- New York has slowly started phased reopening following the lockdown due to the novel coronavirus. Many hotels that shuttered their doors at the start of the pandemic have reopened with enhanced cleaning procedures in place.
- For those looking to plan a future trip, there are hundreds of hotels in New York City from Manhattan to Brooklyn and other boroughs in between, ranging from sparse, budget-friendly accommodations to ultra-indulgent suites.
- To help narrow the field and highlight the best affordable, high-end hotels in New York in 2020, the Insider Reviews travel team hit the New York City streets to stay at, tour, and research the city’s top-rated hotels to determine which are worth your hard-earned money and time off.
- We also scoured reviews and guest feedback, to highlight what makes each place great, where some have room for improvement, and insider tips on special requests you should make to ensure the best stay possible. Pricing reflects many budgets, from micro rooms from $107 to five-star suites for $500.
- Read more: Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in
Following lockdowns due to the novel coronavirus, New York has begun slowly reopening and just entered Phase 3. Many hotels have reopened their doors to guests, but now with enhanced cleaning policies in place. 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.
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 to ensure they are enforcing social distancing, having staff wear masks, and offering self check-ins to minimize contact. You may also want to consider home rental companies where you can book an entire private home and minimize interactions with others.
Of course, without a vaccine, there’s no guarantee of safety even if you take the proper precautions. 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 in a bid to make bunk beds chic.
Much like the city itself, there's something for everyone based on what you like and how much you're willing to spend.
Need more New York hotel inspiration? Click on a link below to jump directly to all our coverage of the best hotels in New York City.
- The best luxury hotels in New York City
- The best boutique hotels in New York City
- The best affordable hotels in New York City
To help narrow the field and highlight the best New York hotels to book in 2020, the Insider Reviews travel team hit the New York streets to stay at, tour, and research the city's top-rated hotels to determine which are not only worth your hard-earned money, but sacred PTO. Prices are based on the lowest rates available at the time of publishing.
Every hotel was personally reviewed, vetted, and selected based on the following criteria:
- Hotels 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 is typically priced between $150 to $500 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.
- Meet our high standard - we don't recommend hotels just because others have, but because we think they truly are the best. We're hard-to-impress New Yorkers, after all.
Keep reading to see why we were so impressed by these New York City hotels, sorted by price from low to high.
Ace Hotel New York
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.
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 has implemented new policies that include:
- All staff and guests must wear face coverings in public areas and masks are available for guests.
- Implementing deep cleaning and sanitation of public spaces on an hourly schedule.
- Guest rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and then sealed for your safety for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the next guest arrival to allow for proper deep cleaning.
- Limiting the number of reservations and safely distancing occupied rooms.
- Read more here.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of Ace New York
Arlo SoHo
Book Arlo SoHo starting at $115 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 $115, which a great deal for typically expensive SoHo.
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 Business Insider's full hotel review of Arlo SoHo
Moxy East Village
Book Moxy East Village starting at $116 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.
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 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 Business Insider's full review of Moxy East Village
Sister City New York
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.
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 does not have a detailed new policy outlined, but they do note they are following best practices in accordance with the CDC that includes regularly sanitizing all surfaces, offering hand sanitizer, face masks, and single-use thermometers, and wearing gloves when servicing rooms. You can read more here.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of Sister City New York
Hotel 50 Bowery
Book Hotel 50 Bowery starting at $142 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.
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 Business Insider's full hotel review of Hotel 50 Bowery
The Freehand New York
Book Freehand New York starting at $149 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.
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 Business Insider's full hotel review of Freehand New York
Park South Hotel
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.
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 July 31, 2020.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review for Park South Hotel
MADE Hotel
Book MADE Hotel starting at $170 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.
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 are rolling 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 Business Insider's full hotel review for MADE
The Evelyn New York
Book The Evelyn New York starting at $179 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.
Pros: Art Deco style and NoMad location.
Cons: Can be expensive for rooms that tend to be small.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is currently close through July 31, 2020.
Read Business Insider's full review of The Evelyn New York
Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel
Book Gild Hall starting at $190 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.
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 currently closed through July 31, 2020.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review for Gild Hall
The Park Terrace Hotel
Book the Park Terrace Hotel starting at $195 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.
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 Business Insider's full review of the Park Terrace Hotel
Moxy Chelsea
Book The Moxy Chelsea starting at $199 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.
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 Business Insider's full review of Moxy Chelsea
Sixty SoHo
Book Sixty SoHo starting at $200 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 around the very accessible price of $200 a night, but prices fluctuate wildly.
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 Business Insider's full hotel review for Sixty SoHo
Library Hotel by Library Collection
Book Library Hotel, starting at $269 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.
Pros: Perks such as happy hour, lounge access, and breakfast included in room rates.
Cons: Rooms feel dated and not as stylish as other NYC hotels.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is closed for reservations through July 31, 2020.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of Library Hotel
The Knickerbocker
Book the Knickerbocker Hotel starting at $250 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.
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 Business Insider's full hotel review of The Knickerbocker
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
Book The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel starting at $280 per night
Behind a historic, yet unassuming facade, The Beekman Hotel is a jewel hiding in plain sight. Housed in a New York City landmark building dating back to 1881, the hotel features a breathtakingly preserved nine-story atrium. We spent the night in a suite, and while lovely, your money is just as well spent in a more affordable Superior Queen, which feels equally iconic.
Pros: Incredible architecture, friendly service, great on-site food and drink.
Cons: Many previous guests have complained of noise.
COVID-19 procedures: The Beekman is currently closed and has not stated when they will officially reopen.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Book 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge starting at $349 per night
One of the best things about the rooms at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge are the stunning floor-to-ceiling views of Manhattan and, of course, the Brooklyn Bridge. But when you close the drapes, the abundant reclaimed wood, repurposed materials, living plants, and soothing neutral colors make it feel like you've escaped to a woodsy Scandinavian cabin. It's a total respite with front door access to Brooklyn Bridge Park and is another top hotel for Brooklyn.
Pros: Cool rooms make thoughtful use of the size so standard offerings don't feel like a compromise, plus the waterfront location and city views.
Cons: The bathroom provides little, if any, privacy.
COVID-19 procedures: All 1 Hotels are implementing new policies that include:
- Properties sanitized using hospital-grade EPA approved agents and virus-eliminating UV technologies.
- High touchpoints sanitized multiple times per day using UV technologies.
- All guests will be given wellness kits upon arrival and luggage and packages will be sanitized using UV technology.
- Guestrooms will be thoroughly sanitized and sealed prior to guests entering.
- Read more here.
Read Business Insider's full review of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
The Williamsburg Hotel
Book The Williamsburg Hotel starting at $349 per night
Williamsburg in Brooklyn is much like the boutique concept itself, with local artisan wares, small-batch products, and hip intrigue spilling out from most restaurants, bars, and storefronts. The Williamsburg Hotel curates this approach with meticulously-curated style, panoramic city views, and wonderful on-site food and drink that locals love, too.
The hotel channels the neighborhood's cool factor, weaving it through guestroom offerings and products, pop-up shops in the lobby, and weekly programming that includes anything from basket weaving and flower arranging to music sets and facials. While other area hotels are overtly modern and luxe, the Williamsburg Hotel is both, but with a more intimate, laid-back vibe.
Pros: Guests receive priority access to the popular rooftop water tower bar and trendy pool scene. Rooms are well-designed and the gem-toned tiled bathrooms are gorgeous.
Cons: Entry-level rooms are very small and not soundproofed from other hotel guests. Splurging on a suite is really the only way to avoid both pain points.
COVID-19 procedures: The Williamsburg Hotel has implemented new policies that include:
- All bed linens are changed daily and washed at a high temperature. They have also increased the frequency of air filter replacement.
- Common areas are sanitized every hour.
- All venues will be at 50% capacity until WHO guidelines are lifted.
- Sanitizing safety kits are given to all guests.
- Rooms are cleaned with hospital-grade cleaning supplies including a virucide and hand sanitizer agent which is used on all surfaces.
- Read more here.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review for The Williamsburg Hotel
The William Vale
Book The William Vale starting at $350 per night
The William Vale in Williamsburg is one of the best hotels in Brooklyn with sleek rooms, a popular pool scene, and the on-site rooftop bar Westlight and Italian restaurant Leuca, both of which easily warrant a visit on their own.
It's one of the more expensive options on this list, but for good reason. All rooms have balconies with unparalleled views. While holidays and weekends can start at upwards of $500 per night, flexible travelers looking to book midweek or in winter will find deals under $350. For a special occasion, consider upgrading to a suite or Manhattan view. Come sunset, you won't regret it.
Pros: All rooms boast balconies with unbeatable views, and the on-site food and drink scene is worth a trip on its own.
Cons: It's expensive and starter rooms will feel very small for what is still an expensive price. Consider an upgrade to a suite to feel more worth it, but it will cost you.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel has implemented new policies that include:
- Assigning every other guest room to ensure plenty of space in rooms and on balconies.
- All hard and bathroom surfaces are disinfected with EPA list cleaners between guests.
- Turndown service is by request only.
- Lobby seating has been rearranged for social distancing and you must make reservations to use the gym to avoid overcrowding.
- Read more here.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of The William Vale
Andaz 5th Avenue
Book Andaz 5th Avenue starting at $375 per night
Andaz 5th Avenue, a World of Hyatt member, has an excellent Midtown location beloved by tourists and business travelers for the convenience it offers. The high-end hotel is known for being a dependable, fashionable brand, though, that solid reputation means rooms feel a bit generic. But they're recently renovated and spacious. We stayed in a suite but solidly stand behind their Standard King Room as the best choice.
Pros: A central location near all major tourist activity and business hubs without being thrust in the frenzy of crowds, plus spacious rooms.
Cons: Room design feels a bit generic, and housekeeping could pay better attention to detail.
COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is not accepting reservations until August 2, 2020.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review for Andaz 5th Avenue
The Conrad New York Downtown
Book Conrad New York Downtown starting at $375 per night
Many visitors fixate on Midtown, but the Conrad New York Downtown offers a more local experience in a neighborhood where real New Yorkers actually spend time.
An all-suite offering, you'll be hard-pressed to find more spacious accommodations in all of downtown Manhattan. The five-star hotel carries a higher price tag, but the added space makes staying here feel like you've landed a great New York apartment.
Pros: All-suite rooms offer more than double the space of typical NYC hotel rooms for similar pricing.
Cons: Not everyone will love being in TriBeCa, which can feel far from uptown neighborhoods and attractions.
COVID-19 procedures: Conrad is part of the Hilton family and will be following Hilton's new 'CleanStay with Lysol protections' that include:
- Hilton CleanStay Room Seal indicating guest rooms haven't been accessed between cleaning and when guests enter.
- Extra cleaning in rooms of high-touch surfaces and increased cleaning frequency of public areas.
- Enhanced cleaning for fitness centers.
- Contactless check-in/check-out options.
- Read more here.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of Conrad New York Downtown
Loews Regency New York Hotel
Book Loews Regency New York starting at $399 per night
Loews is a posh five-star hotel in Manhattan's Upper East Side, close to Central Park and Midtown, and is popular with travelers in search of something a bit more mature (aside from the Real Housewives of New York City antics that have taken place here, of course) with a mix of older couples and business types, as well as families seeking more room for their brood.
Rooms are spacious with elegant, but traditional decor, and suites are apartment-style with terraces and marble bathrooms. It's not as splashy as some hipper counterparts, but this luxury property delivers on a classic hotel experience you can count on to be elegant, well-styled, and more than comfortable.
Pros: Rooms are generously-appointed, whether you opt for a standard room or a suite, and a large gym, and on-site spa and salon from a celebrity stylist sweeten the deal.
Cons: Some rooms have little to no view, or come with street traffic on lower floors.
COVID-19 procedures: All Loews properties have implemented new policies that include:
- Hand sanitation stations added to front desks, spas, fitness centers, and other high traffic areas.
- Contactless experiences via a hotel app for access to in-room TVs, ordering room service, and communicating with the concierge or front desk.
- Team members and guests will be required to wear masks in public areas.
- Read more here.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of Loews Regency New York Hotel
Book Conrad New York Midtown starting at $400 per night
Where the Conrad New York Downtown in TriBeCa might be considered straight-laced and traditional, the brand's newer outpost in Midtown is contemporary and youthful, with a design-heavy approach favoring rich gem-tone velvet upholstery, modern light fixtures, and prominent art.
Like its downtown sibling, all rooms are suites with standard entry-level offerings that feel more pied-a-terre than a generic hotel room. It's a great option for newcomers eager to explore from a well-placed, five-star base that is steps from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, MoMA, and the Theater District.
Pros: All rooms are spacious, offering great value for families or those on a longer stay who want apartment-style accommodations without sacrificing comfort or style.
Cons: Suites are pretty incredible and also pretty costly, and may seem redundant when all rooms are some sort of suite.
COVID-19 procedures: Conrad is part of the Hilton family and will be following Hilton's new 'CleanStay with Lysol protections' that include:
- Hilton CleanStay Room Seal indicating guest rooms haven't been accessed between cleaning and when guests enter.
- Extra cleaning in rooms of high-touch surfaces and increased cleaning frequency of public areas.
- Enhanced cleaning for fitness centers.
- Contactless check-in/check-out options.
- Read more here.
Read Business Insider's full review of Conrad New York Midtown
The Chatwal
Book The Chatwal starting at $500 per night
The Chatwal is another higher-end property we've deemed worth the cost given its coveted Midtown location, old school Manhattan glam, five-star service, and sizeable rooms.
Rooms start at $500 per night, which isn't cheap but is accurately priced for such a top-tier hotel in Manhattan. It's actually cheaper than other ritzier counterparts. As a Marriott Bonvoy property, it's a good place to cash in on points if the price tag still seems out of reach, too.
Pros: The five-star service with personal butler and Broadway concierge is excellent and will make you feel like Upper East Side royalty.
Cons: Room prices are expensive and might be out of reach for many.
COVID-19 procedures: The Chatwal is not currently open and has not stated when they will be reopening.
Read Business Insider's full hotel review of The Chatwal
Baccarat Hotel
Book Baccarat Hotel starting at $745 per night
Baccarat Hotel is regarded as one of the best hotels in New York City, if not the world, and it's easy to see why. The elegant property, owned by the French fine crystal brand of the same name, is teeming with crystal fixtures, glassware, and chandeliers from the high-end line, everywhere from common areas, guest rooms, and even elevators.
But the opulent look is substance as well as style, with impeccable service, painstaking attention to detail, and gleaming rooms that feel like the kind of place James Bond might stay (truly, there are even doors fashioned out of wall panels).
Pros: Rooms are immaculate, and so is every nook and corner of the hotel, for that matter. The hotel is exceptionally elegant and refined, while still remaining warm and welcoming. On-site food served in the Salon is not to be missed.
Cons: The entry-level price is very expensive for what's still a standard room that would go for far less at other luxury hotels on this list. Plus, even the purported best hotel in New York isn't perfect - the noise from the TV in the next room was quite audible during my stay.
COVID-19 procedures: The Baccarat Hotel is not currently accepting reservations and has not yet stated when it will reopen.