New York hotels: Mid-range hotels

Times Square is one of the flashiest neighborhoods in New York. Some would argue it’s the epicenter of the city. It’s loud, chaotic, and busy all the time, but the draw to be based in Times Square is understandably enticing.  But The Knickerbocker Hotel proves that even the busiest parts of the city can offer not only some peace and quiet, but luxurious respite, too. It’s full of rich history (the dry martini was born here, guys), and has one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever laid my head on in this city. All that with its soundproof rooms and minimalist decor, you’ll enjoy the convenience of the most chaotic parts of Manhattan while feeling light years away. Why stay at the Knickerbocker Hotel? Location and comfort are two important factors to consider when booking any hotel, and The Knickerbocker has nailed both. Because of its prime midtown location, you not only have easy access to New York’s top attractions, but also to just about every major subway line. Getting out to more local-populated hangouts like Jackson Heights, Queens (just jump on the 7 train) and Williamsburg, Brooklyn (jump on the M) are easy jaunts. Aside from its prime real estate, the Knickerbocker is a flavour of proper, old-school New York suave without feeling dated, and that’s thanks to the modern tech touches incorporated throughout. It even gives a little Hollywood glamour–my first thought on arrival was that Marilyn Monroe would have blended in perfectly here.  What are the rooms like at...

If you’re looking for a Gilded Age, old-money historic NYC experience, Lotte New York Palace on Madison Avenue is just the place. Lotte Palace was built during the Gilded Age, 1882 to be exact. The lobby, courtyard and the main hotel building comprise three wings of the Villard Houses, a row of mansions built in the 1880s by McKim, Mead & White (which are New York City-designated landmarks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places) for railroad tycoon Henry Villard. I entered the building through the main lobby, walking through its notorious courtyard, which is immediately recognizable from the over 25 movies and TV shows filmed there. Through the heaviest revolving door I’ve pushed in a while and stepped back in time, surrounded by the type of ostentatious grandeur that isn’t made anymore. The lobby features multiple staircases, two of which lead to the second-floor balcony and its giant pink marble fireplace. Marble statues of Greek goddesses adorn the gold leaf-plated banisters. It should feel almost gaudy, but instead, it feels exciting and luxurious. Heading down the stairs to check into the towers, I was given a room on the 45th floor. My ears took a second to pop when I got off the elevator, but the annoyance of that feeling quickly lifted when I caught a glimpse of the view out my window. I looked straight out over Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, right towards Rockefeller Center. It’s the type of view that even I, a lifetime New Yorker, was in awe of. The...

Walking out of your room at the Beekman to see its nine-story Victorian pyramidal atrium immediately places you back to the time of authors Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson—who frequented the space when it was an annex for the New York Mercantile Library in the mid 1800s—and newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst, who once had an office in the building.  This architectural gem with eight tiered galleries served as the atrium to one of Manhattan’s very first skyscrapers—Temple Court—when it was built in 1881. Today, you can still see its original cast iron railings and balustrades, gorgeous millwork around its doorways and encaustic tiles featuring reds, browns and golds thanks to its successful restoration in 2016 by Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel Architects. Finally in 2024, the gorgeous atrium was made an interior NYC landmark. The atrium sure is the star of the show at the Beekman, but it’s not the only one. The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel as of 2022, offers a cozy but stylish stay with 287 rooms to book out (from studios to Queen, Deluxe and King suites with and without terraces as well as two turret penthouses), a 24-hour gym and an incredibly comfortable lobby that greets you with its own luxurious branded scent, Beekman 1802! Fresh Air. It boasts two highly-rated restaurants—Le Gratin by Chef Daniel Boulud and Temple Court by Tom Collichio—and the stunning Bar Room under the atrium. On the ninth floor, my studio suite faced an inner courtyard so the...

Eight years since its opening, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge continues to redefine hotel sustainability in “the city that never sleeps.” Upon walking in, my partner and I were greeted by an airy, plant-filled lobby with loads of guests and digital nomads working away, and a charismatic set of staff dressed in casual denim from head to toe—both signs that we were in fact, in New York, and steps away from the natural world that keeps us afloat. During our stay, we couldn’t help but notice the little details that reminded us what it means to live sustainably and in tune with our environment. Room keys and interiors made of reclaimed wood, an engraved rock inviting guests to recycle their used clothing, sand timers in the shower, a filtered water system separate from the sinks in every room, a farmstand beside the lobby elevators, even the bridge and park views all served as moments of mindfulness. From bottom to top, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has built in services, amenities, and a genuine sense of hospitality that makes you feel as though you never have to leave (or would want to leave). Starting at Level -1, the Bamford Wellness Spa offers a wide range of treatments, including a steam room and relaxation lounge. Zephie and Maria treated us to full-body massages in dimly-lit, modern rooms. The highlight of the experience was when the concierge at the front desk referred to us as “king” and “queen.”  In addition to the co-working space, the first floor also houses The...

It’s a clear marker of New York luxury—proximity to Central Park, that is. Real estate prices tend to grow exponentially the closer you get to that iconic, lush green space, with the park’s southernmost block being fittingly known as Billionaires’ Row. Nestled near that group of ultra-pricey pencil towers are several of the city’s most lavish hotels, from the Plaza to the Ritz Carlton to the Park Hyatt. But the Hyatt corp. has another property, the Thompson Central Park New York, right around the corner that, though a solid chunk of change cheaper than the Park Hyatt and its budget-unfriendly brethren, still packs in plenty of five-star polish.  Taking over the iconic former Le Parker Meridien space on West 56th Street, the Thompson Central Park underwent a major mid-pandemic facelift by architect Thomas Juul-Hansen and designers Stonehill Taylor and officially opened in November 2021. The result is mid-century modern sleekness—this is a Thompson property, after all—throughout both the public spaces and private guestrooms.  Soaring with 36-foot-high ceilings, the large-scale lobby features crushed-velvet sofas, contemporary artworks and colossal statement chandeliers, as well as two of the hotel’s stellar food-and-drink options: the jazzy all-day lounge Parker’s, which serves up live tunes, a solid Cosmo ($25) and New York-y plates like a Wagyu chopped cheese ($27) and a truffle-sauced “dirty water” dog ($23); and patty “speakeasy” Burger Joint, a Le Parker Meridien...

  Michelin is known for awarding restaurants with stars but it recently expanded its expertise by awarding hotels with Michelin Keys. The Bowery Hotel in East Village was recently awarded one Key, ranking it as a “Very Special Stay,” and the organization was right.  Walking through the double doors of The Bowery Hotel felt like I was walking into a different period. The decor was classy and masculine—with antique couches and chairs placed throughout the large space. I was greeted by the kind bellhops and checked into my room.  The lobby was quiet and comforting—it seemed like the perfect place to get some work done or relax before venturing out for the day. Guests were scattered throughout the space reading, working or talking amongst themselves. The lobby spans four rooms, including two rooms with plenty of spots to sit, a cozy bar with stools and an outdoor terrasse. Attached to the hotel is Gemma, an Italian Trattoria with seasonal dishes, an extensive wine list and a comfortable dining room. I took the dimly lit (and old but well-maintained) elevator up to the 12th floor and walked into my room, which had breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn (I had a perfect view of the newly renovated Domino Sugar factory!) I stayed in the Bowery King room which included a large desk with drawers for clothing, a table and two chairs, a loveseat sofa, a coffee table, a king-size bed with a nightstand on each side and a bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower.  The room was...

If you’ve made it past the hubbub at street level and escaped into W New York – Times Square’s lobby, you’re in for a treat: When you first enter, you'll be encased in glass with calming water running all around you. Then, you’ll reach the elevators and head upstairs to reception, where you’ll find concierge, a bar decked out with a massive Pop Art-style mural and a dance/live music area towards the back, complete with a rotating DJ booth shaped like the New Year’s ball outside nearby. The hotel boasts 509 luxurious rooms (43 suites), a beautiful fitness center and two in-house restaurants to choose from: Blue Fin and Dos Caminos—each with a distinct feel.  Depending on how you're feeling, you can dress up and head to Blue Fin for seafood or stay casual for modern Mexican fare at Dos Caminos. Standouts at the Robert McKinley-designed Blue Fin include the Rocket Man Roll ($16) which combines spicy salmon, shrimp, avocado, mango and dill and covers it all with a red "nuclear sauce" and the Affair cocktail ($16) which mixes gin and prosecco with the perfect amount of St-Germain Elderflower and gives it an extra tangy kick with some orange marmalade. Adventurous cocktail aficianados definitely don't want to miss the A-Z Cocktail from the seventh floor Living Room bar. The drink, new for 2019, is made with 26 ingredients that each start with—you guessed it—a different letter of the alphabet. The end result is surprisingly balanced and tasty, and is available complimentary in...

Some hotels are defined by their architecture, others by the type of scene they attract. Sofitel New York is a vision in limestone and glass, and has a lovely on-site restaurant, Gaby Brasserie Française. But the main thing that defines a stay here, and will probably convince you to return for a second or third time, is the excellent service. The experience manages to achieve a sense of luxury without a hint of snobbishness or pretension.  A sense of ease comes naturally here, and that’s helped along by the tasteful décor. The bold colors and polished marble in the Neo Art Deco lobby are eye-catching without being too loud or aggressive. The warm and inviting rooms are full of muted browns and tasteful grays, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sleek design. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of the city, and some include terraces. If you can swing it, it’s worth splurging on the suite themed for the Tony Awards. As the official hotel of the iconic theatrical awards show, the property has created a one-of-a-kind suite with multiple rooms, two bathrooms and the largest private hotel room terrace we’ve ever seen in midtown. There are also rooms themed for specific Broadway shows that are available to book, perfect for any theater lover coming to visit the nearby Great White Way. Room service is offered, but a night spent at Gaby Brasserie Française on the first floor makes for a lovely evening. After indulging in the decadent French cuisine—the Onion Soup...

The funky boutique hotel group’s New York City base is conveniently situated a 10-minute walk from Madison Square Garden, yet set away from the chaos of Penn Station. The renovated 20th century office building in Midtown Manhattan has a historic past that is manifested throughout the Ace’s retro-modern design.  The lobby is a cultural hub, with rows of long wood tables and plush leather couches overflowing with freelancers on their laptops during the day and travelers imbibing on housemade martinis during the evenings. The lobby is swathed in hand-picked art, as are the rooms, which are spacious and outfitted with vintage-inspired furnishings. The hotel’s dining options are inspiring and must tries, especially the April Bloomfield-helmed Breslin Bar and Dining Room. On site is also a popular hipster hangout, Stumptown coffee, which serves up artisanal concoctions and a trendy oyster bar with killer cocktails.  New York’s very own Opening Ceremony also has a post in the hotel, and carries unique designer garb at a high-end price tag.

Sleek, sophisticated and sexy: Viceroy New York has all the makings to delight couples searching for a romantic hideout, entertain a group of bachelors or accommodate a company traveling for a business trip. The second you step inside the midcentury-inspired lobby, adorned with elegant Paonazzo marble, sleek, camel-colored leather seating and shiny, brass-topped cocktail tables, it’s apparent you’re about to embark upon an evening of luxury. The cozy guestrooms, boasting custom iroko-wood cabinets encompassing the bed, offer plenty of storage without sacrificing space. Housed inside a tambour door, you’ll find an Illy espresso maker and mini bar. In case you’re in the mood to unwind by listening to some tunes, there’s a Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox Portable sound system on the nightstand for use. The hotel’s gym—located on the basement level of the built-from-scratch skyscraper—is modest, but offers all the necessary Kinesis and yoga equipment, as well as cardio machines (treadmill and elliptical) necessary to get a decent workout. But be warned: The second you collapse on the heavenly-soft king-size bed inside a deluxe guestroom, your previous plan to wake up early for a morning sweat-sesh will be doomed. (Your intentions are good; The Viceroy’s beds are just better.) However, you will be grateful for the aforementioned fitness center after indulging in a decadent meal offered at the hotel’s eatery, Kingside. (FYI: The restaurant’s aesthetic is 1950s diner meets 1920s...