Finding the right hotel in New York City can feel like searching for a needle in Times Square. With thousands of options and every price point imaginable, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re visiting for business, Broadway, or bagels, the hotel you choose can shape your entire NYC experience. After comparing dozens of hotels, reading hundreds of traveler reviews, and checking 2025 updates on amenities, location, and overall value, I’ve narrowed it down to the 25 best hotels in New York City—ranked and grouped by luxury, mid-range, and budget picks that cater to different needs.
1. The Peninsula New York – Best Luxury Hotel in Midtown
Location: Fifth Avenue & 55th Street.
Rating: 9.4/10 (Luxury Travel Digest, 2025).
If you’re looking for timeless elegance and five-star service, The Peninsula New York is still at the top in 2025. This iconic hotel places you right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan—perfect for shopping on Fifth Avenue, seeing a Broadway show, or strolling Central Park.
Rooftop terrace & bar with skyline views
Award-winning spa and indoor pool
Personalized concierge service
Quiet, spacious rooms with marble bathrooms
- Insider tip: Book a suite and you’ll get complimentary access to chauffeur services in a BMW 7 Series within a 15-block radius.
- Check availability at The Peninsula New York
2. citizenM New York Bowery – Best Modern Boutique Hotel
Location: Bowery, Lower East Side.
Rating: 9.2/10 (Traveler’s Choice Awards 2025).
citizenM Bowery redefines cool. It’s ultra-modern, artsy, and ideal for solo travelers or couples looking for a stylish but affordable NYC stay. Every room has mood lighting, blackout blinds, and rain showers—all controlled from an iPad.
Breathtaking 20th-floor rooftop bar
Self check-in kiosks (fast and easy)
Trendy co-working space and 24/7 food
Walkable to SoHo, Chinatown, and the East Village
- It’s like staying in a museum with hotel beds.
- Explore citizenM New York Bowery
3. The Wallace Hotel – Best Hidden Gem on the Upper West Side
Location: Upper West Side.
Rating: 9.1/10 (Forbes Verified Stays, 2025).
Tucked away on Manhattan’s quieter side, The Wallace is a newer luxury boutique hotel that’s been turning heads in 2025. It offers minimalist, high-end design with a calming atmosphere—perfect for those who want a bit of breathing room.
Oversized rooms for NYC standards
High-end fixtures, plush bedding, and rainfall showers
Peaceful, neighborhood feel with Central Park nearby
Great access to subway lines and local eateries
- This is where locals tell friends to stay when they visit.
4. Arlo Midtown – Best Mid-Range Hotel with a Rooftop
Location: Midtown Manhattan.
Rating: 8.9/10 (TripAdvisor 2025).
For travelers who want location, comfort, and a rooftop bar without paying top-tier rates, Arlo Midtown strikes the right balance. It’s just minutes from Penn Station, Times Square, and Bryant Park.
Comfortable rooms with modern, functional design
Rooftop bar with city views and craft cocktails
Gym and café on-site
Great Wi-Fi and coworking-friendly lobby
- Ideal for business travelers or first-time NYC visitors looking for value and vibe.
5. The Pod Hotel 51 – Best Budget Hotel That Doesn’t Feel Cheap
Location: Midtown East.
Rating: 8.4/10 (Budget Traveler Picks 2025).
New York is notoriously expensive, but Pod 51 proves you can stay smart and stay central. This is a great budget pick for students, solo travelers, or anyone who just needs a clean place to sleep without compromising location.
Small but efficient rooms (some with shared bathrooms)
Rooftop terrace and cozy outdoor spaces
In-room tech and storage solutions
Just a short walk to Grand Central and Rockefeller Center
- It’s the best budget option that still feels modern and safe.
- Visit The Pod Hotel 51
6. The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue – Modern Luxury with Unmatched Service
Location: Fifth Avenue, Midtown.
Rating: 9.5/10 (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).
The Langham delivers contemporary luxury right in the heart of Manhattan. With sleek interiors, enormous rooms (especially for NYC), and exceptional service, it’s a favorite among business travelers and couples alike.
Michelin-starred restaurant Ai Fiori on-site
Large marble bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs
City views from nearly every room
Personal butler and concierge services
- Perfect for travelers who want upscale comfort without the traditional Old World vibe.
- Book a stay at The Langham New York
7. The Standard, High Line – Best Hotel for Views & Nightlife
Location: Meatpacking District
Rating: 9.0/10 (Condé Nast. Traveler Readers’ Choice, 2025).
Perched above the High Line park, The Standard is more than just a hotel—it’s a social scene. From its famous rooftop bar to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows in every room, this hotel is a go-to for design enthusiasts and nightlife lovers.
Uninterrupted views of the Hudson River & downtown skyline
Chic rooftop bar and iconic Boom Boom Room
Prime location near Chelsea Market and Whitney Museum
Pet-friendly and full of personality
- Check out The Standard, High Line
8. Hotel Beacon – Best Hotel for Families in NYC
Location: Upper West Side.
Rating: 9.2/10 (Family Travel Guide, 2025).
If you’re visiting NYC with family in tow, Hotel Beacon checks all the boxes—space, safety, and location. It offers apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, making it perfect for longer stays or trips with kids.
Spacious 1- and 2-bedroom suites
Kitchenettes with fridge, microwave, and stovetop
Close to Central Park, American Museum of Natural History & Zabar’s
Quiet, residential neighborhood feel
- It’s also a great choice for multi-generational trips.
- Visit Hotel Beacon NYC
9. Margaritaville Resort Times Square – Best Resort-Style Hotel in the City
Location: Times Square.
Rating: 8.8/10 (Resort Rankings NYC, 2025).
Yes, a beach-themed resort in the middle of Manhattan exists—and Margaritaville Resort somehow makes it work. This fun and vibrant property brings tropical vibes to the concrete jungle, complete with a rooftop pool.
Heated outdoor pool with views of Times Square
Island-themed bars and restaurants
Super clean and well-managed despite the chaotic location
Steps from Broadway theaters and subway access
- It’s ideal for fun-seeking travelers who don’t mind being right in the action.
- Explore Margaritaville Times Square
10. The Jane Hotel – Best Historic Budget Hotel with Style
Location: West Village.
Rating: 8.3/10 (Budget Boutique 2025 Picks).
The Jane has history (it housed Titanic survivors in 1912) and charm. Its small, ship-style rooms are affordable and uniquely decorated, while its location in the trendy West Village puts you near cobblestone streets, cafés, and culture.
Quirky rooms styled like sleeper train cabins
Free bikes, free Wi-Fi, and vintage charm
On-site ballroom and café
One of the best budget-friendly stays in Manhattan’s most expensive neighborhood
- Great for budget travelers who want character and location over square footage.
- Book The Jane Hotel NYC
11. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Best Eco-Luxury Hotel with Skyline Views
Location: Brooklyn Heights, near Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Rating: 9.5/10 (Sustainable Travel Awards 2025).
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge isn’t just beautiful—it’s one of the greenest places you can stay in NYC. With reclaimed wood decor, filtered air and water, and LEED certification, this hotel is ideal for travelers who care about sustainability and style.
Stunning views of Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge
Rooftop pool and bar with panoramic city scenes
Locally sourced ingredients and organic mini-bar
In-room yoga mats and plant-forward luxury design
- This hotel turns eco-consciousness into a luxury experience.
- Book 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
12. The Ludlow Hotel – Best Boutique Hotel on the Lower East Side
Location: Lower East Side (LES).
Rating: 9.3/10 (NYC Boutique Stay Awards, 2025).
The Ludlow blends industrial cool with elegant touches—think exposed brick, brass fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a favorite for creative types, artists, and couples who want an authentic downtown vibe.
Cozy lobby bar and stylish French bistro (Dirty French)
Rooms with soaking tubs and incredible views
Steps from indie boutiques, music venues, and galleries
Warm, welcoming service in a hip setting
- It feels less like a hotel and more like your stylish friend’s NYC loft.
- Explore The Ludlow Hotel
13. The Evelyn Hotel – Best Value in NoMad for Design Lovers
Location: NoMad (North of Madison Square Park).
Rating: 8.8/10 (Hidden Gems NYC 2025).
Tucked between Flatiron and Midtown, The Evelyn offers surprising elegance at a very reasonable price. With Art Deco decor and a warm, intimate atmosphere, it’s perfect for couples, digital nomads, or anyone wanting a boutique feel without boutique prices.
Free breakfast, strong Wi-Fi, and super comfy beds
On-site Italian restaurant and speakeasy-style bar
Walkable to Madison Square Park, Eataly, and subway lines
Warm hospitality and stylish, well-sized rooms
- Check out The Evelyn Hotel NYC
14. Walker Hotel Greenwich Village – Best Hotel for a Classic NYC Feel
Location: Greenwich Village.
Rating: 9.1/10 (Historic Hotels of NYC, 2025).
Walker Hotel Greenwich Village is the definition of NYC charm. Think arched windows, literary flair, and quiet cobblestone streets outside your door. If you want to feel like a local (with some added luxury), this is the place.
Art Deco interiors with a touch of Gatsby glam
Close to Washington Square Park and NYU
Elegant rooms with city views and soaking tubs
On-site restaurant with seasonal, local menus
- A romantic and refined choice for travelers who love NYC’s cultural side.
15. The Hoxton, Williamsburg – Best Trendy Hotel in Brooklyn
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Rating: 9.0/10 (Design Traveler Picks 2025).
The Hoxton brings London-style hospitality to Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhood. With stylish rooms, creative programming, and easy access to NYC via the L train, it’s a magnet for younger travelers, creatives, and digital nomads.
Instagrammable lobby and rooftop restaurant
Free bike rentals and cultural events on-site
Cozy rooms with Brooklyn views and modern design
Walking distance to restaurants, vintage shops, and bars
- It’s a vibe—without the hefty Manhattan price tag.
- Visit The Hoxton Williamsburg
16. The Bowery Hotel – Old-World Elegance Meets Downtown Cool
Location: Bowery, East Village.
Rating: 9.3/10 (Downtown Luxe Report, 2025).
If you want velvet couches, Persian rugs, and the kind of ambiance that attracts A-listers and artists alike, The Bowery Hotel is a downtown icon. It’s moody, romantic, and utterly New York.
Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and skyline views
Lobby bar that doubles as a film-set-worthy lounge
Complimentary bicycles and gym access
Walking distance to SoHo, LES, and Union Square
- It’s for the traveler who appreciates ambiance as much as amenities.
- Explore The Bowery Hotel NYC
17. The Rockaway Hotel + Spa – Best Beach Hotel in NYC
Location: Rockaway Beach, Queens.
Rating: 8.9/10 (NYC Seaside Stays 2025).
Craving the beach and the city? The Rockaway Hotel + Spa offers the rare experience of NYC with coastal vibes. Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, it’s ideal for summer travelers, surfers, and spa lovers.
Outdoor pool and rooftop bar with ocean views
Full-service spa and wellness center
Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and beach boardwalk
Local art and culture events regularly hosted onsite
- This is New York City… but barefoot-friendly.
- Check The Rockaway Hotel + Spa
18. The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad – Ultra-Luxury with Sky-High Views
Location: NoMad (North of Madison Square Park).
Rating: 9.7/10 (Forbes Travel Guide, 2025).
One of the newest and most lavish additions to Manhattan, The Ritz-Carlton NoMad is redefining modern luxury. With its ultra-high rooms, signature spa, and José Andrés restaurants, it’s a five-star experience for those who want nothing less than perfection.
Breathtaking floor-to-ceiling skyline views
Michelin-starred dining and rooftop lounge
Personalized concierge, 24/7 room service, luxury car service
Spa, steam rooms, and elite-level wellness options
- It’s expensive—but for luxury travelers, it’s unforgettable.
19. Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown - Wall Street – Best Hotel in the Financial District
Location: Wall Street / Financial District.
Rating: 8.7/10 (Business Travel NYC Awards, 2025).
For business travelers or anyone who wants to explore the historic downtown area, Hotel Indigo Wall Street offers style, affordability, and a prime location near the NYC ferry, Battery Park, and One World Trade.
Sleek, modern design with colorful murals and décor
Rooftop bar overlooking the city’s southern skyline
Easy walk to Wall Street, World Trade Center, and the Seaport
Affordable pricing compared to Midtown hotels
- Ideal for a work trip or a quieter, crowd-free NYC stay.
- Visit Hotel Indigo Wall Street
20. Ace Hotel Brooklyn – Best Artistic Vibe in NYC
Location: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
Rating: 9.2/10 (Creative Cities Guide 2025).
The Ace Hotel Brooklyn is where design meets culture. With industrial-chic aesthetics and a strong creative community, it’s become a favorite for artists, designers, and young professionals visiting NYC.
Huge windows, concrete walls, and minimalist decor
On-site bakery and buzzy lobby café
Art installations and live DJ sets on weekends
Close to Barclay’s Center, Prospect Park, and DUMBO
- The perfect stay for creatives who want Brooklyn energy with hotel comfort.
- Explore Ace Hotel Brooklyn
21. Thompson Central Park New York – Refined Sophistication Near Central Park
Location: Central Park South / Midtown.
Rating: 9.1/10 (Condé Nast Traveler, 2025).
Part of the Hyatt luxury collection, Thompson Central Park brings elevated design and calm luxury just steps from the city’s iconic green space. It’s perfect for travelers who want to be close to both culture and calm.
Newly renovated interiors with mid-century flair
Steps to Central Park, MoMA, and Carnegie Hall
Excellent on-site dining at Burger Joint and Parker’s
Pet-friendly and exceptionally well-staffed
- A great fit for couples or solo travelers seeking elegance and walkability.
22. Moxy NYC East Village – Fun, Youthful Vibes in a Cultural Hotspot
Location: East Village
Rating: 8.8/10 (Millennial Travel Picks, 2025)
Moxy East Village is playful, modern, and budget-friendly without sacrificing experience. It’s a hit among Gen Z and millennial travelers who want nightlife, music venues, and vintage shopping right outside the door.
Compact, cleverly designed rooms
Rooftop bar (The Ready) and multiple lounges
Lively atmosphere with curated cultural events
Ideal for solo travelers, groups, or weekend escapes
- It’s trendy without trying too hard—authentically NYC.
- See Moxy NYC East Village
23. The Pierre, A Taj Hotel – Timeless Luxury with Central Park Views
Location: Fifth Avenue at 61st Street.
Rating: 9.6/10 (Luxury Classics NYC, 2025).
The Pierre has long been one of NYC’s most iconic hotels, and in 2025, it still holds its place among the finest. With sweeping views of Central Park, white-glove service, and ornate architecture, it’s a favorite for celebrities and dignitaries.
Old-school glamour with modern amenities
Afternoon tea, private butlers, and luxury car service
Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Perrine
Exceptional location for upscale shopping & sightseeing
- For travelers who want a true “Upper East Side” experience.
- Explore The Pierre Hotel NYC
24. Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection – Most Unique Boutique Stay
Location: Midtown, near Grand Central.
Rating: 9.4/10 (Literary Travel Gems, 2025).
If you’re a book lover or simply looking for a cozy and refined boutique hotel, Library Hotel is a hidden gem. Every floor is organized by the Dewey Decimal System, and rooms are filled with curated books around specific themes.
Rooftop lounge (Bookmarks) with skyline views
Free breakfast and wine & cheese evenings
Steps from NYPL, Bryant Park, and Grand Central
Peaceful, quiet, and incredibly charming
- Perfect for writers, thinkers, or anyone wanting a break from Times Square noise.
- Visit Library Hotel NYC
25. The Franklin Hotel by Sonder – Best Boutique Budget Option on the Upper East Side
Location: Upper East Side.
Rating: 8.6/10 (Affordable Stays NYC 2025).
Newly revamped and operated by Sonder, The Franklin Hotel combines Upper East Side charm with affordable pricing. It’s ideal for travelers who want to stay in a quiet, classic NYC neighborhood without breaking the bank.
Great location near Central Park, Museum Mile, and subway lines
European-style decor with clean, minimalist touches
Contactless check-in, modern tech, and good value
Ideal for long weekend getaways or couples on a budget
- A refined, budget-conscious choice that feels more residential than touristy.
Final Thoughts: Which NYC Hotel Should You Book in 2025?
Your best hotel in NYC depends on your travel style:
Luxury lovers: Go with The Peninsula for top-tier service and location.
Modern travelers: citizenM Bowery offers serious style on a budget.
Hidden gem seekers: The Wallace blends upscale comfort with local charm.
Mid-range guests: Arlo Midtown gives you rooftop views without the luxury price.
Budget-conscious visitors: Pod 51 is proof that affordable doesn’t mean sacrificing safety or location.
FAQs – Best Hotels in NYC 2025
Q: What is the best area to stay in New York City for first-timers?
A: Midtown Manhattan is ideal—it’s central and walkable to major attractions.
Q: Are New York City hotel prices higher in 2025?
A: Yes, prices have gone up slightly due to increased demand, but budget and mid-range options are still widely available.
Q: Do NYC hotels charge resort fees?
A: Some do—always read the fine print when booking, especially in Midtown and Times Square.
Q: Is it safe to stay in budget hotels in NYC?
A: Yes, especially places like Pod 51, which have great security and positive guest reviews.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.