance of lamps is welcome, but the real star is the Sofitel MyBed™. Between the feather-top mattress and the sumptuous down bedding, I had some seriously restorative sleeps here, and despite some slightly dated marble, the en suite delivers where it counts: piping hot water and high-end Diptyque toiletries.

Room service is also a standout at this hotel, delivering generous omelets with chipper efficiency. If you have the budget, its combination of spacious rooms and expert service makes it a seamless haven in the Center of the Universe.

Time Out tip: For dinner nearby, head to either Nisran’s Kitchen or Kochi. 

Address: 45 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, USA
Price per night: Rooms start at $550 including breakfast
Closest transport: 42 St-Bryant Park subway station, for the B, D, F and M trains, is two blocks away, and you’re a 10-minute walk from Grand Central Station. LaGuardia Airport is a 45 minute drive, Newark is 50 and JFK is one hour and 10 minutes. 

📍 Discover the best hotels with brilliant views in NYC 

Hotel Park Ave is a smart choice for travelers who want to be close to Manhattan’s landmarks without sacrificing comfort. The 20-floor property has been given a sleek refresh, with many of the 180 rooms featuring original artwork, Marshall speakers, and fast WiFi. But the real highlight? That’d be the 23 balcony rooms and suites that let guests enjoy the iconic Manhattan skyline from private outdoor seating. Oh, and the 1,275-square-foot Nomad Penthouse offers two balconies and sweeping twentieth-floor views. Got the cash to splash? This could be the way to do it. 

My King Studio Balcony Suite included a spacious, light-filled bathroom, a coffeemaker (integral to my morning routine), and a restful bed that made it hard to leave, despite the city outside. Facilities are pared back beyond the chic lobby and a 24-hour gym, but with so much of New York on the doorstep, the hotel functions best as a stylish base rather than a full resort experience.

The food and drink offerings are still in the works, but future plans include Park Rose, an Italian-American restaurant, and a rooftop bar in 2026. For now, guests receive a breakfast voucher for nearby Matto Espresso, and the neighborhood is packed with dining highlights: Nonna Dora’s handmade pasta, Andrew Carmellini’s Michelin-recognised Café Carmellini, or Churchill Tavern for a late-night pint. 

Location is where Hotel Park Ave really shines—close to Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, and Herald Square, yet tucked into a quieter stretch of Park Avenue. With the 6 train only three blocks away, Union Square, Grand Central, and SoHo are within easy reach. 

Time Out tip: You’re less than 10 minutes away from Koreatown here—make sure you stop by for some lip-smacking dinner. 

Address: 444 Park Avenue South, 10016 New York, NY
Price: Starting from approximately $295 per night
Closest transport: 28th Street Subway Station (6 train), 3-minute walk

📍 Discover the best boutique hotels in New York City

The clue is in the name, but voco Times Square South New York is all about location. Just six blocks from Times Square, it strikes the perfect balance between being near the action but not overwhelmed by it. Midtown landmarks like Madison Square Garden, Broadway, and the Empire State Building are all within a 15-minute walk, while Penn and Moynihan Stations, Hudson Yards, and the High Line are close by too. 

Inside, the hotel has a sleek, contemporary vibe, with a glass façade and a marquee-style lobby lit to the beat of a high-energy playlist. Guests can check in at reception, grab a free welcome drink (and cookie), and then relax in the lounge, courtyard, or Finches Den Restaurant & Patio. The courtyard’s neon affirmations and flower-covered walls add a playful touch, while the grab-and-go station, luggage storage, and business centre make the hotel practical for busy travelers.

The 224 rooms range from Standard ones to Premium City View options, and though compact, they are thoughtfully designed and brag soothing neutral décor. My King City View Room had sweeping skyline vistas and a surprisingly serene feel. Dining is a highlight: Finches Den serves a satisfying mix of modern American fare, from burgers to shareables, with a standout New York cheesecake. A daily happy hour is perfect for cocktails before heading to a show—don’t miss ‘The Flamingo’, a pink vodka-based welcome drink that’ll send you into a coma. 

Service is efficient and friendly, with staff happy to help with dinner recommendations or transport bookings. The resort fee includes a dine-in credit and your welcome cocktail, which feels like good value in Midtown. 

Time Out tip: Have a look at what’s on at The Tank—just a 3-minute walk from the hotel, it’s an experimental theater that will have covered for something a little off-beat. 

Address: 343 West 36th Street, 10018 New York, NY
Price: Starting from approximately $140 per night
Closest transport: Penn Station (Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit, A/C/E/1/2/3 trains), 3-minute walk

The Shelburne Sonesta New York offers one of the city’s most well-rounded stays, combining history, space, dining, and service in one neat Midtown package. Opened way back in 1929 and located practically in the shadow of Grand Central and the Chrysler Building, the hotel still reflects its residential past through its apartment-style suites, some of which feature full kitchenettes and balconies with sweeping views. 

Dining is this hotel’s forte. Take Care Bistro offers breakfast through dinner, with standout veggie-friendly dishes and seriously good barista coffee, while the rooftop Vintage Green is one of the city’s best terraces. Covered in florals and greenery, this rooftop is New York’s second-largest, with lip-smacking bar snacks like chicken katsu sliders, truffle fries with pickled veg, and a ‘lemonade stand’ pitcher special. With warm service throughout, from attentive rooftop staff to a front desk team who quickly solve any hiccups, the hotel makes good on its promise of hospitality without feeling overbearing or too formal. 

Facilities at the Shelburne Sonesta are surprisingly, randomly comprehensive. Guests will find a spacious lobby with a ping-pong table, a functioning 1929 USPS mailbox, a 24-hour gym with Pelotons, and even a medical practice on the first floor. Who knew? The Murray Hill location does carry a lively after-hours energy, but being just minutes from Grand Central and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt makes it easy to explore the city. 

Time Out tip: Fancy an evening in? Head to Union Square market to grab your dinner ingredients—it’s a mere 20-minute walk from The Shelburne Sonesta, and is the best spot for fresh ingredients in Midtown. 

Address: 303 Lexington Avenue, 10016 New York, NY
Price: Starting from approximately $298 per night
Closest transport: Grand Central Terminal (4, 5, 6, 7, S trains), 5-minute walk

There are layers of history to this exquisite Fifth Avenue property—a winning combination of a landmarked 1905 Beaux Arts building and a new state-of-the-art renovation. This is the place to go if you really want that ‘luxury Manhattan’ feeling, featuring large suites, a variety of elevated dining (don’t miss the on-site Clement restaurant), an idyllic rooftop bar and swish on-site spa. There, you can find a unique indoor pool where you can swim laps surrounded by skyscrapers.

Location-wise, you really can’t get much better. Fifth Avenue itself is one of the world’s most famous shopping districts, and you’re just around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art. Walk a few blocks and you’ll be at Central Park and the Theater District, as well as heaps of other tourist spots. Most major subway lines are within walking distance.

The hotel features 219 guest rooms, including 55 suites and three signature suites. The style is sleek, contemporary and light, with well-curated art and furnishings that give it an elevated home-from-home feel. Modern touches are found throughout, such as a touchscreen tablet providing access to a digital concierge as well as room controls and in-tub televisions. A stay here feels less like a typical hotel visit and more like house-sitting a luxury Manhattan apartment—with all the charm of historic architecture and the comforts of cutting-edge amenities.

Time Out tip: From November to March, the rooftop bar transforms into a winter wonderland with heated igloos looking over Fifth Avenue. 

Address: 700 Fifth  Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Price: Starting from approximately $1,300 per night
Closest transport: 5 Av/53 St subway station is about a three-minute walk away

Close to the New York Public Library and other local landmarks, Park Terrace Hotel offers 225 rooms and studios across 15 floors, with many of them overlooking Bryant Park. Wellness takes center stage here: you’ll find yoga mats and resistance bands in each room, as well as a sauna and program of Peloton workouts and off-site fitness classes. Keeping in theme, there’s also a sense of tranquility in the design, with natural interiors and contemporary architecture creating a fresh and clean welcome.

For food, you have a range of options—including La Pecora Bianca, the bustling Italian restaurant that serves up classics like tiramisu and limoncello. For a drink, don’t miss TALEA, the female-founded beer company on the ground floor, serving craft beers and cheese boards (the Bryant Park Sour is a must).

As for the area? Stay here if you want to be strategically placed for sightseeing. Bryant Park is particularly charming in the colder months, when it comes even more alive with a pop-up winter village, ice skating rink and food and shopping options, allowing you to indulge in that classic NYC holiday movie feeling. In the summer, the space is home to a variety of free events, so you’re certainly not going to get bored. 

Time Out tip: Bookings include access to the hotel’s 6th-floor private members’ club, Branch. Drop by for one of their fun weekly events or a signature cocktail to elevate your evening. 

Address: 18 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Price: Starting from approximately $425 per night
Closest transport: 42nd Street-Bryant Park subway station is one block away. Grand Central Station is a five-minute walk. 

Oh, The Ritz. It’s hard to think of a hotel chain that is more iconic. Their Central Park property is fit for royalty (which is probably who you will be rubbing shoulders with in the lobby), steeped in history, and boasts a Forbes five-star and AAA five-diamond creds to its name. Walking inside, it’s hard not to be in awe of the vast, 22-storied brick facade.

Staying here is an experience to remember. If you can, book a Park View Room and indulge in some of the best people-watching this city has to offer (there’s even a telescope in each room). Rooms come with fresh flowers and marble-tiled bathrooms: luxurious but not overly flashy. Downstairs, the La Prairie spa offers a beautiful and tranquil space to get a facial, massage or enjoy a spot of yoga. There’s also a steam room and separate lounges for men and women.

To dine, head to the Club Lounge for window views of Central Park with evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Or head to Contour, where sultry interiors—dark wood, low lighting—complement an indulgent menu. If you’re here with kids, don’t miss the Ritz Kids Check-in: you’ll be greeted by a uniformed teddy bear at a tiny desk in a balloon-filled alcove near the real check-in. Talk about attention to detail.

Time Out tip: The Contour Bar Room hosts a daily tasting slot for guests to try the hotel’s iconic self-titled cocktail and take home a recipe card. 

Address: 50 Central Park South, New York, 10019
Price: Starting from approximately $1025 per night
Closest transport: 57th St-7th Av subway station is a two-minute walk away

Located in the ultra glam One57 Tower in Manhattan, the Park Hyatt New York is surrounded by restaurants, bars and—truth be told—money. If you have a bit of cash to splash, head here for minimalist luxury but with a taste of home. Interiors are all elegant, chic and spacious, and done to the highest quality—radiating a proper sense of calm that can be so rare to find in the city center.

In 2025, the hotel underwent a large refurb, adding three new suites on the 25th floor. You’re guaranteed top-quality service here, with a degree of personalization that brings your stay to the next level. The facilities are brilliant: there’s a spacious spa, Technogym, indoor pool and steam room, as well as The Living Room, a chic but comfy bar and restaurant offering everything from Wagyu steak to fresh pasta.

As for location, you’re just south of Central Park and have a total of eight subway lines within less than ten minutes of the front door. For a hotel with such a high-flying reputation (and clientele to match), Park Hyatt’s flagship property is still very much living up to its hype.

Time Out tip: Be sure to schedule a spa visit, whether that's for a facial, their signature massage or LED light therapy. 

Address: 153 W 57th St, New York, 10019
Price: Starting from approximately $1360 per night
Closest transport: 57th St-7th Av subway station is a three-minute walk away.

This crème de la crème Times Square hotel is rumored to be the birthplace of the dry martini, supposedly crafted in its fabled walls in 1907 for John D. Rockefeller. Need we say more? Full of rich history and blending sophisticated luxury with minimalist decor, The Knickerbocker Hotel gives you the opportunity to stay in one of the city’s icons.

The hotel exudes a stately air, with interiors decorated in calming creams and earthy tones, and it boasts unbeatable views of the city. Rooms are also soundproofed and feature modern tech touches throughout (like control blackout curtains, lighting and temperature via a bedside tablet).

What’s so great about this place is that it embraces its history in a way that is chic and fun, not gimmicky or dated. An ‘in-room martini kit’ is available upon request, and there are five dining options, from laid-back cafés to Akoya, a 28-seat temaki experience. We should also shout out the art collection – the most significant piece is ‘The Saints & Sinners of The Knickerbocker’, a bespoke mural created by New York artist Molly Crabapple.

Time Out tip: St. Cloud is the dream rooftop bar, with DJs, serving up signature cocktails and small bites against a backdrop of the glowing cityscape.

Address: 6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036
Price: Standard room rates begin at $302/night, Standard King Room starts at $450 per night
Closest transport: Grand Central Station is a ten-minute walk.

There’s something undeniably sultry about The Time—cool, contemporary and clean without ever feeling snobby or closed-off. On the contrary, this boutique hotel is one of the more affordable options on the list. And while its rates might fall on the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, there’s no cutting corners when it comes to modern design and welcoming service.

With 193 rooms plus penthouse suites, the property includes a lounge-style bar and Serafina, a restaurant serving up an Italian-meets-NYC menu. It’s stylish, well-located, and fairly priced—just a stone’s throw from the Theater District and all its Broadway magic.

The Time feels like a hipster hideout uptown—the kind of place you imagine creative freelancers come to hang out, thanks to the multimedia artwork on the walls and a glass elevator at the center of the lobby. Rooms are minimally decorated yet comfortable, and the best part? You’re just moments from Times Square.

Time Out tip: This one’s pet friendly (albeit for a fee).

Address: 224 West 49th St, New York, 10019
Price: From $373 per night
Closest transport: 49th St subway station is a two-minute walk away

The Plaza, with its famed Eloise story and idyllic location, has been the backdrop to plenty of movies and the host of many VIPs. It may now have a lot of competition from other neighboring luxury hotels, but it’s still a classic, with tourists still flocking here for the afternoon tea, photo ops, and a visit to turn back time in the Palm Court. The rooms show off a classic elegance that fits this iconic New York hotel.

The 282-room property is situated at the southeast corner of Central Park next to the Upper East Side—you’re also right next to Fifth Avenue, where you can shop until you drop if your heart so desires. Each room is characterized by tall ceilings, comfy bedding and gold-plated finishings; the spacious suites are even more impressive. 

There are a variety of dining options as well as a swish spa and a high-tech fitness center. Budget-wise, a stay at The Plaza is exactly what you'd expect to pay for such a legendary institution. Classic to its core and the epitome of luxury, a stay here feels like stepping into a movie.

Time Out tip: All suite bookings come with a white-glove butler service, if that happens to sway your decision.

Address: 768 Fifth Ave, New York, 10019
Price: From $1,300 per night.
Closest transport: Fifth Ave–59th St subway station is a one-minute walk away

Want a taste of that old-money NYC feeling? The Lotte New York Palace might be the place for you. This iconic hotel combines the landmark Villard Mansion with a 55-story tower and extravagant suites adorned with very over-the-top touches (we’re talking a complimentary microband ring when guests book the Jewel Suite by Martin Katz). A stay here is sure to be memorable. 

Designed in a neo-Italian Renaissance style, the property features a recognizable lobby courtyard—much of the hotel was used as a filming location for Gossip Girl (the bar was even one of Chuck Bass’s favorites). Many rooms offer equally iconic views, such as sweeping sights over St. Patrick’s Cathedral and out toward Rockefeller Center.

Plus, the Midtown East location keeps you close to major attractions while offering a reprieve from the chaos of Times Square and Bryant Park. If you’re looking for a true splurge—and a chance to live like a Gilded Age billionaire for a night—this is the spot.

Time Out tip: Head to the hotel’s Gold Room bar for a moody, gilded throwback to NYC’s high-society past.

Address: 455 Madison Avenue, New York, 10022
Price: Starting from approximately US $670 per night
Closest transport: 57th St - 7th Av subway station is a three-minute walk away.

Stay here for Japanese-inspired boutique charm in a delightful Midtown location. Rooms come with Japanese-style green tea, slippers and bathrobes, as well as bamboo furnishings. Located on Park Avenue—one of Manhattan's slightly calmer options—you’re within easy reach of Grand Central Station and the Empire State Building. 

The design is all understated and tasteful—you won’t be getting any over-the-top glitz and gold here. Instead, think muted neutral shades and traditional touches, such as tatami mats and shoji paper screens incorporated into the interiors. In keeping with its Japanese ownership, you’ll also find heated electronic toilet seats. All of the staff—so the story goes—also speak Japanese. 

The hotel has recently undergone renovation and features a high-end kaiseki restaurant. For more laid-back dining, there’s also the Hillside Cafe, where you can grab American-style breakfast and lunch in a sleek, wood-paneled setting. 

Time Out tip: Their rooftop bar on the 18th floor is a must-visit for cocktails with a view. 

Address: 66 Park Ave, New York, 10016
Price: Starting from approximately $317 per night
Closest transport: Grand Central-42 St subway is a five-minute walk away.

Step inside 1 Hotel Central Park and you could easily mistake it for some hip spot straight out of Brooklyn—there’s an abundance of communal workspace, a restaurant by noted New York chef Jonathan Waxman, a 24-hour gym, even access to a fully electric house car for local rides. But the vibe is never one that’s too-cool-for-school. You’ll feel right at home in the smartly designed rooms with plenty of natural light, and all without leaving Midtown.

Billing itself as a ‘sustainable sanctuary’, this place is simple yet stylish, and just minutes away from Central Park (the clue is in the name). You’ll be greeted with a lobby decked out with nature-inspired decor, including glass terrariums, potted plants and walls made of tree bark. The theme continues even in the bedrooms, where you’ll find cute little pots of moss on the windowsills. 

Also on offer is a gym with options for personal training sessions and complimentary group classes. The space is pet-friendly and comes with complimentary bike rental—they even have a daily market stand with imperfect seasonal fruits to grab and go. The attention to detail is palpable, and it’s hard to resist the warm welcoming vibe from the moment you arrive.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman’s masterful work at Jams, the home of farm-to-fork dining. 

Address: 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, 10019
Price: From $750 per night.
Closest transport: 57th St subway is a one-minute walk

It’s a chain hotel, but don’t let that put you off staying at The Westin New York at Times Square. Not only is it conveniently located for exploring all New York City has to offer, but it’s also warm, inviting and a more affordable option—meaning you can save those pennies for Broadway tickets and Fifth Avenue shopping. 

There are a mind-boggling 873 rooms and 30 luxury suites on offer here, each featuring the brand’s classic Heavenly Bed. You can book connecting rooms if you want to be next to your loved ones, and there’s a fitness studio, plus a range of family-friendly activities at your request.

In terms of location, you’re right in the thick of Manhattan, close to Madison Square Garden and Broadway—and you can easily hop on a train to other tourist spots such as the Met, Wall Street and Lincoln Center. We’d recommend staying here if you want to get out and about with ease and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg.

Time Out tip: Look out for their program of events, including a guided run around the neighborhood.

Address: 270 W 43rd St, New York, 10036
Price: From $485 per night
Closest transport: 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal is a minute walk away

Despite its early-20th-century façade, The Marmara Park Avenue is the embodiment of a trendy, stylish modern hotel. Each room dazzles with contemporary touches, from private terraces to airy, open layouts. And the best part? The wine bar, of course. Tucked away and serene, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day in the city.

This is the kind of place that works well for a longer stay—rooms come with kitchenettes equipped with basics like microwaves and fridges. For something heartier, head to the on-site Tuti Lounge & Bar, where you’ll find classic comfort food with Turkish influences. The amenities continue with a full-service spa, a traditional hammam, an indoor pool and a 24-hour gym.

A little more tucked away than other hotels on this list, The Marmara is still just a 20-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal. And if you're lucky, your room might offer a dazzling view of the Empire State Building (it doesn’t get more NYC than that). Many rooms also feature private terraces.

Time Out tip: A trip to rooftop bar Balcon is a surefire way to elevate your evening plans.

Address: 114 E 32nd St, New York, 10016
Price: From $302 per night.
Closest transport: 33rd Street Subway Station is a one-minute walk away

The Baccarat doesn’t do understated, so stay away if shiny things give you migraines. Expect an exquisitely chic stay where extravagant chandeliers, crystal-cut glasses and silk walls feature (yes, you read right: silk walls). Even the smallest details are afforded the utmost care and attention, so if you’re looking to experience the world of the top one percent, this is the hotel for you.

Think glitzy Parisian design meets New York—this is one for those on a Champagne budget. You’ll find 114 guest rooms, with beds decked out with Somma 1867 sheets and fine cashmere throws. Adjoining bathrooms finished in white marble, and the cocktail bar features not one, but three chandeliers. In the basement you’ll find a gym, indoor pool and the serene La Mer spa. It’s extra, yes, but it’s for sure done well.

Throughout the property there are nods to the 250-year strong art collection—and being practically next door to the Museum of Modern Art, this is a hotel for art lovers. Opulence, luxury and glamour are what this property is all about—all guided by a philosophy of uncompromising excellence.

Time Out tip: If you want to experience the artistry of Baccarat’s afternoon tea, be sure to book in advance. 

Address: 28 W 53rd St, New York, 10019
Price: From $1,037 per night.
Closest transport: 5th Ave - 53rd St subway station is a one-minute walk

The Iroquois is a boutique hotel on a surprisingly quiet stretch of 44th Street filled with clubs—from the Ivy League to the New York Yacht Club. That old-school vibe continues in the property itself—think art deco design, wood paneling, and midcentury-style furniture—but with contemporary touches to keep things feeling fresh.

One of the highlights here is the Finnish-style sauna, where you can sweat out your sins after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. There’s also the Lantern's Keep speakeasy: a tiny cocktail bar which serves up drinks, small plates and nibbles to a trendy crowd. 

The location is great, too—you’re just a two-minute walk from Bryant Park and a six-minute walk from the Rockefeller Center. Book a stay here for vintage kitsch surroundings and real classy character with a reasonable price tag—as well as service with a smile that will leave a lasting impression.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the complimentary overnight shoeshine service. 

Address: 49 W 44th St, New York, 10036
Price: From $215 per night
Closest transport: Grand Central Terminal station is a seven-minute walk away

Whether you’re a romantic or not, it’s hard to resist the bright neon lights of Broadway when they’re sparkling through your oversized hotel window. Placed right in the center of the action, W New York at Times Square has a vibrant atmosphere and cool design, plus a buzzy cocktail bar and program of events and pop-ups. It’s ideal for travellers really wanting to soak up that ‘city that never sleeps’ feeling. 

You’ll be staying right above one of the busiest tourist hubs of the city – which might sound overwhelming, but the rooms themselves feel surprisingly calm and removed. Getting there is an experience in itself: you’ll first pass through a glass-encased water walkway before ascending seven floors in an elevator, giving a sense of exclusivity. Rooms—surprisingly spacious—and suites are decked out with modern art and glamorous furnishings (the ‘Wow’ suite, in particular, has a spectacular skyscraper view that comes alive at night). Facilities-wise, choose from two restaurants, a bar and a 24-hour fitness center.

Also worth a visit is the swanky Living Room bar and lounge next to the lobby. Decorated as a tribute to Times Square’s storied history, you’ll find handcrafted cocktails and often hosts a live DJ. If you’d rather party elsewhere, you’re just steps away from major subway lines. 

Time Out tip: Check out the on-site restaurant Blue Fin if you’re a fan of sushi and lavish seafood towers. Ideal for a pre or post-theater meal.

Address: 1567 Broadway, New York, 10036
Price: Starting from approximately $540 per night
Closest transport: 49th St subway station is a one-minute walk away

A boutique hotel that really does feel ‘boutique’, the Carnegie Hotel is—as the name hints—located a little over 100 metres from the famous hall it shares a name with. The swish Italianate interior design also nods to the musical venue, with lots of playful quirks based around, for example, musical instruments.

It might be slightly smaller than the other properties on this list, but the character of this place is what really makes it stand out. From the music playing in the lobby to the charming themed decor, it’s easy and laid-back, but nice enough that you’ll still have a luxurious-feeling time. And the location—a ten-minute walk away from Central Park—really is hard to argue with.

In short, it’s an efficient, relaxing place to stay that also has a spoonful of fun thrown into the mix. And, of course, even if classical music isn’t your thing, there’s so much else to do in the immediate neighbourhood, including MoMA and Central Park Zoo.

Time Out tip: There’s a wine and cheese hour that takes place every night in the lounge area. 

Address: 160 W 56th St, Manhattan, NY 10019
Price: From $188 per night.
Closest transport: 57 St. - 7 Av Station is steps away and 57 St. Station is 3 minutes