Choosing the Right Hotel in New York City
A travel advisor’s guide to navigating Manhattan’s neighborhoods and setting your NYC trip up for success.
Where You Book Matters
One of the things I love most about New York City is its diversity. You can find a place for just about anything, and anyone. Whether you’re looking for iconic music venues, designer shopping, family activities, hidden boutiques, or LGBTQ-friendly spaces, the city’s neighborhoods are as unique as the people who flock to them. This makes it all the more important to choose your homebase wisely to ensure you’re getting the most out of your visit. Working with a travel advisor can be invaluable in this process, as I take the time to get to know each of my clients on an individual level, tailoring recommendations based on their unique personalities and preferences.
On my latest trip to NYC, I explored several of the city’s neighborhoods and met with a selection of top luxury hotels, with styles ranging from chic and contemporary to cool and visionary. I’m excited to share my curated list of top picks, paired with insights into their neighborhoods and which types of travelers will find each property a perfect fit.
(How You Book Matters)
Have you heard of the Hotel Booking Hierarchy? This little-known industry standard sets the stage for which reservations make it to the top of the hotel’s priority list.
The Hotel Booking Hierarchy
Tier 1: Travel Advisors
Tier 2: Direct Bookings (via Hotel Website)
Tier 3: Credit Card Travel Desks
Tier 4: Online Travel Sites (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.)
Why does this matter? Being at the top of the list positions you for priority service, surprise room upgrades, complimentary hotel credits, and other special perks. Like any industry, luxury travel is all about who you know - luckily for you, the relationships I’ve built with the properties listed below will set you up for the VIP treatment you deserve!
1. The Beekman – Lower Manhattan
Ideal For:
The Beekman is great for history buffs, families, and first-time visitors with a list of sights to cross off. This would also be a great choice for a Christmas trip to NYC.
Why You’ll Love It:
Thanks to the velvet couches, fringed lamps, and brass finishes, you’ll feel like you’re time traveling to New York of the 1920’s. George, the concierge, will delight with his historical tour of the building and knowledgeable insight into the many attractions nearby.
Neighborhood Highlights:
Nestled between the Financial District and Tribeca, guests are a quick hop from some of New York’s most famous attractions - Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty, The Battery, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, and the Seaport District, just to name a few!
2. Nine Orchard – Lower East Side
Ideal For:
Travelers that are looking for a local, off-the-beaten-track experience. Music lovers will find themselves at home here.
Why You’ll Love It:
Every corner of Nine Orchard reflects the team’s dedication to creating an authentic, tailored experience - the mini bars are stocked with local products from nearby Dimes Market, the ceramic fixtures in the guest rooms are commissioned by Tyler Hayes at BDDW, and the rooms can be configured to match any group size. My favorite in-room amenities are the custom-designed Ojas speakers that invite guests to choose from 4 different playlists, all curated monthly by New York DJs. Travel decision-fatigue is real, and I appreciate a property that does a little extra to take the stress out of your downtime.
Neighborhood Highlights:
Nine Orchard is located at the convex of Chinatown and the Lower East Side at Dimes Square, a micro-neighborhood and the location of NYC’s buzziest after-hours block party. This is a great area to get inspiration on the latest hipster trends, eat your weight in soup dumplings, and browse boutique shops that are offer a blend of sophisticated and edgy couture.
3. The Ludlow – Lower East Side
Ideal For:
The creative bunch - those who dare to be different! Families traveling with teens. Girls trips! Travelers looking for a cost-conscious stay with a luxurious boutique feel. I also think this would be a great home base for digital nomads looking to work by day and explore by night.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Ludlow’s conception was inspired by the 1980’s East Village scene - think Beastie Boys, neighborhood rock & roll, and a funky & artistic cohort. You can feel the eccentric energy in the common areas of the hotel, including a whimsically-styled covered courtyard and the onsite restaurant, Dirty French. While some room types are a bit snug, the large windows open to incredible views of the city. My favorite room types boast large soaking tubs with million-dollar views of Manhattan & the East River - a relaxing juxtaposition to the buzzing streets below.
Neighborhood Highlights:
The Lower East Side is a lively, eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene and live music venues. The Bowery Ballroom is around the corner, and just down the street is a storied corner building where Katz’s Deli has been slinging pastrami sandwiches since 1888. On the day I visited the hotel, I passed two pop-up vintage markets en route.
4. The Twenty-Two New York – Union Square
Ideal For:
Lovers of upscale service and luxury. Business travelers, especially She-E-O-s. Families wanting a blend of kid-friendly experiences and adult-only time (as the suites are complete with Butler services). Multi-generation trips!
Why You’ll Love It:
The Twenty-Two NYC offers a tasteful balance of heightened luxury with a laid-back edge. Joyce, the hotel representative that guided me through the space, incapsulated the vibe as “come as you are, white-glove service, without the glove.” The interiors reflect a thoughtful balance between Parisian flair and New York contemporary, fitted with dark wood accents, hand-painted ceiling frescoes, and plenty of natural light. The team has designed the space to tell a story, as the building was originally built by Margaret Vanderbilt as a women’s hostel & safe space. Its heritage lives on, evident in the all-women, Michelin-starred F&B team (these culinary leaders are also the genius behind other famous NYC restaurants, Raf’s and The Musket Room).
Neighborhood Highlights:
Located just around the corner from Union Square, a stay here provides a great central location for visitors wanting to jump around from area to area. Union Square itself is home to the Greenmarket, a daily farmers market. Within a 10 minute walk, you can visit the famous Strand Bookstore (with its “18 miles of books”) and Washington Square Park. Greenwich Village is also nearby, and the LGBTQ community and allies will have plenty of opportunities for nightlife, including the iconic “Stonewall Inn”, and “Pieces,” a beloved neighborhood gay bar.
Special Note: The Twenty-Two New York is set to open its doors in December 2024. I was given exclusive early access to tour the property during its construction phase. The below renderings are courtesy of The Twenty-Two, and provide a glimpse into the style and design of a few of their spaces. Exciting things are coming!
5. Aman New York – 5th Avenue at Midtown
Ideal For:
Luxury & designer shoppers. The entertainment industry. Families traveling with a nanny and looking for a dynamic suite design! Business groups needing meeting space. Wellness enthusiasts!
Why You’ll Love It:
The Aman embodies discretion and exclusivity at its finest - hotel guests must first check in with a reception desk at the ground floor before being escorted to the 14th floor for the check-in and members-only space. If it weren’t for the incredible cityscape views throughout the hotel, you’d almost forget you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world. Instead, you’ll find a peaceful ambiance outfitted by glass fireplaces, organic textiles, and a 3-story spa. The wellness offering here is expansive and utterly unique - the crown jewel being their private spa houses that are available for a full or half-day’s wellness experience. The suites are large, sexy, and available in a variety of configurations, allowing perfect accommodations for any type of group. On a practical design side, I absolutely loved the partition-style separation panels that can be opened to provide city views from the soaking tub.
Neighborhood Highlights:
This area is perfect for a sophisticated and stylish trip to the city. Just outside the hotel lies 5th Avenue’s infamous high-end retailers (the corner suites look out on Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., and Bergdorf Goodman is on the street-level below the hotel). The area is also home to Midtown’s best historic and cultural attractions, including the New York Public Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, The Plaza, the MoMA, and Carnegie Hall.
6. CIVILIAN, Theatre District/Midtown
Ideal For:
Drama buffs. Travelers that want to be in the middle of the action and still have a moment’s peace at the end of the day. Anyone needing a pet-friendly hotel! The LGBTQ+ community and allies. This is also a great budget-friendly option!
Why You’ll Love It:
CIVILIAN is a themed hotel done right. The entire property is a thoughtful love letter to the theatre, with enough elegant pizazz and dramatic edge to back it up! The staff onsite can help travelers secure tickets to the top Broadway shows and offer recommendations for lesser-known productions. There are jazz nights in the chic vintage-styled diner, and the DJ hosted nights on the rooftop bar offer near-360 views of the city. If you’re an aperitif-lover like me, you’ll stay entertained (and busy!) tasting from their onsite selection of over 300 varieties of Vermouth!
Neighborhood Highlights:
The hotel is perfectly positioned 6 blocks north of Times Square - just close enough to feel the electricity and excitement from the marquees of Broadway, and just far enough to come and go with ease. As I walked from Radio City Music Hall to the glittery doors of CIVILIAN, I felt the idyllic New York City of my childhood dreams come alive. A two-block stroll towards the Hudson brings you to the buzzy Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, an area full of global cuisine, queer bars and clubs, and off-Broadway performances. If you need a break from the action, you can hop over to the Highline and take in views of the Hudson River (I also love this area for people watching!)
7. The Ned NoMad, NoMad
Ideal For:
This is my top choice for business travelers and repeat visitors to NYC. Art lovers will feel right at home here! This property is great for anyone looking for a chic and discreet stay in the heart of the city.
Why You’ll Love It:
I instantly fell in love with the nod to 1920’s design. The suites are large and some even feature in-room claw tubs! The hotel provides an exhaustive list of amenities, ensuring their guests have a stress-free, come-as-you-are experience. If staying in a Suite, you’ll be covered with Ned’s Pret A Porter clothing delivery service and a complimentary skincare routine travel set from Cowshed. The 5 dining spaces make the property a destination in and of itself, featuring Cecconi's, a classic Italian restaurant; Little Ned, a 1920’s style bar serving upscale bar food; and a rooftoop bar with the BEST views of the Empire State Building. Lastly, their unique event programming makes for a stellar night-in, offering up festive parties (notably Halloween and New Years Eve!), interesting discussions, popup food specials, and live music.
Neighborhood Highlights:
NoMad is an up-and-coming neighborhood located to the north of Madison Square Park. Using this as your home base gives you central access to all of Manhattan. As locals flock to the area in search of luxury condos and a casually cool environment, so have the restauranteurs and boutique designers. This area has a little something for everyone - historic buildings, Instagrammable bars, upmarket restaurants, raunchy attractions (ahem, The Museum of Sex), and antique markets.
Final Thoughts
Each of these luxury hotels has its own charm, character, and clientele, and choosing the right one comes down to understanding what kind of experience you want to create. New York City is a metropolis of endless possibilities, and the right hotel in the right neighborhood will turn your stay into a memorable adventure.
No matter which property you choose, NYC has something incredible in store. From world-class dining and entertainment to serene spaces and cultural hot spots, this city offers a perfect backdrop to any style of travel.
Together, we can curate a trip to New York that stands out!
All of the photos in this article are my own or courtesy of each respective property.
