The best hotels near Central Park in NYC

The Plaza has perched proudly on a corner opposite the southernmost edge of Central Park since 1915. To this day, the building is full of luxurious wonders, each nodding to a century’s worth of history, not least the renowned, elegant Palm Court Restaurant. The glamour continues through the rooms too, which contain 24-carat gold-plated fixtures in the bathrooms and spacious wood-paneled closets. There's a spa run by Guerlain, the French perfumier, and a 24-hour fitness center, to name but a few delights.

The mood? Old-world opulence.
Location perks? It flanks 5th Ave, which should keep shopping enthusiasts happy.
Budget range? Extremely expensive.

For guests who enjoy the finer things (read: crystal-studded everything), the Baccarat is the place to be. Everything about this five-star screams sleek luxury, from the Parisian-inspired design and house car (a Citroën, no less) to the world-class hotel spa and glistening glassware around every corner.

The mood? Modern glamour.
Location perks? MoMA is literally across the street.
Budget range? Jaw-drop high.

This 5th Avenue icon blends both historic and modern elements thanks to its 1920s architectural roots, reinvented by a $100 million renovation. Somehow amid the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, The Pierre manages to serve as an utter oasis, and its Rotunda is a sight to behold in itself.

The mood? Regal.
Location perks? Unparalleled views of the park below.
Budget range? High-end, but the lower side of it.

A combination of Art Deco, 1960s retro and contemporary urban class shouldn’t work. But somehow, at The Empire Hotel New York, it does. This Upper West Side hotel doesn’t take itself too seriously, going instead for a light-hearted take on luxe. The headlines include the rooftop plunge pool, rooftop bar and rooftop lounge. In fact, if in doubt for something to do while you are here: head to the roof. The hotel also offers the Gossip Girl Experience package, which riffs on the fact scenes from the series were filmed here. Sample their Gossip Girl cocktail alongside afternoon tea with lots of macarons.

The mood? Maximalist with an edge.
Location perks? Pay tribute to John Lennon with a visit to Strawberry Fields.
Budget range? Mid-range with some good prices to be had.

Billing itself as New York’s most boldly lavish hotel, The Mark seems to know just how to sum things up perfectly, and who are we to argue? Maybe it’s the in-room dining manned by Jean-Georges, or perhaps it’s the stunning Jacques Grange-designed rooms and suites? Either way, this magical Upper East Side gem is a Central Park-centric destination for the books.

The mood? Monochrome beauty.
Location perks? It's mere steps from 5th Avenue.
Budget range? Fairly spenny.

You’ll know the 1 Hotel even before you set foot inside. The building’s perfectly manicured ivy is both a rare sight in Midtown and a greeting most worthy of the hotel group’s philosophy: to honor the beauty of nature in the form of an urban oasis. Rooms are set up for ultimate relaxation, with cotton slipper socks, yoga mats and Nespresso machines. Don’t miss out on Jonathan Waxman’s Jams restaurant during your visit too.

The mood? At one with nature.
Location perks? It's perfect for visits to Carnegie Hall, which is only a block away.
Budget range? Top end of mid-range.

If you like all things in life to be pretty and pink and girly, then you will love this hotel. Beautiful outside and in, the Park Lane New York knows how to deliver on decadence without overstating its case. In fact, it has that refined elegance that can only come from not trying too hard. We’re massive fans of the oversized artworks and painted screens used throughout the building, plus the inclusion of pink and olive velvet. A blast of fun comes via the horizontal striped bathrooms and – oh yes – a late evening trip to their lovely bar, named Darling.

The mood? Pure elegance.
Location perks? Absorb some culture at MOMA, less than ten-minutes’ walk away.
Budget range? Getting steeper.

The excellent location isn't the only thing that makes the Ritz-Carlton’s Central Park location so special in the eyes of its adoring guests. It's home to the award-winning La Prairie Spa, there's state-of-the-art gym equipment, and the rooms come decked out with marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, plush robes, mini bars and 24-hour room service, plus Netflix and premium movie channels. This sort of history and concept of hospitality are characteristic of classic New York and, cheesy as it sounds, there’s no experience quite like it anywhere else in the world.

The mood? Upmarket townhouse.
Location perks? Unadulterated skyline views.
Budget range? Budget-busting.

This internationally acclaimed business traveler’s paradise has five stars for a reason: the scene, the service and the spa. That trifecta places the Mandarin Oriental a cut above the rest. Rooms have lovely floor-to-ceiling windows, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, mini bars and a complimentary chocolate and bottle of water provided each day.

The mood? Earthy sumptuousness.
Location perks? Panoramic views of the park from the hotel restaurant, MO Lounge.
Budget range? Slightly lower end of spenny.

Just three blocks from Central Park and mere steps to 5th Avenue, The Whitby wins on location, location, location. But it doesn't end there: it also offers free wifi to guests, a book-lined drawing room and state-of-the-art gym equipment. And the rooms make the most of the city skyline with floor-to-ceiling windows—or even private terraces with some rooms.

The mood? Beautifully homely.
Location perks? Very easy access to MoMA and the Rockefeller Center.
Budget range? Spenny as you like.

This magnificent Midtown hotel is located in the famous Essex House building, atop which the iconic six-story letters have sat since the 1930s. With checkered marble floors, gold embossed lifts and paneled ceilings, it is the epitome of New York opulence. The eminently comfortable rooms come with all the usual conveniences, plus a few satisfying extras, such as a TV with access to Netflix, HuluPlus, YouTube and Pandora. Enjoy locally sourced small plates at Southgate restaurant and partake in a few treatments at the five-star spa.

The mood? Golden Age glamor.
Location perks? You stay much closer to Central Park unless you set up camp inside.
Budget range? Rooms start at the higher end of mid-range.