The William Vale
Photograph: The William Vale
Photograph: The William Vale

The 17 coolest hotels in New York City for 2025

Our expertly-curated list of the coolest hotels on the block

Liv Kelly
Advertising

New York City is iconic (there’s no arguing with that) and while there’s an abundance of luxury spaces, stays with knockout views or spots with incredible pools which would really make your trip, you can’t beat finding a hotel which embodies everything that makes this city so effortlessly, timelessly cool. 

After all, a hotel might just be a place you’re planning to rest your weary, tired head after a long day of shopping, eating and sightseeing, but when you think about it, they’re basically your gateway into the city. From oh-so-authentic downtown spots to swish FiDi skyrises and boutique Brooklyn outposts, there’s plenty to choose from. New additions to Time Out’s list for 2025 include The William Vale, The Hoxton, Williamsburg, and The Standard, High Line, but scroll on for an expertly-curated list of the coolest hotels on the block when it comes to where to stay in NYC.

📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City

How we curate our hotel lists

Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the worldnew openings, old classics and everything in betweento bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

The coolest hotels in NYC

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Meatpacking District
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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 a 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 quirks). Step out and you’re seconds from Chelsea Market, Little Island and the Whitney. The location of this place will really make you feel like you’ve cracked the NYC code: a well-connected Manhattan spot, with none of the chaotic stress.

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

Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Things to Do Editor
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Williamsburg
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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 neighbourhood’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 flavours 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 $350 per night
Closest transport: Bedford Ave station (L train) is a 10-minute walk

Patricia Kelly Yeo
Patricia Kelly Yeo
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Los Angeles
Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Williamsburg
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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-esque 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. Tuck into some spicy Khao Soi at AM-THAI or try some high-end Chinese plates at MEILI. Feeling super extra? Book a tasting menu at Michelin-starred Restaurant Yuu.

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 waterfrontthe views are stunning.

Address: 111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Price: Starting from approximately $450 per night 
Closest transport: Bedford Ave station (L train) is 7-minute walk

Brian Cicioni
Brian Cicioni
Contributing writer
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Midtown West
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

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. Rooms are unusually spacious for Midtown, with subtle nods to the city’s past: tiled bathrooms, minibars stocked with Upstate whiskey, and Empire State Building wallpaper (that sort of works). 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 $360 per night
Closest transport: Bryant Park–42nd Street station (B/D/F/M trains) is around a 5-minute walk away

Ian Kumamoto
Ian Kumamoto
Former Culture Editor
Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • price 4 of 4
  • Recommended

The lobby at this hotel is dramatic—there is no two ways about it. Enter and you’ll be greeted by Dale Chihuly’s colourful glass art that stands boldly against plush, elegant finishes. Many of the 244 rooms and suites offer sweeping skyline vistas—and yes, you’ll find binoculars in your room so you can soak it all in. Even standard rooms feel ridiculously indulgent, with floor-to-ceiling windows, robotic toilets, plush Italian linens, and intuitive controls for lighting and temperature. It’s tech-forward but never cold, and that’s thanks to traditional and attentive details like the turndown service. 

Wellness is a core part of the hotel’s identity. Guests can unwind in the serene 14,500-square-foot spa, where massages, facials and holistic therapies are delivered in softly lit, soundproofed treatment rooms. If you’re after a more active reset, the sleek 75-foot lap pool is just the spot for an early morning swim (or a splash about with the kids).

Come dinner time, head to MO Lounge: it’s a go-to for elegant breakfasts, business lunches or a relaxing afternoon tea featuring scones, finger sandwiches and delicate desserts, all with that jaw-dropping city backdrop.

Whether you’re in town for business or looking to indulge in a luxurious city break, the Mandarin Oriental offers an unmatched sense of calm above Midtown’s constant buzz. What sets the hotel apart is the seamless service—so professional and gracious that you could easily forget the team are even there. In a city where chaos is a constant, this is one of the rare places that genuinely delivers on curating a properly peaceful stay. 

Time Out tip: Book afternoon tea at MO Lounge and watch the park from above with a scone in hand—what better way is there to do it? 

Address: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023
Price: Starting from approximately $995 per night
Closest transport: 59th Street–Columbus Circle station (A/B/C/D/1 trains) is just a 2-minute walk

Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Things to Do Editor
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Lenox Hill
  • price 4 of 4
  • Recommended

Opened in 1930 and perched on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, The Pierre combines old-world glamour with warm, attentive hospitality. The interiors are classic and grand, from the checkered marble floors to Edward Melcarth’s hand-painted murals in the Rotunda, while the service is famously personal (bell staff who’ve been around for decades still ride the lift with you). Suites come with tufted headboards, pillowy seating areas and park-facing windows that frame one of the city’s most spectacular views, and you’ll even get your hands on in-room treats like miniature edible Empire State Buildings.

The concierge team, led by the affable, industry-famous Maurice Dancer, preps a personalised itinerary of exhibitions and events, often tested out by staff first. Perrine, the hotel’s restaurant, balances French bistro fare with a revived Indian menu that nods to The Pierre’s 1950s heyday and signature dishes include honey-lavender roasted chicken and Gosht Biryani. For something more relaxed, the Two E Bar & Lounge serves up live jazz Tuesday through Saturday, as well as high tea and classic cocktails.

Centrally located on the southeast corner of Central Park, The Pierre is steps from The Plaza, Fifth Avenue’s shops, and the Upper East Side’s museum mile. You’re also not far from The Met, MoMA and Madison Avenue.

Time Out tip: Order the short rib ravioli at Perrine and hang around for the live jazz at Two E Lounge afterwards. 

Address: 2 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065
Price: Starting from approximately $895 per night
Closest transport: 5th Ave–59th Street station (N/R/W trains) is a 3-minute walk

Shaye Weaver
Shaye Weaver
Contributor, Time Out New York
Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Brooklyn Heights
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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). For proper holiday vibes, 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. Hungry? Head to Time Out Market!

Time Out tip: Make sure you leave some time to hangout at the rooftop pool at Harriet’s. You’ll get knockout skyline views, and weekday mornings are the best time. 

Address: 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Price: Starting from approximately $700 per night
Closest transport: High Street–Brooklyn Bridge station (A/C trains) is a 10-minute walk

Onik Hossain
Senior Designer
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • East Village
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

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. You’re also near Tompkins Square Park and the Bleeker Street subway, so it’s very easy to get around. 

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 $495 per night
Closest transport: Bleecker Street station (6 train) is a 4-minute walk away

Sarah Iandoli
Social Media Editor
Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Soho
  • price 3 of 4

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 $1,025 per night
Closest transport: Spring Street Station (6 train) is around a 2-minute walk

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Midtown West
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

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

Time Out tip: Skip the Fifth Avenue crowds and walk straight into Bryant Park for morning coffee on a shaded bench—it’s a lush way to get some calm before entering the Midtown bustle, and New York Public Library is a very pretty backdrop. 

Address: 40 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018
Price: Starting from approximately $380 per night
Closest transport: 42nd Street–Bryant Park station (B/D/F/M trains) is just a 2-minute walk away

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Spa hotels
  • Midtown West
  • price 4 of 4
  • Recommended

The Plaza isn’t just a hotel, it’s a New York landmark. Perched where Fifth Avenue meets Central Park South, this French Renaissance château has been serving (literal) gold-plated glamour since way back in 1907.

Step into the marble lobby and you’re walking in the same  footsteps of everyone from The Beatles to Kevin McCallister. However, despite its old-world grandeur, The Plaza is surprisingly current: rooms come with in-room iPads, luxe bathrooms, but with the same expectedly frilly, almost-but-not dated luxury. 

If you’re going to do The Plaza, make sure you do it properly: book afternoon tea under the stained-glass dome of The Palm Court and lean into the decadence. There’s also a Champagne Bar for pre-theatre drinks, a Guerlain Spa, and a collection of luxury boutiques tucked discreetly inside the hotel.

The rooms themselves are pure old-school fantasy—it’s crystal chandeliers, polished brass fittings and plush bedding galore. And if you’re splashing out on one of the suites? Expect walk-in closets and views of Central Park which are unmatched compared to any other spot in the city.

The southeast corner of Central Park is in touching distance, it’s across from Bergdorf Goodman, and also just a quick stroll to MoMA, The Met, or pretty much anywhere else you’d want to explore. 

Time Out tip: Book afternoon tea at The Palm Court for maximum people-watching, and don’t skip the Champagne upgrade. You’re at The Plaza, after all, so live a little. 

Address: 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Price: Starting from approximately $780 per night (with suites ranging above $1,800)
Closest transport: Fifth Avenue–59th Street Station (N/R/W) is a 2-minute walk; Columbus Circle–59th Street Station (A/B/C/D/1) is a 5-minute walk

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Chelsea
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

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: Make ‘Dream Beach’ into your afternoon go-to. Day‑pass or cabana, it’s top-tier rooftop lounging that’ll make you feel like a celebrity. 

Address: 355 West 16th Street (corner of Ninth Avenue), New York, NY 10011
Price: Rooms typically range from $300–$450/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

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Lower East Side
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

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 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. 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 $319 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

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Flatiron
  • price 2 of 4

The Evelyn’s vibe is unique. Art Nouveau detailings and jazz-age decor meet polished, contemporary touches here, 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. 

When it comes to dining, The Evelyn hits all the right spots. 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 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 range from $221–$489 per night, depending on room type and season.
Closest Transport: 28th Street Station (N/R/W trains) is around a 4-minute walk

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Flatiron
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

Tucked between the Empire State and the Flatiron Buildings, the MADE Hotel is a Scandi-chic alternative to the super-cool downtown vibe. Beyond its grey concrete façade, the lobby 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 $235 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

16. Moxy NYC Downtown

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: Don’t just stay, play. 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 $150, 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

Advertising

17. Cloud One New York Downtown

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. You won’t find a gym or spa here, but you will find an emphasis on creating a really fun atmosphere.

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

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising