Emily Benson-Scott

This tree-lined, affluent and residential neighborhood between Central Park and the Hudson River, book-ended by Lincoln Center and Columbia University, is still known as Manhattan’s cultural and intellectual mecca. At a hotel stay here, you just might encounter some of NYC’s cultural elite—from famous musicians to visiting professors. Not to mention you'll be in proximity to some of the best restaurants and attractions that the Big Apple has to offer. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

This formerly nameless Manhattan neighborhood north of Madison Square Park, between 26th and 30th, and Park Ave and Broadway, was once largely ignored due to its wholesale feel and shops full of counterfeit perfume. Since the arrival of the Ace Hotel, the NoMad Hotel, Eataly and Eleven Madison Park, it has flourished into a hip neighborhood, within walking distance to art galleries in Chelsea, NYC, and Gramercy where trendy downtown types flock for its thriving foodie scene (home to some of the best Manhattan restaurants) and opulent hotel bars fit for faux bohemians with a trust fund. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to best hotels in NYC

Formerly the Gershwin Hotel, the rooms at this charming Beaux-Arts boutique have recently been renovated with new bathrooms that include tiles with musical notes—a nod to the famous composer. Renowned for luxe linens and super comfortable beds, the hotel has reasonable rates that will leave you with enough extra cash for a shopping spree at nearby Macy’s or a dinner out on the town. The lobby is currently under renovation, so stay tuned for a new restaurant and bar coming soon.

The roaring fireplace in the library of this traditional hotel makes it a perfect spot to warm up in wintertime while classical music and books continue the theme of cultural enrichment after a long day of museum hopping. This traditional, modestly opulent hotel features family-friendly suites and residential-style rooms with kitchenettes complete with a microwave, dining room table and mini-fridge. The strictly classical decor has been updated to inconspicuously include flat screen TVs and white duvets.

There is something about staying on the Upper West Side that makes you feel more like a local than a tourist. This may be especially true at Hotel Beacon, with its spacious residential rooms featuring kitchenettes which include a fridge, microwave and stovetop. Fairway is right across the street, so you’ll have access to some gourmet groceries to prepare at your home away from home. Book a room above the 23rd floor, and you’re likely to have killer views of the Hudson River. It’s hard to beat this hotel for proximity to entertainment. Take in a concert at the famous Beacon Theatre next door, or stop in the hotel’s elegant Beacon Bar for live piano music.

Far from the madding crowd of Midtown Manhattan, this regal, flawlessly restored Brownstone hotel lures you into its relaxed embrace through its Baroque red terra-cotta entrance. The plush comfortable beds in these classically styled rooms will lull you to sleep in no time. While removed from most of the action, kids will love that it’s a stone’s throw from the Natural History Museum. Guests can enjoy a discount at adjoining Nice Matin, the bustling French bistro with creative riffs on Riviera dishes like delicious swiss chard socca.

Most rooms at this modern, spacious, and affordable hotel have views of the Empire State Building. While there’s no restaurant or bar, they do offer free Starbucks and continental breakfast. Who needs to eat in when you’ve got 20,000+ restaurants to choose from in Manhattan alone? And their valet laundry and dry cleaning service means you can actually pack light for once and have your clothes laundered while you kick back at the bar or take a nap before a night out on the town.

This historic 1903 property with original mosaic tiling in the lobby and a quaint coffee bar has a distinctly European vibe. Mark Twain and Babe Ruth both stayed here as guests, and if you want to be surrounded by memorabilia reminiscent of these famous denizens, you can stay in one of the hotel’s themed suites. Not only will you find free coffee and pastries in the morning but also a free New York Times, and better yet, free WiFi throughout the entire hotel.

At this vibrant hotel steeped in sultry Moroccan-inspired decor, you will feel like you just landed in Morocco for the night. This decidedly non-touristy hotel on the northern outskirts of the Upper West Side and close to Columbia University features rich jewel-hued interiors, a cocktail lounge from Sookk Thai, and an unusually beautiful and exotic lobby. It lacks some amenities, such as a fitness center, but since this 127-room walk-up hotel has no elevator, you won’t necessarily be craving cardio. And if you are, it’s only a ten minute walk to Central Park.

This stylish hotel with its seamless blend of art deco and industrial chic decor still manages to maintain that cozy casual neighborhood vibe. Tourists mingle with Upper West Side locals who come to enjoy the dimly lit ambience of the hotel’s 1920’s inspired bar, library and piano lounge. Many of the loft-inspired rooms have balconies, and terraces on the 14th and 16th floors offer sweeping views of the Hudson, Central Park, and Midtown that just might render you speechless. You won’t go hungry either with three restaurants to choose from, including the popular Northern Italian trattoria Serafina, and RedFarm- a hip Chinese dim sum spot. For small bites and cocktails, try the lobby bar Locl with jazz era libations like the decadent “bubbles and pink” made with with Croft Pink Port, Prosecco Champagne, Cointreau and bitters.