New York’s hotel scene is equally unmissable as any of the city’s offerings.
Talk about New York City and for many, images of eclectic dining spots, vibrant nightlife, as well as astonishing museums and theaters come to mind. After all, it is dubbed “the city that never sleeps” not without a reason.
Besides that, New York is one of the world’s fashion capitals. Each neighborhood has its own fashion story to tell, from the cool street style of Brooklyn to the chic polished looks in Midtown Manhattan. This, alongside the fact that NYC is home to the biggest fashion publications, has clearly led to the inclusion of the Big Apple in Fashion Week’s Big Four.
And if you’re one to fly to America in time for the New York Fashion Week or plannning a trip to the city that never sleeps, it’s only fitting that you also take where you stay seriously. New York’s hotel scene is equally unmissable as any of the city’s offerings.
Hotels in Midtown Manhattan are ideal for first-time visitors as they are located close to tourist attractions like Times Square, Empire State Building, Broadway, The Met, and Central Park, among others. Meanwhile, downtown is for those who would like to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. If you want to stay in neighborhoods other than Manhattan, then there’s Brooklyn, which has a myriad of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shopping destinations.
Below, The Post rounded up some of the hippest hotels in New York City that are not only found in prime locations but are also experiences themselves.
The Lowell
Touted as one of the best hotels in New York City, The Lowell prides itself on being “a beacon of luxury” in Manhattan. The 17-story property was established in 1927 and has since reflected the timeless elegance of the Upper East Side. It offers 74 rooms and suites that are fashioned artistically to look and feel like you’re living in a posh NYC apartment. They are designed as chic classical spaces with elegant décor, wood-burning fireplaces, a marbled bathroom, and landscaped terraces with scenic views of the city.
It is lauded for its discreet yet warm service that adds to its inviting and sophisticated ambiance. Amenities include a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant called Majorelle which offers Mediterranean cuisine and afternoon tea in collaboration with Dior Maison.
The property stands above a residential neighborhood and is a few minutes away from the fashion houses of Madison and Fifth Avenues, as well as the vast green oasis of Central Park.
Address: 28 E 63rd Street
The Bowery
If there’s one thing that The Bowery Hotel would like its guests to feel is that they are in old New York—back when everything in the city was so magical, exuding an exquisite blend of elegance and energy.
The 17-story hotel is located in a prime Downtown Manhattan location that gives you easy access to energy-packed neighborhoods. It exudes an old-world charm through its European-inspired interiors consisting of dark wood walls, ceilings, and furnishings. Oriental rugs, vintage-style chairs, and classic wallpapers all together create a sophisticated ambiance.
Rooms range from standard type to one-bedroom terrace suites, with each one comprising hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the city. Some guests find its standard room to be on the smaller side, but its cozy elegance, absolute cleanliness, and exceptional service from the staff make each stay truly worthwhile. In fact, Hollywood A-listers Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, Kate Hudson, and Kristen Stewart are just some of the many celebrities who booked a stay at this hotel.
Address: 335 Bowery
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
The Fifth Avenue Hotel is a work of art in itself in Midtown Manhattan. The glass tower has 24 floors that are intricately and eclectically designed as areas to inspire and engage your imagination. Its lobby, for one, was adorned by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio with jewel tones, mixed materials, and ornate wall panels, to make you feel as if you’re being taken to an enchanting world within New York.
The rest of the hotel is decorated in true Brudnizki fashion—from corridors that are painted in different hues of pink to bedrooms filled with various textiles and patterns inspired by founder Alex Ohebshalom’s trips to Morocco and Myanmar. These rooms are made to fascinate with their bold interiors consisting of custom closets that can be likened to traditional Chinese cabinets, tasseled ottomans, antique-style side tables, animal-printed rugs, and glass chandeliers.
The same captivating atmosphere can be felt as you enjoy a meal at the Café Carmellini or a drink in The Portrait Bar. Meanwhile, hotel staff are friendly and ensure that guests have a pleasurable personalized stay. Its location is another plus as it is right within New York’s world-famous shopping district.
Address: 1 W 28th Street
Freehand New York
If you’d rather splurge on activities rather than accommodation during your travels, then Freehand New York in Downtown Manhattan might be the place for you. This affordable yet hip hotel is located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District and is housed in the former George Washington Hotel where many celebrated writers, musicians, and creatives once stayed.
What’s also notable about Freehand is its support for New York’s artistic community. Its rooms and suites have mid-century interiors by Roman and Williams Design Studio that feature hand-painted murals by Bard Colleges’ students and alumni. Other amenities to enjoy at the 400-key hotel are its three restaurants, two bars, and 24-hour gym.
Address: 23 Lexington Avenue
The Crosby Street Hotel
Want your peace and quiet amid the hustle and bustle of New York City? Then The Crosby Street Hotel is where you should be heading. A favored boutique hotel in the Big Apple, Crosby Street is located on a quiet cobbled street in the lively SoHo neighborhood. It is just a walk away from restaurants and cafés yet guests love it for its cozy and private atmosphere.
The hotel does not fall short on energy either. Its fresh contemporary décor—a work by acclaimed interior designer Kit Kemp—features various patterns and splashes of color. It has 86 bedrooms that are all charming and classy, with vibrant walls, bedecked headboards, chic bedding, vintage side tables, and large windows that provide generous light to guests.
Other areas where you can relax are The Crosby Street Hotel’s guests’ drawing room and residents’ terrace. Not only that, the hotel has a 160-seat private cinema with screenings every Sunday.
Address: 79 Crosby Street
The William Vale
One of the best places to admire the timeless beauty of New York City is, of course, from the top. Expect to get the best of this experience at The William Vale, a contemporary luxury hotel that offers breathtaking views of the metropolis.
Located across the river from Manhattan, The William Vale offers guests a picture-postcard skyline view of New York at its 22nd-floor rooftop bar called Westlight. You can also enjoy scenic views while lounging on the sun beds by the Vale Pool—another amenity the hotel prides itself in. The outdoor pool spans 5,000 square feet and is the longest of its kind in New York City.
Adding to the luxurious experience is the hotel’s contemporary and almost futuristic interiors. The William Vale has 183 rooms and suites that each have floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air balconies that will also allow you to indulge in the beauty of NYC’s skyline even in bed.
Other amenities include a Southern Italian restaurant called Leuca, an elevated public green space, and a 24-hour fitness center.
Address: 111 N 12th Street
