At the best boutique hotels in New York City everything can change (ooh-ooh-ooh)
It's up to you to create your perfect New York minute, and these design-led hotels pack a punch from The Upper East Side to Williamsburg.
Time for a city break? From Auckland to London and over in Hong Kong, the world of design-led accommodation is heating up, so it’s probably time to embrace the good life in the best boutique hotels in New York City. These chic little accommodations capture a side of the Big Apple that can get lost in your standard big city establishments—impeccable style, charming service, a deep appreciation for heritage and culture, and even a bit of New Yorker eccentricity here and there.
P.S. pop in your headphones and jam out to our playlist full of classic American tracks as you discover the city.
The best boutique hotels in New York City
1. The High Line Hotel | Chelsea
When it comes to boutique hotels in New York City, this one is especially for the literary lovers. Set in a Chelsea estate formerly owned by The Night Before Christmas author Clement Clarke Moore, the upscale High Line Hotel was originally built for student housing of the General Theological Seminary in 1895.
Expect old-school sophistication in each room. Hardwood floors, beautifully crafted furniture, and vintage pieces evoke a timeless elegance. Large windows offer sunlit interiors and lovely views of the pretty High Line Park or the hotel’s lush Parisian-inspired courtyard.
Find out more about The High Line
2. The Mercer Hotel | SoHo
Beloved by artists, actors, and musicians for its authentic NYC loft-style living, The Mercer offers 74 guestrooms in the heart of SoHo. Set in a Romanesque revival building, you’ll fall in love quick with this boutique hotel where the design is all about subtle elegance and elevated neutrals.
Expect stellar service here from a team of industry experts well-versed in tending to well-heeled guests from across the globe.
Read our full review on The Mercer Hotel.
Discover more about The Mercer Hotel or Book through Booking.com
3. CIVILIAN | Hell’s Kitchen
Have a passion for theatre? You’re going to want to make a beeline for CIVILIAN. Nestled away in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood, this little hotel is all about creativity and bringing the buzz of NYC indoors.
Designed by David Rockwell, we love the lush velvet fabrics, four-poster beds, and retro theatrical touches. Don’t miss Jazz Night which happens on Wednesdays from 7pm.
Read our full review on CIVILIAN.
Learn more about CIVILIAN or Book through Booking.com
4. ModernHaus SoHo | SoHo
Need a little sun time with your boutique hotel experience? ModernHaus SoHo is a dream for water lovers and art fans alike. The rooftop swimming pool will give you the vacay vibes you need, while downstairs, a delight of designer spaces await.
Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, guests can expect a blend of clean lines, geometric patterns, and pops of colour. Make sure to put some time away to take in the epic art collection that includes works by Kaws, Hans Hartung, Harland Miller, and Nicolas Party.
Read our review of ModernHaus SoHo.
Find out more about ModernHaus SoHo or Book through Booking.com
5. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge | Brooklyn
A stunning 10-story oasis at a stellar waterfront location, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a chic, light-filled space that brings nature back into urban living. Local artists blend modern design with natural elements seamlessly, from the industrial steel and exposed pipes to reclaimed materials and an abundance of lush indoor plants. And the carbon-neutral hotel ensures it’s as planet-friendly in practice as it is in style; low-energy LED lighting and wind power are used, while a rainwater reclamation system is set up on the roof.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge gives guests the complete resort experience with a farm-to-table restaurant, a soothing spa, and a cozy cinema room. But if we had to choose a favourite spot in the hotel, it’s definitely the rooftop pool commanding a spectacular view of the East River and the Manhattan skyline.
Find out more about 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge or Book through Booking.com
6. Freehand New York | Flat Iron District
Situated in the former George Washington Hotel, Freehand New York keeps the artistic traditions of the building alive. With interior design by Roman and Williams, expect modern aesthetics with custom artwork by students and alumni of Bard College. One of the more affordable options in the city, guests can chooses from solos, doubles, triples, quads, and suites.
This spot doesn’t sleep when it comes to F&B options either. Sample craft cocktails on the balcony at Broken Shaker, indulge in Latin American delights at Comodo, or dance up a storm at Georgia Room.
Learn more about Freehand New York or Book through Booking.com
7. The Greenwich Hotel | TriBeCa
Expect an air of understated luxury at The Greenwich Hotel, the iconic 5-star property in Tribeca that’s famously co-owned by actor Robert De Niro. Every corner of the boutique hotel is luxuriously appointed yet cozy and never too glitzy or showy. Think hand-carved wood furnishings, silk rugs from the Orient, and beautiful artworks sourced from around the world.
You could keep coming back and get a new experience every time as all 88 rooms are uniquely designed. A stylish guests-only Drawing Room offers a private space for drinks and conversation, while the open-air Courtyard is a lush oasis. Need pampering? The Japanese-inspired Shibui Spa is world-class—and it features one of the best pools in the city.
Find out more about The Greenwich Hotel or Book through Booking.com
8. The Mark | Upper East Side
Housed in a 1927 landmark building in the Upper East Side, The Mark absolutely sets the bar high for New York accommodations. Bold luxury interiors by French designer Jacques Grange make every corner of this hotel worth visiting, from the eye-catching black-and-white marble floors of the lobby to the serene bedrooms and marble-clad ensuites.
When it comes to food, The Mark Restaurant by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichtan ensures guests are treated to the best contemporary American cuisine around. And when you’re in the mood to explore, the hotel is only steps from popular New York attractions like Central Park and posh Madison Avenue shops.
Psst: Find out what Johnny Depp did at The Mark in our story about hotels where celebrities did where things.
Find out more about The Mark or Book through Booking.com
9. St. Regis New York | Midtown East
Built over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, St. Regis New York is an iconic part of the posh Fifth Avenue landscape and a peek into its opulent heritage. The 5-star hotel exudes timeless luxury from top to bottom with crystal chandeliers, velvet sofas, antique furniture, and even a personal butler for each guest.
Unsurprisingly, St. Regis New York spares no expense for the bedrooms. Lofty ceilings, chandeliers, leather headboards, and plush beddings live up to the hotel’s grandiose reputation. Before leaving the hotel, don’t skip the legendary King Cole Bar, a New York institution in itself that’s famous for its special Bloody Mary cocktail called the Red Snapper.
St. Regis New York also makes our list of best heritage hotels in New York City.
Find out more about St. Regis New York or Book through Booking.com
10. The Nolitan Hotel | SoHo
Charm abounds at The Nolitan Hotel, a pet-friendly boutique hotel in the pretty area of Nolita. Hip and homey, it’s an attractive spot for exploring Downtown New York with popular neighbourhoods like SoHo and Chinatown within walking distance.
Each room is bright, modern, and thoughtfully appointed with large beds, oak floors, cement ceilings, and great views of Williamsburg Bridge or the Empire State Building. A spacious desk grants travellers a place to work, and some rooms feature a private balcony. A plus: bicycles and skateboards rentals for guests!
Find out more about The Nolitan or Book through Booking.com
11. Sixty Les | Lower East Side
Discover an upscale retreat at the Sixty Les. Sleek and modern, it’s a handsome establishment with eccentric touches such as Andy Warhol’s visage looking up from the bottom of the seasonal rooftop pool. Spacious bedrooms offer a superb place to rest with sleek Jim Walrod interiors.
Sixty Les is well-positioned in the Lower East Side near some of the trendiest shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities in the city. But if you’d rather chill at the hotel, the in-house Blue Ribbon’s Sushi Izakaya and Beer Garden feature an exceptional selection of Japanese food and delicious cocktails.
Find out more about Sixty Les or Book through Booking.com
12. Ace Hotel New York | NoMad
Ace Hotel New York caters to the flock of hip creatives drawn to the energy of the Big Apple. At this NoMad hotspot, locals and tourists converge in the expansive lobby, which transforms from a buzzy co-working space during the day to a chill hangout for drinks and DJ sets at night.
Rooms come in all sizes, with each one featuring unique touches, like turntables, Gibson guitars, and vibrant paintings on the wall. And for a delicious meal, grab a table at the in-house restaurants The Breslin and the John Dory Oyster Bar, both by renowned chef April Bloomfield.
Find out more about Ace Hotel New York or Book through Booking.com
13. The Hoxton, Williamsburg | Williamsburg
British brand The Hoxton makes its way to the United States in this beautiful Williamsburg boutique hotel. Hints of the converted factory’s industrial roots are found throughout the property, from the subway-inspired bathrooms to raw concrete finishes in the bedrooms. Guests can look forward to a perfect night’s sleep in cozy bedrooms with oversized beds and luxurious Dusen Dusen linens.
American brunch classics are served at the in-house local haunt Klein’s, and with Brooklyn right outside and views of the iconic Manhattan skyline, you can’t get more New York than this.
Find out more about The Hoxton, Williamsburg or Book through Booking.com
14. Made Hotel | NoMad
Sitting in Manhattan’s thriving NoMad neighbourhood, Made Hotel is a modern boutique hotel that keeps travelers close to the city’s shopping and dining attractions. High-quality materials, tasteful décor, and pockets of greenery combine to create an atmosphere of laid back elegance.
Floor-to-ceiling windows keep the rooms sunlit, illuminating the cozy space designed to capture an unmistakably urban vibe with pops of bohemian patterns. In addition to the seasonal restaurant Ferris helmed by Chef Greg Proechel, a lively bar at the hotel rooftop delivers the perfect place to enjoy the NYC nightlife scene.
Find out more about Made Hotel or Book through Booking.com
15. Roxy Hotel | TriBeCa
Right on the cusp of TriBeCa and SoHo, The Roxy Hotel offers guests easy access to the best of what Manhattan has to offer. With 201 rooms and suites on offer, all with a mid-century modern vibe, you’ll enjoy maximum comfort here. Our pick? The Penthouse with Terrace, for summer hangs and epic views of the city.
Enjoy cocktails and Jazz at The Django, take brunch with a side of live music at The Roxy Bar, or catch a selection of independent local and foreign films at Roxy Cinema.
Discover more about Roxy Hotel or Book through Booking.com
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