New York hotels: Mid-range hotels

Nine Orchard occupies the iconic Jarmulowsky Bank, a deeply historic building restored using its original 1912 blueprints. The Neo-Renaissance architecture has been brought back to life with care: vaulted ceilings, pink Tennessee marble floors and Botticino marble walls create a backdrop for bold artworks and patterned banquettes.  It’s a hotel that works just as well for coffee, dinner or drinks as it does for an overnight stay. It’s also a magnet for celebrities and tastemakers—on my way out, I clocked model Lucky Blue Smith and his social-media-star wife Nara Smith gliding in to check in—proof, if any were needed, that Nine Orchard is one heck of a swish place to stay.  Why should you stay at Nine Orchard? Let me count the reasons. Firstly, the location is spot on: just off the beaten path in the Lower East Side, with an indie edge and some of the city’s best boutiques on the doorstep. The design is genuinely swoon-worthy, and the dining options deliver, with the ground-floor Swan Room calling for a cocktail once evening rolls around.  What are the rooms like at Nine Orchard?  There are 113 rooms across six categories, starting with classic and studio spaces with queen or king-size beds. At the top end, there are two-bedroom suites ideal for families, plus a rooftop terrace suite and the aptly named Supreme View Suite, with skyline vistas.  While the public spaces lean into opulent maximalism, the bedrooms feel calm and relaxed, drawing on mid-century modern influences....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

With so many historic hotels in the Midtown East 'hood, it’s hard to pick just one to stay in. Nestled between Lexington and 3rd Aves, The Kimberly Hotel should make your list. This boutique hotel specifically caters to the business peeps of the world, but with world class amenities and the prime location, it’s something you just can’t beat. One of the best things about the Kimberly is that this particular hotel is known for all the rooms being luxury suites. A rare thing in the city of Manhattan, but the Kimberly pulls it off. While the ornate decor (when you get to your room, there is a beyond-awesome bronze door knocker of an eagle) may not be everyone’s style, the luxury has been experienced by Hollywood and political royalty (Presidents Reagan and Carter are previous guests). When climbing into bed (you do legit have to climb or jump for how high the bed is raised) you are wrapped in a cocoon of soft cotton comforters and feather down pillows. And when you wake up to take on the city, make sure to take your morning caffeine out on you private terrace and take in the Manhattan skyline. While NYC does have some of the best restaurants around, some of those are right within your reach. The Kimberly offers 3 spectacular options for its guests: Bistango for Italian cuisine, Upstairs for drinks with a view, and the Empire Steakhouse for an old school meal.  Bistango, located in the back corner of the hotel lobby, has delicious entrees for either romantic dinner or a homey...

Every New Yorker fantasizes of a few things when it comes to the perfect apartment; rent controlled and perfect views. Ink48, a Kimpton Hotel, delivers on the perfect views to the T. Located on the edges of Hell’s Kitchen, right on the Hudson River waterfront, you will find views that are to die for. The thing to know about a Kimpton Hotel(s) chain, is that they coined the term “boutique hotel”. They believe personalization and getting to know each of their guests is the key to making a spectacular stay. Specifically at Ink48, the pride themselves on catering to the “bleisure” crowd (business + leisure). Rooms and conference spaces have recently be renovated that allow you to connect and socialize with ease. Guest rooms have been stylized with a New York runway apartment in mind, with large windows that allow you to take in Midtown Manhattan views from the comfort of your King size bed (which you will be melting into). Rooms are designed with a simplistic elegance. White washed walls and earthy tones with pops of color make the rooms stand out with sophistication. When you get the motivation to leave your room, head down to Ink48’s restaurant PRINT. This farm-to-table restaurant has delectable bites that will leave you wanting more. Start off the grilled quail (with fig truffle sauce and sauteed romaine), for your entree the red snapper is what dreams are made of. Served with a butternut squash puree, swiss chard, and toasted pumpkin seeds all bathed in a citrus sauce...