New York hotels for every traveller

For a budget

The New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels

The New Yorker Hotel made a name for itself in the 1930s as an art deco darling. Today, you’ll still see its name sign standing out in Manhattan’s skyline.

The lowdown… Stay at the ‘Grand Old Lady’ to be surrounded by Manhattan history. In the 1900s, big names flocked here for technological marvels like TVs (a rarity back then) and big bands filled the Terrace Room with jazz. The hotel even had its own underground tunnel to Penn Station. Nowadays, you’ll have to walk with the rest of the city slickers on street level to get to your train – but it is only one block away. The New Yorker Hotel’s rooms retain their art deco flair, featuring handy amenities like workspaces and, of course, TVs (with free HBO). There’s also a steak restaurant in an old banking vault and a diner that, in keeping with the city’s habit of never sleeping, is open 24 hours.

Insider’s tip… Under the lobby, you’ll find an exhibit showcasing artifacts like vintage cocktail menus and items that belonged to Nikola Tesla when he lived at the hotel.

For the family

The Westin New York at Times Square

Despite being just steps from the city’s brightest lights and Broadway shows, The Westin New York at Times Square offers quiet and comfortable family stays.

The lowdown… Make the most of having Midtown Manhattan at your family’s doorstep. This hotel’s central location, next to Times Square and around half a mile from the Rockefeller Center, means less travel time and more sightseeing/New York-pretzel-eating time. Your kids can even help you plan your days out with the local activity guide they’ll be given by The Westin Family Program. After a lot of exploring, return to a double room (connecting rooms are available) or spread out in a suite. The suites give you that extra bit of space for lounging around and displaying all those souvenirs you’ll likely be convinced to buy. Then, with Westin’s renowned Heavenly beds, sink into sweet dreams and rest up ready to do it all again the next day.

Insider’s tip… If wandering the streets of New York isn’t enough of a workout for you, there’s also a fitness studio at the hotel. Pay for a WestinWORKOUT Gear Lending kit to enhance your session – whether you’re working on your sculpt or your recovery.

For couples

CIVILIAN

This small, boutique-feel hotel in Hell’s Kitchen mixes a little eccentricity with a lot of intimacy. Think grand rooftop views and hidden cocktail rooms.

The lowdown… With its views of the Theater District, CIVILIAN favours dramatic flair. Choose a ‘Cozy’ room with draped curtains and velvet headboards or a ‘Spacious’ room inspired by old-school dressing spaces. Spend romantic evenings at Starchild Rooftop, toasting in the glow of fairy lights, disco balls and winking skyscrapers. Listen to live jazz in the redbrick Rosevale cocktail room or try Detroit-style pizza topped with cheese that stretches like an acrobat at Emmy Squared. When you want to get out and see the city together, watch shows on Broadway and look up at the lights of Times Square nearby. You can also plan Central Park dates, Museum of Modern Art visits and Top of The Rock sunsets all within one mile from the hotel.

Insider’s tip… Book a rendezvous at The Blue Vault – an exclusive speakeasy-style lounge hidden behind a curtain in the Rosevale Cocktail Room – and sip cocktails surrounded by Broadway memorabilia.

For the high life

Waldorf Astoria New York

Have your red velvet cake and eat it at one of the city’s most iconic hotels. This is where glamorous New Yorkers have strutted their stuff since the Gilded Age.

The lowdown… The Waldorf Astoria is New York through and through. It’s the kind of place Cole Porter would have written about – in fact, the songster lived in a suite and his piano still sits in the lobby. This is ‘The Top’ of luxury in the city, newly renovated and restored to all its grandeur. Expect art deco interiors covered in marble and twinkling under chandeliers. You’ll be staying right on Park Avenue, with Rockefeller Center (and, importantly to those ready to catwalk down the hotel’s ‘Peacock Alley’, Fifth Avenue) just minutes away. Grand Central Station’s constellations are less than a mile away, and there’s actually a hidden (now unusable) tunnel to the terminal under the hotel. Be a part of New York at the Waldorf and, if you want to talk like a Gilded Age trend setter, tell everyone to meet you ‘by the clock’ in the lobby.

Insider’s tip… Speaking of setting trends, this is where the Waldorf Salad was dreamed up. It’s also said to be where red velvet cake and eggs Benedict were invented. Try one of the hotel’s modern takes on these classics, like a lemon dressing Waldorf Salad, a red velvet souffle tart or eggs Benedict with prosciutto.

For affordable luxury

The Times Square EDITION

This chic hotel with a tenth-floor lobby sits right in the heart of Times Square – but it’s famed for making you feel like you’re somewhere else entirely.

The lowdown… Step into the tucked-away entrance to The Times Square EDITION, get whisked up to the tenth floor and step into a lobby covered in foliage and mood lighting. You can smell the signature scents of bergamot, black tea and luxury from here. Lounging on armchairs topping silk rugs and sitting in restaurants overseen by a Michelin-starred chef, you’ll feel like you’ve left the hustle of Times Square behind. Until you look out of your floor-to-ceiling room windows and see the city sparkle, that is. Make time in your NYC itinerary for The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens, offering a lofty brasserie experience above the crossroads of the world. Then, when you’re ready to descend back into the city, Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building are all under a mile away.

Insider’s tip… Look out of your city-view room or sit in the lobby terrace bar at 11.57pm to see ‘Midnight Moment’. More than 92 digital billboards light up 41st to 49th Street with synchronised public art displays between 11.57pm and midnight.

For short stays

Moxy Times Square

Quick turnaround? It’s time to multitask. Sip a cocktail and sightsee at the same time at Moxy Times Square’s Magic Hour rooftop bar, which boasts epic Empire State Building views.

The lowdown… You’re well positioned for a whirlwind tour of the city at this buzzing little boutique in Herald Square. Madison Square Garden, Times Square and Macy’s flagship store (ideal for last-minute souvenirs) are just steps away. There’s also no need to go out in search of somewhere to spend your evening when Magic Hour, the largest all-season rooftop lounge in New York, is just above you, overlooking the Empire State Building and other fairy-light-framed views. Look out for rotating popups on the West Terrace and try ‘bouquets’ of spritzes for something different. When it’s time to rebel against New York’s ‘never sleeping’ rule, retreat to your compact room and rest up on a pillow-top mattress laid with Egyptian cotton sheets.

Insider’s tip… If you want to see the views from Magic Hour rooftop but already have evening plans, book brunch for a daytime visit.

For New York at Christmas

The Plaza – a Fairmont Managed Hotel

Christmas in New York is full of movie-like magic. Holiday like Kevin McCallister from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (16-scoop ice cream sundaes optional, but recommended) by staying at ‘the finest’ hotel on Fifth Avenue.

The lowdown… Beaux-arts beauty, crystal chandeliers and even 24-carat-gold-plated bathroom hardware make The Plaza the place to be on Fifth Avenue. From the Guerlain Spa to The Champagne Bar, this is the definition of five-star luxury. Christmas brings even more sparkle to the scene with lit trees and garlands. You might even see Santa or The Sarafina’s precision dance troupe in the decked-out lobby. Wrap up warm and step out into Central Park to walk among (hopefully snow-dusted) trees, pick up hot chocolate from the holiday market, skate on the ice rink and spin on the carousel. Then retreat to your hotel for a Holiday Afternoon Tea and story time with Santa. Staying in a suite, Kevin McCallister style? You’ll have a 7-foot-tall tree trimmed with lights and a bow to place your presents (or souvenirs) under.

Insider’s tip… Book the Home Alone: Fun in New York package to recreate iconic scenes from the famous film. See festive sights from a private limo while tucking into a hot cheese pizza before returning to your hotel room and calling down for your 16-scoop ice cream sundae.

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