The 15 coolest hotels in New York City for 2026

Nine Orchard breathes new life into the historic Jarmulowsky Bank, utilizing original 1912 blueprints to meticulously restore its Neo-Renaissance grandeur. The aesthetic is a compelling combo of opulent history and contemporary touches, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and Tennessee marble that serve as a canvas for vibrant art and plush seating.Whether you’re stopping by for a quick espresso or checking in for a weekend, the atmosphere hums here is undeniably cool. 

The accommodations offer a curated retreat from the city’s frantic pace, pivoting from the lobby’s maximalism toward a serene, mid-century modern vibe. With 113 rooms ranging from cozy studios to expansive skyline suites, the design favors a muted palette, crisp white walls, and generous windows that frame the urban landscape. The Studio King provides ample room to breathe, complete with classic metro-tiled walk-in showers that feel both timeless and fresh, and while the service mirrors the efficient, no-nonsense spirit of New York, it’s balanced by a genuine warmth from the staff. 

The dining facilities are anchored by the breathtaking Swan Room. Located in the former teller hall, it transitions from an elegant all-day eatery to a sultry evening lounge. For a more relaxed bistro feel, the Corner Bar serves up inventive dishes like grilled Pekin duck and wood-fired carrots. Beyond the plate, the hotel’s location at the top of Orchard Street puts you in the epicenter of the Lower East Side’s coolest indie boutiques. 

Time Out tip: Do not–and we mean this–sleep on the Swan Room’s signature cocktails, and make sure you enjoy a couple with some of their top-tier caviar fries.

Address: 9 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Price per night: From $520 per night
Closest transport: East Broadway and Grand Street 

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Nestled between Greenpoint and Williamsburg, this 23-floor hotel feels more like a Tokyo skyscraper than your typical New York stay. Every room has a private balcony (a serious rarity in this city), and the design—a blend of Seoul-like minimalism and Brooklyn edge—makes even the smallest spaces feel roomy. If you’ve got the budget, book the Vale Garden Residence for a private hot tub and skyline views from your terrace.

The hotel pretty much doubles as an urban resort, with a rooftop pool, 24-hour gym and three dining spots that will tempt you away from the enticing restaurants nearby. Westlight, the 22nd-floor rooftop bar, is where you’ll find trendy Brooklyn-types sipping cocktails over sunset views and downstairs, LEUCA serves up top-tier Southern Italian fare (we’d recommend the pasta, obviously). And for your pastry fix or a coffee stop, Little Fino’s the spot.

Location-wise, you’ve hit the jackpot. Step outside and you’re just minutes from leafy parks, indie boutiques and some of the city’s most exciting under-the-radar restaurants. Complimentary bikes and proximity to the L and G trains make getting around a breeze, but even if you’re just headed poolside for the Midtown views and the saunas (yes, saunas!) this is a brilliant location to be in. 

Time Out tip: Rent a bike from the hotel and ride to McCarren Park or along the waterfront—the views are stunning.

Address: 111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Price: Starting from approximately $300 per night 
Closest transport: Bedford Ave station (L train) is 7-minute walk

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Sitting high above Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, this mass of concrete is a bold addition to the skyline. With 338 rooms perched over the High Line park, it’s a hotel that exists for the view, whether you’re soaking in a freestanding tub or watching golden-hour Manhattan through its floor-to-ceiling windows. 

The vibe here is indulgent, but in all the right ways. The Standard Grill does excellent oysters, steak and is great for celeb-spotting, while Le Bain—the rooftop club with plunge pool and skyline views—keeps the party vibe going until late. But, if you’re after something more laid-back, head down to the Biergarten for bratwurst and a crisp German beer. 

Inside, the 24-hour gym has sweeping views of its own, and the hotel’s staff are efficient, helpful and detail-focused (especially when it comes to food and dietary requirements). Step out and you’re seconds from Chelsea Market, Little Island and the Whitney. 

Time Out tip: Step outside and you’re right on the High Line—walk north to Hudson Yards or south to Little Island and the Whitney.

Address: 848 Washington Street, New York, NY 10014
Price: Starting from approximately $400 per night
Closest transport: 14th Street – 8th Ave station (A/C/E/L trains) is a 6-minute walk

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This former water tower factory turned boutique hotel embodies the best things about Brooklyn’s reputation: industrial structures, stylish interiors, and a lobby that doubles as a local hangout. The 175-room Hoxton nods to the neighborhood’s role as a hub for artsy-types, with original brickwork, rotating art shows and K’Far—the buzzy bakery-café that dishes out bagels and pistachio sticky buns. 

Rooms are cleverly compact with floor-to-ceiling windows, brass fixtures and the hotel even has a mini library, curated based on the recommendations of local businesses. Cosy rooms (spelled the British way, naturally) are ideal for short stays, but the Roomy upgrade is worth it for more space and, in some cases, those sought-after Manhattan views. The bathrooms? Those are a little on the smug side. 

Laser Wolf, the rooftop ‘viewstaurant’, promises bold flavors and even bolder views, but book ahead or you’ll miss out. The staff are friendly, full of local tips, and the location—right by Wythe Ave—is unbeatable for bar-hopping, browsing the boutiques, or catching a gig. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip K’Far downstairs—the pistachio sticky buns are knockout. 

Address: 97 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Price: Starting from approximately $190 per night
Closest transport: Bedford Ave station (L train) is a 10-minute walk

The clue is in the name, but this hotel is very Brooklyn. Step into its light-flooded, plant-draped lobby, and you’ll be greeted by staff in lots of denim, surrounded by reclaimed wood, and even the room key (a small, round, wooden token—no plastic) is a nod to the hotel’s sustainable credentials. The rooms are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and views that sweep over the Brooklyn Bridge or East River. Oh, and there are little details like sand timers in the shower and engraved stones that remind you to donate old clothes are dotted about the place. 

Down in the Bamford Spa, steam rooms and softly lit treatment spaces feel unbelieveably restful, compared to all the city chaos, and the second floor is home to state-of-the-art fitness spaces, yoga sessions, and personal training (if you’re feeling particularly ambitious). Start with brunch at The Osprey, a farm-to-table spot with knockout river views, then take the lift up to Harriet’s Rooftop for cocktails and poolside lounging with skyline backdrops. Just avoid weekend nights, unless you’re ready for a crowd. 

The DUMBO neighborhood packs in more than just grammable views. You should wander the cobblestone streets down to indie bookstore PowerHouse Arena (which doubles as a bar and comedy venue), take a spin on Jane’s Carousel, or shop for vintage gems at the Brooklyn Flea under the Archway.

Time Out tip: Hungry? Head to Time Out Market!

Address: 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Price: Starting from approximately $510 per night
Closest transport: High Street–Brooklyn Bridge station (A/C trains) is a 10-minute walk

Tucked inside a former hat factory near Bryant Park, the Refinery Hotel channels glitz while still oozing that cool, downtown kinda vibe. Inside it feels like a stylish vintage lounge has joined forces with a a old-style New York loft—there are high ceilings and industrial touches, with quirky vintage pieces, too. 

It’s ideal for business travelers or adult groups looking for somewhere which is a step back from the bustle—Times Square is the next block over. The only downside is that light is a little limited, but that can’t come as too much of a surprise in such a busy neighborhood.

Upstairs, Refinery Rooftop is the hotel’s crowning jewel. With typical New York views straight out onto the top of the Empire State Building, it’s one of the city’s most photogenic rooftop bars. The drinks list features crowd-pleasers— spritzes and Old Fashioneds—while the food menu leans into elevated diner vibes. Think lip-smacking burgers and plenty of sliders. Hell, it’s worth a visit, even if you’re not a hotel guest. 

As for the location, you’re a short stroll from Bryant Park (don’t miss the Winter Village if you’re here during the festive season), and within easy reach of some top-tier NYC staples. Art-lovers can explore rare works by Michelangelo and Rembrandt at the nearby Morgan Library, or head to Macy’s and get tapping. 

Time Out tip: Had your fill of the crowds? Head to Joe’s Pizza Broadway for a slice.

Address: 63 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018
Price: Starting from approximately $310 per night
Closest transport: Bryant Park–42nd Street station (B/D/F/M trains) is around a 5-minute walk away

Inside The Bowery, you’ll find a lobby that spans four connected rooms, combining pretty antique furniture, vintage rugs and an old-school bar into a moody, masculine hideaway. It’s an ideal spot to work, read, or sip something strong before heading out.

Attached is Gemma, a classic Italian trattoria serving seasonal plates and wine in a rustic (and also, somehow, chic) space. If you’re here overnight, don’t skip the retro touch of filling out your breakfast room service card. You’ll get fresh food and a newspaper delivered to your door, and while that might sound simple, it’s also a nice, personal touch. 

Upstairs, the rooms are everything you want from a downtown stay: comfortable, generous in size, and full of charm. The Bowery King rooms in particular come with multiple seating areas, a large desk, a sofa and coffee table, and bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers. Lucky enough to land a high floor? Your views will stretch across Manhattan and over the East River to Brooklyn, including sights like the Domino Sugar Factory. 

Outside, you’re perfectly placed to explore lower Manhattan. Within 10 minutes on foot you’ve got a lineup of New York institutions: Katz’s Deli, Russ & Daughters, McSorley’s, Prince Street Pizza and the Museum of Ice Cream. 

Time Out tip: For a perfect slow morning, order breakfast the night before and enjoy it with a newspaper in bed.

Address: 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
Price: Starting from approximately $535 per night
Closest transport: Bleecker Street station (6 train) is a 4-minute walk away

Tucked away on a cobbled street in the heart of SoHo, the Crosby Street Hotel blends vibrant design and an eco-conscious ethos to culminate in a pretty outstanding place to stay. With interiors curated by Kit Kemp, each room brims with color and character: think bold textiles, high ceilings, pleasing color palettes, and oversized headboards. The leafy courtyard and rooftop garden (complete with chickens!) add a rare hit of serenity in one of Manhattan’s noisiest neighborhoods, and, while this is quite the bold statement, it’s the kind of hotel where you’ll want to hang out in your room just as much as explore the city. 

The Crosby Bar & Terrace is where you should start with your day with sun-drenched breakfasts (dreamy, right?), while afternoons are made for tea and people-watching beneath striking artwork and plush décor.

Sustainability is no afterthought here: the hotel proudly holds LEED Gold certification, proving that crazy levels of luxury and environmental awareness can go hand-in-hand.  

The real appeal is, of course, what lies outside the hotel, and Crosby Street puts you just steps from Spring Street Station, with galleries, boutiques, and some of NYC’s best Italian restaurants spilling out across SoHo and nearby Nolita. Take a stroll down Mulberry Street for vintage finds, art books, and excellent espresso.

Time Out tip: Iconic New York Restaurant Balthazar is also right around the corner, so make sure to book in if an indulgent French dinner is what you’re craving. 

Address: 79 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012
Price: Starting from approximately $1,110 per night
Closest transport: Spring Street Station (6 train) is around a 2-minute walk

Set inside the iconic American Radiator Building (that black-and-gold Art Deco gem what dates all the way back to 1924) the Bryant Park Hotel has long been a favorite of the fashion and film worlds. The interiors channel that same energy, from the sleek, marble-clad lobby to the moody, design-rich guest rooms decked out in heavy textiles, dark wood, and dramatic lighting.

Rooms are spacious by NYC standards and of course, offer views overlooking Bryant Park, and the hotel also gets particularly high marks for its attentive service, with a discreet and well-connected concierge team.

Downstairs, the Célon Bar & Lounge, with its Moroccan-inspired decor, velvet sofas, and signature cocktails is a popular spot for DJ sets on the weekend and makes for a great post-dinner stop. Hungry beforehand? Koi, the on-site Japanese restaurant, is lauded for it’s out-there sushi rolls, artful plating, and consistently lively scene.

However, the biggest draw about this place is arguably still it’s prime Manhattan location. The Bryant Park Hotel sits directly across from the park itself, perfect for a coffee on a lovely sunny morning. 

Time Out tip: You’re not far from the New York Public Library, Grand Central, and Times Square, but blissfully removed from the eye of the tourist chaos. 

Address: 40 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018
Price: Starting from approximately $385 per night
Closest transport: 42nd Street–Bryant Park station (B/D/F/M trains) is just a 2-minute walk away

Tucked between the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, the Dream Downtown hits all the right spots to reflect this trendy patch of NYC, from bold interiors to giving much more underground club than buttoned-up boutique.

Housed in a striking former maritime union building with a futuristic porthole-covered façade, step inside and you’re met with sleek, modern design that’s as edgy and artistic as the neighborhood itself. Rooms feel luxurious and surprisingly spacious by Manhattan standards, and luxurious little nods include the Egyptian cotton bedding and rainfall showers.

The Beach, Dream’s rooftop pool, is an urban oasis. It features imported sand, glass-bottom sections, cabanas, and daybeds. Hotel guests and day-pass holders can soak up the rooftop vibes with a cocktail in hand. Downstairs, the atmosphere continues to buzz, with an expansive lobby and a modern gym setup, and the hotel also hosts regular events and pop-ups in its public spaces.

The location? You’re in one of the best. The High Line is just a block away, Chelsea Market is practically next door, and the Hudson River Greenway, Whitney Museum and West Village are all within walking distance. Of course, the party vibes can carry (so light sleepers might want earplugs) but staff here balance it with warm, efficient service that still feels properly high-end. 

Time Out tip: Cop a day-pass or Cabana at ‘Dream Beach’: it’s top-tier rooftop lounging that’ll make you feel like a celeb. 

Address: 355 West 16th Street (corner of Ninth Avenue), New York, NY 10011
Price: Rooms typically range from $330 per night, rising to $500+ during peak summer months
Closest transport: 14th Street–Eighth Avenue Station (A/C/E/L trains) is less than 5-minute walk; 23rd Street Station (F/M) is a 7-minute walk

From the minute you enter The Ludlow, the lobby, which is wrapped in rich woods, exposed brick, and eclectic art, has a warm aura which oddly feels almost like a high-end English pub. Rooms are filled with velvet armchairs, deep four-poster beds, marble-surfaced bathrooms, rainfall showers, and brass accents that are indulgent and surprisingly inviting, and throughout the hotel there’s a sense of snugness.

As for the dining, Dirty French serves up oily tuna tartare, indulgent steak, and seriously lip-smacking cocktails, all inthe kinda lively atmosphere that feels only appropriate in NYC downtown. But when the last drops of wine are poured and the last pastry enjoyed, make your way upstairs to the rooftop terrace—it’s a stunning spot to enjoy the sunset.

But the very best thing about The Ludlow? It’s a brilliant spot to base yourself for exploring the LES. Wander past the Bowery, pop into street‑art‑lined lanes, or catch a set at legendary venues like Pianos or Arlene’s Grocery. You’re also just blocks from the Tenement Museum, delving into NYC’s immigrant roots, or classics like Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters. 

Oh, and getting around is easy. Bowery and Delancey/Essex Street subway stations stop within a few minutes’ walk, looping you to SoHo, the East Village, and beyond. 

Time Out tip: Hit up the rooftop terrace after dinner for skyline cocktails—there’s nothing quite like soaking in the views with a cracker of a drink in hand.

Address: 180 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002
Price: Rooms generally range from about $355 per night (excluding taxes/fees), though rates fluctuate seasonally.
Closest transport: Bowery (F train) or Delancey/Essex (F/J) stations—both within a 2–3 minute walk

The Evelyn’s vibe is unique: it’s a combination of Art Nouveau detailings and jazz-age decor with polished, contemporary touches, and the building’s facade (a bold, blood-red canvas) hints at a stylish interior inside. There are vintage nods in the form of gramophone motifs and brass detailing, but modern features like heated bathroom floors, sound‑proofed windows, and lush Frette linens will ensure you feel ridiculusly comfy. 

Ninepin Café, nestled in the lobby, serves up freshly brewed coffee, toasts, light bites, and daily grab‑and‑go breakfast offerings. Down the hall, The Tusk Bar spoils guests with oysters, innovative and moreish cocktails, and sharp raw‑bar plates in a glamorous, Parisian‑inspired setting (oh, and it was even named one of the best bars in America). For full‑service dining, Brass serves up a mouthwatering, French‑American menu (you’ll find moules‑frites, prawn tartare, and wagyu steak) and a stacked wine list. 

Location-wise, The Evelyn is on the doorstep of Madison Square Park, the Flatiron, and Fifth Avenue, and Penn Station, Grand Central, and subway lines (28th Street station) are an easy walk. If you’re looking for charm, convenience, and value, this could be your spot. 

Time Out tip: Grab a cocktail at The Tusk Bar early evening, then take a twilight stroll through nearby Madison Square Park: the Flatiron building lit-up at dusk is as ‘New York’ as it gets.

Address: 7 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016
Price: Rooms typically start from $275 per night, depending on room type and season.
Closest Transport: 28th Street Station (N/R/W trains) is around a 4-minute walk

Beyond its grey concrete façade, the lobby at MADE draws you in with sunlit wooden walls, lush indoor plants, and a blend of vintage furniture and contemporary design. Sure, it’s hip, but it doesn’t feel forced. The welcome is relaxed and personal, and the mood makes it easy to slow down after an expectedly rushed day. 

Rooms are compact but insightfully thought-through in their design and all feature minibars stocked with indie snacks and local drinks. Good Behavior, the 18th-floor rooftop bar, is a decent spot to spend your evening, if with tiki cocktails, craft beers and leafy surroundings are your bag. 

Step outside and Madison Square Park is a few minutes’ walk away, as are dozens of cool restaurants and art galleries. The hotel also runs regular events—DJ sets, tarot readings, and wine tastings (clearly there’ll be something for everyone)—and the second-floor patio is perfect for a quiet coffee.

MADE’s team is genuinely friendly and switched-on, valet parking runs smoothly, and complimentary bikes are available if you want to ride the city like a local. 

Time Out tip: Head to Good Behavior at sunset, the views are incredible, and you might even catch a surprising pop-up (DJ night, portrait class or tarot reading).

Address: 44 West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001
Price: Rooms typically start from around $240 per night, and there’s a $30 nightly curation fee on top (which includes perks like filter coffee, evening wine hour, Wi‑Fi, and bike rentals).
Closest transport: 28th Street Station (Broadway, N/R/W trains) is a 2-minute walk and 28th Street Station (7th Avenue lines) is a 5-minute walk

A boutique property from the German-based Cloud One group, the hotel brings an eco-conscious design ethos to Lower Manhattan, where natural materials are used throughout, but the overall vibe is modern minimalism. The lobby welcomes you with warm wood tones, soft lighting, and oversized greenery and creates an oasis-like feel that’s refreshing in the city’s most glassy, swanky neighborhood.

The rooms are uncluttered, featuring king-sized beds, large windows with views of the Hudson River or the 9/11 Memorial, and thoughtful details like in-room tea and coffee stations, blackout curtains, and sustainable bath products. 

The real standout, though, is breakfast. Served in the hotel’s casual, deli-style lounge, it features locally sourced organic ingredients, European-style pastries, granola, bagels, and yes, even a peanut butter machine. The Cloud One bar continues the relaxed ambience into the evening, with biodynamic wines, craft beers, and small plates served in a calm, stylish setting. Still hungry? Check out the nearby Cloud One Deli (just around the corner), which serves up excellent light bites like shakshuka, smoothies, and sandwiches—perfect for fuelling your city days.

Time Out tip: Do your morning right: grab breakfast downstairs, then pop into the 9/11 Memorial before the crowds swirl in. It’s the best time to explore at your own pace and really appreciate the site.

Address: 133 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10006
Price: Standard rooms typically start around $163–$235 per night, depending on room type and season
Closest transport: Rector Street Station (1 train) is roughly a 2-minute walk

Tucked between Tribeca, FiDi and Chinatown, this design-forward hotel is nothing like your standard corporate stay: instead, it’s a place to stay if you’re keen for a break from the quiet life.

The beating heart of this place is Recreation, a 5,000-square-foot space that’s part lounge, part café, and part late-night game room. During the day, it’s a relaxed spot for coffee, getting some work done or casual catch-ups, but after dark? The games switch on and the music turns up—go and get involved, why don’t you?

The rooms lean into the Moxy formula: compact but cleverly designed. The layout prioritises smart functionality: we’re talking under-bed storage, folding furniture and sleek bathrooms. Sure, they’re cozy, but when you’ve spent the night playing vintage arcade games and shooting hoops on the hotel’s quirky indoor half-court, it’s all the space you need. 

What sets Moxy Downtown apart is its sociable, almost hostel-like spirit. Check-in happens at the bar, not a front desk, and the staff strike that rare balance between laidback and on-it. Whether you’re in town for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, this hotel is a fun but conventiently-located place to stay.

Time Out tip: Head to Recreation any afternoon for arcade nostalgia, a killer espresso, or a literal pre-game before heading into downtown for drinks. 

Address: 26 Ann Street, New York, NY 10038
Price: Rates typically run from $170, though prices rise in summer or for city-view rooms.
Closest transport: Fulton Street Station (A/C/J/Z/2/3) is just a 2‑minute walk