The 25 best hotels in New York City, including budget micro rooms, skyline views from Brooklyn, and five-star indulgence
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- As vaccines roll out, many are starting to book future bucket list trips to places like New York City.
- With hundreds of hotels in New York City from Manhattan to Brooklyn, the options can be overwhelming.
- We narrowed the field and carefully chose the best New York City hotels in 2021 at a range of prices.
With vaccine rollouts underway, many travelers are finally looking to book trips that had to be put on hold for the past year. And while remote getaways and vacation rentals continue to reign supreme, it's likely that hotels and cities will make a comeback as more people become fully vaccinated.
However, if you're planning a trip for sooner rather than later, keep in mind that hotels have common spaces where you're likely to run into other guests and places like check-in desks can be potential problem areas. We've noted new cleaning policies where applicable below, but for any hotels you may be considering, it's worth reading up on their specific policies yourself too. You may also want to consider home rental companies, which experts and the CDC note are safer than hotels right now.
If you're wondering if it's safe to travel right now, we talked to experts about the risks of travel and the necessary precautions you should take when flying, driving, and yes, staying at a hotel.
Of course, there's still no guarantee of safety when it comes to travel just yet. We always recommend following guidelines from organizations like the CDC and WHO, wearing a mask in public, using hand sanitizer, and practicing social distancing. Before making any travel plans you should also consider your own health risks, as well as those of others in the location you're traveling to.
All that said, if you are planning a trip to New York now or in the future, there's no shortage of hotels to choose from. As a longtime New Yorker, when friends and family come to visit, I'm often asked, "where should I stay?"
It's a loaded question. The city is filled with so many great hotels throughout many neighborhoods and boroughs, from old-school luxury in Manhattan to contemporary boutiques in Brooklyn dripping in neighborhood charm. The big brand names all have flagships, and cheap (and some not-so-cheap) micro hotels are rapidly popping up.
Much like the city itself, there's something for everyone based on what you like and how much you're willing to spend.
To help narrow the field, we hit the New York streets to stay at, tour, and research the city's top-rated hotels to determine which are truly the best.
Every hotel was personally reviewed, vetted, and selected based on the following criteria:
- Hotels are located in New York City, with a primary focus on Manhattan and Brooklyn, and are considered a four- or five-star hotel, for an elevated experience that won't disappoint, or a three-star that's a total standout.
- Holds a Trip Advisor rating of four or above, as many tourists check and use it.
- It starts between $79 to $745 per night, a common range in New York depending on the time of year and advance booking. While that higher-end might seem, well, high, it's not uncommon in New York in popular seasons or for those seeking a luxury property.
- Boasts amenities and features that are visually interesting with unique design, architecture, food, or other experiential elements that add value.
Here are the best New York City hotels, sorted by price from low to high.
Jen Gushue/Business Insider
Book Arlo SoHo starting at $79 per night
Arlo SoHo seeks to popularize the trend of micro hotels with sleek, tiny rooms measuring barely 150 square feet. And we mean tiny. You can likely reach the bathroom from your bed, and there's little by way of privacy.
But, what it lacks in size, Arlo makes up for with bustling common spaces including four bars, an on-site restaurant, co-working space, rooftop lounge, and a seasonal Instagrammable courtyard. It starts at just $79, which a great deal for typically expensive SoHo, though prices in the summer are often closer to $190.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 59 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Pros: Cheap room prices and cool SoHo location.
Cons: The room sizes can feel shockingly small and bathrooms lack privacy.
COVID-19 procedures: All Arlo hotels have a Rest Assured policy that includes:
- Mobile check-in/check-out via the Arlo app.
- Housekeeping services will only be provided upon request in stay-over rooms.
- Guest rooms will remain vacant a minimum of 24 hours.
- Clorox360 Antimicrobial fogging sanitizing & cleaning system will be used in all guest rooms just prior to releasing the rooms for sale.
- Read more here.
Read our full hotel review of Arlo SoHo
Hotel 50 BoweryCéline Bossart/Business Insider
Book Hotel 50 Bowery starting at $109 per night
A World of Hyatt Joie de Vivre property, Hotel 50 Bowery brings boutique glam to the gritty Lower East Side. We like it for its well-appointed rooms, great views, rooftop bar, and overall design.
Plus, the LES location near Chinatown offers a fun base with prime access to dining and nightlife that many in Midtown miss.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 47 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Pros: The hip, style-minded vibe with cool views and a trendy rooftop.
Cons: While some may love the LES/Chinatown location, others might find it noisy and far from tourist sightseeing.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel has implemented new policies that include:
- Limits on the number of people in an elevator and fitness center at one time.
- Frequent cleaning of high traffic public spaces and touchpoints.
- More frequent replacement of HVAC filters in guestrooms and public spaces with HEPA filters.
- Revised guestroom setups and the removal of high touch items.
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures of all guestrooms.
- Read more here.
Read our full hotel review of Hotel 50 Bowery
Gild Hall, a Thompson HotelAnna Karon (Kinship)
Book Gild Hall starting at $109 per night
Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel from World of Hyatt, offers much more personality than the typical Financial District hotel. Warm and welcoming, the cozy decor is inspired by Aspen country houses for an overall vibe that feels rustic. Details such as tufted leather, dark wood, and brass accents are woven throughout the property, as well as a lobby chandelier fashioned out of antlers.
Mid-tier rooms typically start at $369 per night, but nightly rates for smaller rooms start around $200, making it an interesting, out-of-the-box option for an otherwise corporate neighborhood.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 57 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Pros: Intricate design and decor that stands in sharp contrast to neighborhood surroundings, but in a good way.
Cons: Starter rooms can be small, and on-site amenities as well, in particular, the gym.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is reopened with the following policies in place:
- Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the hotel's public areas.
- Mobile check-in and keyless entry via the World of Hyatt app allow for guests to bypass the front desk and head straight to their guest room.
- Each guest receives a personal Wellness Kit, which includes a single-use mask, sanitizing wipes, and remote control sleeve.
- All hard and soft surfaces in the guest rooms are cleaned and sanitized, and guest rooms are sealed for a minimum of 24-hours prior to arrival. Electro-static sprayers are used for enhanced measures.
- Housekeeping services can be scheduled or declined based on guest's preferences.
- Deliveries to the guestroom, including amenities and room service, are offered via knock-and-drop.
- Fitness Centers are open, though reservations are required and can be made through the Front Desk.
- Read more here.
Read our full hotel review for Gild Hall
MADE HotelRemi Rosmarin/Business Insider
Book MADE Hotel starting at $109 per night
MADE Hotel has quickly become popular with both tourists and business travelers for its central NoMad location, boho-chic design, and lush green-filled spaces. It's the kind of hotel you should pick if you prefer experiential, one-of-a-kind properties that you'll document on the 'Gram.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 65 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Pros: Standard entry-level rooms are just as nice as more expansive suites, and the lofted beds in the smaller rooms are cooler, making it an easy decision to save money.
Cons: While they look nice, some bathrooms aren't designed in the most efficient way.
COVID-19 procedures: All MADE hotels have rolled out new procedures that include:
- Guest rooms will be left un-entered for 24 hours.
- Rooms will only be serviced upon request.
- Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in public spaces.
- Following cleaning and disinfecting protocols to clean rooms, with particular attention paid to high-touch items.
- Read more here.
Read our full hotel review for MADE
Ace Hotel New YorkJen Gushue
Book Ace Hotel New York starting at $109 per night
Ace Hotels have long established themselves as the cool kid, operating in hip cities like Portland, Palm Springs, Seattle and more. It's the hipster, in hotel form.
The New York location has moody lighting, minimal rooms, and decor inspired by art and rock music. But it's not all hype. We'd recommend Ace to anyone who wants to feel like one of the cool local kids spread out on the lobby's leather sofas to co-work. Except unlike most of them, you'll get to actually go upstairs and spend the night. Choose a small or bunk bed room and you might even land it for well under $200 per night.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 163 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.4 out of 10
Pros: The Ace brand cool factor, a NoMad location, and on-site stores and eateries that are so good, you might not want to leave the property.
Cons: Some rooms show wear and tear and the lobby can feel crowded.
COVID-19 procedures: The Ace Hotel is temporarily closed and has not yet stated when they will reopen.
Read our full hotel review of Ace New York
Moxy East VillageAmir Ismael/Business Insider
Book Moxy East Village starting at $115 per night
Marriott's newer outpost in the East Village is a four-star boutique hotel themed after the neighborhood's vibrant local scene. There are clear nods to rock and roll, street art, and other East Village countercultures.
As part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, Moxy East Village is great if you want to earn or redeem points during your stay. Rooms are small, but with a starting price of $116 midweek, it's a great deal. Rooms are comfortable, common areas are fun, and the location is pretty great.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 52 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Pros: Marriott Bonvoy earning potential, cool Moxy brand clout, and East Village location.
Cons: Room rates can seem expensive considering many rooms are on the smaller side.
COVID-19 procedures: Moxy is part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand and follows Marriott's new 'Global Cleanliness Council' policies that include:
- New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes.
- Surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning is done with increased frequency.
- In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
- Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
- Added partitions at front desks provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates.
- More hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
- Read more here.
Read our full review of Moxy East Village
The Evelyn New YorkMara Leighton/Business Insider
Book The Evelyn New York starting at $119 per night
The Evelyn is a historic NoMad hotel that recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. Everything feels brand new, while still maintaining the building's roots in music and history through Art Deco design. Rooms are on the small side, making it ideal for a solo business traveler, or couples looking for an intimate, boutique stay.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 12 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Pros: Art Deco style and NoMad location.
Cons: Can be expensive for rooms that tend to be small.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel has implemented new policies that include:
- Contactless check in/out kiosk terminals and safety plexiglass between you the front desk service team.
- Masks, alcohol wipes, and hand sanitizer always available. Safety Welcome Kit provided to all guests.
- Pre-shift temperature checks for all staff on arrival.
- HEPA filter vacuum cleaners.
- Disinfected and occupant-free rooms for 24 hours.
- Electrostatic sprayer with hospital grade EPA registered products that continuously disinfect for 24 hours.
- Read more here.
Read our full review of The Evelyn New York
Moxy Chelsea
Jada Wong/Business Insider
Book The Moxy Chelsea starting at $119 per night
The Moxy Chelsea in Manhattan's flower district is wedged between the popular Chelsea and NoMad neighborhoods. Part of the Marriott family, the Moxy Chelsea is a great option if you want to earn or redeem points. Some rooms can be small, but stunning views, the rooftop bar, and great location make up for it.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 60 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Pros: Views for days, Marriott Bonvoy earning potential, and the Chelsea location.
Cons: Can be expensive for what may seem like a quite standard offering.
COVID-19 procedures: Moxy is part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand and will be following Marriott's new 'Global Cleanliness Council' policies that include:
- New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes.
- Surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning is done with increased frequency.
- In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
- Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
- Added partitions at front desks provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates.
- More hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
- Read more here.
Read our full review of Moxy Chelsea
The Freehand New YorkConnie Chen/Business Insider
Book Freehand New York starting at $125 per night
The Freehand New York is a good pick for budget-conscious travelers who want convenience and personality from their accommodations, but also something nice to look at.
Art-filled accommodations are steeped in character with reasonable prices. From cheap bunk bed options to spacious suites, Freehand is a sleek stay for those seeking something lesser-known than Ace Hotel.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 309 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Pros: Hip and cool with excellent on-site food and drink.
Cons: Street noise bleeds into rooms and may make sleep difficult if you're sensitive to it.
COVID-19 procedures: The Freehand hotel brand has implemented new policies across all properties that include:
- Online check-in options.
- All food and beverage offerings will be grab-and-go.
- Masks and other hygiene products are available for purchase in travel shops and vending machines.
- Deep cleaning increased throughout the hotels.
- Read more here.
Read our full hotel review of Freehand New York
Sister City New YorkBooking.com
Book Sister City New York starting at $134 per night
Sister City is a new spin-off property from the creative studio behind Ace Hotel that caters to the experienced, and busy, traveler. Self-service tablets guide guests through check-in, while amenities and housekeeping are on demand.
It's a smart approach for savvy guests looking to avoid the pain points of crowded, more traditional hotels and prefer an individualistic approach.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 42 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Pros: Affordable prices and a self-service approach helps things to run smoothly. Check-in is a breeze.
Cons: Some might find the self-service stand-offish. Rooms can feel small for two people.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is not currently open and has not yet stated when it expects to reopen.
Read our full hotel review of Sister City New York
Park South HotelJen Gushue/Business Insider
Book Park South Hotel starting at $158 per night
Rooms at the Park South Hotel are relatively straightforward, but recent renovations have made it a highly-reviewed hotel in Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood. It belongs to World of Hyatt's Joie de Vivre boutique portfolio and has a standout culinary program that might very well upstage the tasteful rooms.
With prices in low season starting at $150s, it's very reasonable for a well-appointed four-star hotel.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 69 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Pros: Excellent on-site food and drink with competitive pricing for a four-star hotel.
Cons: Pricing is unstable and can surge hundreds higher than is typical otherwise.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is currently closed until April 1, 2021.
Read our full hotel review for Park South Hotel
Sixty SoHoJen Gushue/Business Insider
Book Sixty SoHo starting at $162 per night
If you're set on SoHo and have a budget for something more spacious than Arlo's micro-sized rooms, look to Sixty SoHo. The hip hotel places you in style-minded accommodations right near equally fashionable shopping and dining.
The hotel is so cool, that some guests complain of staff members being snobby o unaccommodating, though we didn't experience that at all. A basic Queen Superior starts at a very accessible price, but prices can fluctuate wildly.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 98 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.7 out of 10
Pros: Fancy digs with a SoHo address.
Cons: Rooms prices can be expensive and fluctuate.
COVID-19 procedures: All Sixty Hotels are implementing new procedures that include:
- Check-in/check-out kiosks available for contactless service.
- UV lights are used on guest's luggage and HVAC systems to promote filtration.
- Rooms are left to "rest" between guests according to health expert guidance.
- Rooms are only serviced and sanitized before check-in and after check-out unless requested otherwise by guests.
- The front desk has been equipped with a plexiglass screen.
- Compressed spray cleaners and electrostatic spray cleaners have been implemented.
- Read more here.
Read our full hotel review for Sixty SoHo
The KnickerbockerEmily Hochberg/Business Insider
Book the Knickerbocker Hotel starting at $168 per night
The Knick is one of the nicer hotels in Times Square. Rooms are higher-end than what you'll find at some of the big brand counterparts in this tourist mecca, with good on-site food and drink, including a great rooftop bar overlooking the action. If you're booking a room in Times Square, you're likely spending most of your time outside of it, but The Knick is a great option for those who want a chic place to retreat.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 56 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Pros: Luxury-leaning hotel in Times Square with nicer rooms than many nearby counterparts for roughly the same price.
Cons: It's Times Square, so it can be noisy both from outside traffic and inside from fellow guests.
COVID-19 procedures: The hotel has implemented new policies that include:
- Touchless hand sanitizer stations placed throughout the hotel
- More frequent cleanings with EPA-rated hospital-grade disinfectants.
- Guests receive sealed safety kits containing a face mask, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
- All hotel workers and guests are required to wear face masks and gloves.
- Read more here.
Read our full hotel review of The Knickerbocker
The Park Terrace HotelEmily Hochberg/Business Insider
Book the Park Terrace Hotel starting at $189 per night
The Park Terrace is a great base for those who love boutique hotels and want to be near Times Square, but not actually thrust into it. Little details shine here, from amenity closets available to guests on each floor to the tranquil terrace, and great breakfast buffet. I also liked how it had personality without feeling stuffy. The hotel's published rates start at $300, but I spied deals on Booking.com as low as $195 per night.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 19 of 511 hotels in New York City
Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Pros: The low-key boutique vibe across from Bryant Park, self-serve amenities, and New York-inspired breakfast buffet.
Cons: It's expensive in high season and standard rooms are small.
COVID-19 procedures: The Park Terrace Hotel has a new 'Certified Safe & Clean' program based on expert advice and guidance that includes:
- Contactless check-in options via the mobile app or website.
- Plexiglass shields installed at front desks.
- Once cleaned, rooms will be sealed by the cleaning staff and only broken by the guest entering the room.
- All amenities provided will be single-use.
- Increased cleaning of all HVAC systems.
- Read more here.
Read our full review of the Park Terrace Hotel
Library Hotel by Library CollectionLindsay Paige Stein/Business Insider
Book Library Hotel, starting at $195 per night
The four-star Library Hotel, by Library Hotel Collection in Midtown, New York is a book lover's paradise, but there's plenty to adore even if you don't consider yourself a bibliophile.
The highly-reviewed property consistently ranks within Trip Advisor's top 10 hotels in New York City. It has a charming, whimsical vibe thanks to themed floors and over 6,000 book titles available to peruse. Rooms tend to be small, but perks such as wine and cheese receptions, 24/7 snacks and refreshments, and breakfast included add value.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 511 hotels in New York City