Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Midtown Manhattan: 5-Star NYC Accommodations Guide
As the Billy Joel classic says, “I’m in a New York State of Mind”. If you are considering a trip here, the most difficult decision to make once you have decided on your travel dates is, where are we going to stay? Given that the city has more than 120,000 rooms, the majority of which are in Manhattan, this is no easy decision.
Whether this is your first visit to New York, or you haven’t been here in quite some time, the hotel scene has dramatically changed over the years.
Midtown Manhattan is still where most visitors prefer to be. Within the boundaries of Lexington Avenue on the east side, 11th Avenue on the west side, and between 34th St. to the south and Columbus Circle/Central Park South/60th St. to the north you will find an unequaled concentration of famous sights, restaurants, bars, theaters, clubs, and of course, hotels.
Choosing accommodations inside these boundaries will put you within walking distance of iconic spots such as the Empire State Building, Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Times Square, Fifth Avenue shopping, Tiffany, the Diamond District, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Broadway Theater District, Rockefeller Center, Radio City, Macy’s, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central Station, and the south end of Central Park.
With so much to see and do during your New York City vacation, you may be inclined to book one of the name brand hotels that are found along interstate highways from coast-to-coast since you won’t be spending much time in your room. Our recommendation is to treat yourself to something more luxurious because this is New York, not Des Moines. Celebrate, splurge a bit for orchestra seats at a Broadway play, and make dinner reservations for incredible cuisine that you are not likely to find at home. Chances are you will spend more time at your hotel than expected, especially for that much needed mid-afternoon rest after heading out the door at the break of dawn and going nonstop for hours on end.
Visiting the greatest city in the world and staying in a hotel where you can be pampered with a fluffy robe and slippers, crisp bed linens, plush towels, and personal service from an international staff is what New York is all about. This getaway is a special occasion whether you are here for a week or a weekend. Make it even better with upscale accommodations you will not soon forget.
Listed below are some of New York’s finest luxury properties that we heartily recommend. The older mainstays may be a bit over the top for some travelers, but we would be remiss not to include them in this listing.
This New York City designated landmark opened in 1904 and was developed by John Jacob Astor IV. An elegant, refined, and sophisticated luxury property which features just 61 spacious rooms, the 18-story hotel has a long history with many notable guests staying here over the years. It was exceedingly popular with the wealthy, and wealthy wannabees in the early 20th century.
Designed in the Beaux Arts style, guests are pampered with 24-hour champagne butler service, shoeshines, on-site childcare, and a superb location in the heart of Midtown. Guestroom amenities include a minibar and fridge, a safety deposit box, and bathrobes.
Still a trendy hotel that is popular with couples, the St. Regis has a gym and business center, as well as a beauty salon and floral shop. The hotel’s King Cole bar was a filming location in the 1972 “Godfather” movie. Bentley limousine rentals are available for hire.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue, and jewelry shops Tiffany & Co., and Cartier are just steps away.
Highly respected around the world, the Mandarin Oriental brand is luxury personified. Each elegant room offers a view of Central Park or the Hudson River and west side city skyline. Choose a Premier Room located on a higher floor, with a scintillating view of Central Park and the Midtown Manhattan skyline, and you may not want to leave your room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows make the views even more amazing. Luxurious rooms are a Mandarin Oriental trademark, with contemporary furnishings, a granite and marble bathroom including a bathtub and glass-enclosed walk-in shower. Each spacious guest room also offers a private lounge area and a work desk.
Marvel at the views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan from the MO Lounge, serving a contemporary all-day menu, and return in the for pastries, curated teas, and champagne during Afternoon Tea.
With its premier Columbus Circle location, the Mandarin Oriental is within walking distance or a short taxi ride to scores of culinary spots that are world-renowned. The hotel maintains a listing of Michelin-starred restaurants and other prime dining spots for guests to review.
Targeting active travelers who work hard and play hard, the Equinox Hotel New York is the ideal place to stay if you plan to be on the go during your visit to the big city. As part of New York’s newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards, just out the door are over 100 unique shops, places to eat, and great public art displays including the Vessel, a visitor attraction that shouldn’t be missed.
Get regenerated here while maintaining your fitness regimen with easy access to the High Line elevated greenway trail and the Hudson River. There are stretching and meditation videos streamed to your guestroom television that can help you wind down in the evening or get going in the morning.
The luxury Equinox New York features 176 rooms with soundproofing, blackout blinds, and a proprietary sleep system for maximum comfort. A digital tablet puts all room controls in your hands including the blinds, lighting, temperature, and the in-room entertainment options.
Property amenities include a rooftop bar and pool with incredible views, a second indoors pool, in-house spa and health club, the Lemon Tree restaurant, and of course, in-room dining if you prefer some peace and quiet in this bustling city.
Exuding a California-luxurious feel, this airy and laid-back hotel was just what the Midtown West/Penn Station neighborhood needed when it opened in 2021. A boutique property of 164 rooms, the Pendry’s sophisticated, modern design is stunning and relaxing at the same time.
Earth tones envelop each guestroom, and the curved windows invite you to check out the bright lights below. Rooms are large by New York standards with floor-to-ceiling windows. Relax in the comfortable sitting area while watching a large LED hi-definition Smart HDTV or stretch out on your luxurious king-size bed prepared with a plush duvet and Fili d’Oro linens.
This is the upscale living that you deserve. Dining and beverage options abound at Pendry Manhattan West, with the Vista Lounge, Bar Pendry, Zou Zou’s, and Chez Zou all in-house and ready to serve you. From creative cocktails and fine wines to a to-die-for special cheeseburger, Chez Lou’s garden atmosphere is a must experience during your stay.
Its name may be unfamiliar right now, but it won’t be for long if you book your stay at the incredibly luxurious and private WestHouse Hotel New York. Designed with a residential feel rather than a hotel, the 172 rooms in this seven-story property offer a sophisticated retreat reminiscent of New York in the 1920s.
WestHouse has been described as modern, yet alluring, with a “privileged mystique” that is not found anywhere else in the city. Here, you are greeted more as a resident than an out of towner, with WestHouse being your house for the duration of your stay.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city outside is simple here as a WestHouse “Resident”, as the property is reserved for you, your traveling companions, and guests. There are no in-house amenities offered to curiosity seekers, thus the privileged mystique moniker. However, guests of the property enjoy an included breakfast, a daily evening food and beverage gathering with tapas, beer, wine, and sparkling wine included. In New York of all places!
Be aware, however, that a daily $55 per room Resident Fee is added to your room charge to cover these amenities, as well as Wi-Fi, local phone calls, the use of the 24-hour business center, and housekeeping. Daily turndown service is available upon request.
The attractive Art-Deco inspired public areas, rooms, and suites are both functional and extremely comfortable. En suite bathrooms feature marble throughout, plus steam-free glass-enclosed rain showers with custom fittings. There is nothing cookie-cutter about the WestHouse Hotel.
Le Meridien New York, Central Park by Marriott
Address: 120 W 57th Street, New York City, 10019, NY, US
A bit less pretentious than some other Manhattan five-star luxury properties, Le Meridien nonetheless makes it into our top category with more affordable pricing than many of its competitors. Its prime location on 57th St. puts guests of the hotels in the heart of Manhattan’s action as soon as they set foot outside.
Plush pillowtop mattresses, high thread count linens, marble and tiled bathrooms with Malin and Goetz bath amenities, a mini-fridge, free Wi-fi and a large LCD TV will provide you with a sense of privacy which does not seem a possibility in a city of eight million people. Upgrade to a two-bedroom suite for accommodations with sweeping views of Central Park. Best of all, every guest room and suite at Le Meridien feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a bright, airy feeling in your home away from home.
The 29-story, 240 room hotel has been designed with your comfort in mind. Dine in-house at the Grill 57 Rooftop, in your room, or take a short stroll to recommended dining spots featuring Japanese, Korean, Italian, brunch, steaks, French, pizza, or traditional deli cuisine.
Imagine being at Carnegie Hall, Tiffany, in Central Park, or in the heart of the Broadway Theater District in just a few short minutes. And 57th St. features wide sidewalks that are perfect for strolling, window shopping, and people watching. Le Meridien scores a “10” for location.
No article about luxury hotels in New York would be complete without the inclusion of The Plaza. The historic property on Fifth Avenue at the southeast corner of Central Park has been the scene of many movies and the home to many stars and dignitaries. With the park across the street, horse-drawn Hansom cabs lined up on Central Park South, and Fifth Avenue shopping being at its doorstep, The Plaza remains a place to see and be seen.
Rooms and suites at The Plaza are exceedingly comfortable and spacious; so much so that architect Frank Lloyd Wright lived here for three years in the 1950s. When the Beatles first came to the U.S., they stayed at The Plaza for six nights. Today’s hotel has been fully modernized over the years, including the bathrooms which feature 24-karat gold-plated fixtures. Guests also have access to the Guerlain Spa plus a 24-hour fitness facility.
The most famous part of this amazing hotel is the central Palm Court Restaurant, popular for lunch and Afternoon Tea, and a meeting place for powerful business meetings and society gatherings to this day. The elegant Champagne Bar is known for serving pastries and light meals during the day, becoming the place for revelry in the evening with champagne, caviar, and fine wines. The Champagne Bar looks out on Fifth Avenue and The Pulitzer Fountain, a sight which should not be missed.
Modern luxury has come to New York with a new definition of upscale hotel accommodation. With 452 beautiful rooms, three dining options from Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, a 24-hour fitness facility, a performance venue for dazzling productions, and the bustling energy of New York City, The Times Square EDITION awaits your arrival.
Each EDITION hotel worldwide features a unique fragrance that you will notice upon entering the property. The scent of black tea continues into your guestroom by way of Le Labo bath products.
Perched high above this iconic neighborhood, each guest room features floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing views, designer bedding, Le Labo bathroom amenities, free Wi-fi in all rooms and public spaces, and an oasis for you to savor during your New York City visit.
In cooperation with Yoga for Bad People and INSCAPE Meditation, guests are invited to decompress in their rooms via streamed programming. Yoga mats are available to use.
From the signature all-day restaurant, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens, to the inviting Lobby Bar with an outdoor wraparound terrace overlooking “The Great White Way”, The Times Square EDITION offers everything and anything you desire for an incredible getaway to the greatest city in the world.
Guests of the hotel are just minutes on foot from the heart of Times Square, the Broadway Theater District, Restaurant Row, Madison Square Garden, the incredible dining options of Hells Kitchen, the Diamond District, Rockefeller Center, and so much more.
Have you ever wondered why upscale hotels don’t offer perks like iPod docking stations or an espresso maker? Well, wonder no more, as we introduce you to The Langham New York – Fifth Avenue. Located between Bryant Park (42nd St.) and the Empire State Building (34th St.) on Fifth Avenue, this luxury hotel is what elegant is all about. Other nearby points of interest include the main branch of the New York Public Library – note the pair of majestic lions on either side of the front steps, Grand Central Station, and the world’s largest store, Macy’s.
Decorated in soft tans and light woods, windows at The Langham are soundproof and can be opened for fresh air. Guest enjoy a Swedish Duxiana bed and can store their personal items in an Italian walnut wardrobe. The marble bathroom features a television built-in to the mirror, a rainfall shower and bathtub. Complimentary bottled water is offered during turn-down service. And for stunning views, each room features floor-to-ceiling windows.
While New York is a foodie’s paradise, consider making dinner plans one night at the onsite Michelin-star restaurant Ai Fiori. It isn’t often that you get to stay in a luxury hotel and eat at a superb restaurant under the same roof. Ai Fiori serves modern Italian food with French and Italian Riviera influence. If you already have dinner plans, consider starting out with some small plates and a beverage at Bar Fiori.
Another exceptional hotel in Midtown Manhattan that you probably have not heard of before, The Whitby features jaw-dropping interior design throughout the property. You will immediately see that The Whitby is like nowhere else you have been before, with so many unique attributes that you will be in “wow” mode for a long time after entering.
Founders Tim and Kim Kemp have created a portfolio of 11 hotels in London and New York thus far. Considered a contemporary art and design celebration, The Whitby is centrally located to New York’s MOMA, as well as numerous art galleries and esteemed dining spots. Michelin’s first-ever awards to outstanding U.S. hotels gave The Whitby its highest honor of Three Michelin Keys.
Kit Kemp has been acclaimed internationally for her unique hotel interiors utilizing bright colors and storytelling. Her designs are clearly British, making effective use of unique antiques, artwork, and wonderful fabrics. Each of the 86 guest rooms in the 16-story building has been individually designed by Kit, incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, a few private terraces, granite or marble bathrooms, walk-in showers, and Rik Rak luxury bath items, into a hotel experience that is impossible to duplicate.
This fun, stylish to say the least, and boldly designed hotel has proven to be popular with female travelers, though it is hard to imagine anyone is not awestruck by its energy. Fifth Avenue shopping is just around the corner, and the Broadway Theater District is an easy 10-15 walk at a leisurely pace. It’s no wonder that The Whitby is a highly craved luxury stay for many visitors to New York.
Ask any travel industry expert what they think of if you mention Peninsula Hotels, and without exception you will hear the words “stunning”, “glamorous”, “luxurious”, “world-class”, and “exceptional”. Since its inception in Hong Kong in 1866 and growing into one of the leading luxury hotel groups in the world, The Peninsula brand has been known for providing unequaled service with the finest attention to detail. A stay at any Peninsula Hotel is a memorable experience but is on the upper end of the pricey options in New York.
The Peninsula New York is one of just 12 Peninsula Hotels in the world. Occupying a 1905 Beaux Arts landmark building, the c-shaped building was built as the Gotham Hotel. The Peninsula Group opened the 241-room hotel in 1988 offering Fifth Avenue views, a quiet central courtyard, and a prime location in the heart of the city.
Each spacious room provides tranquility with modern touches, soft neutral colors, an activity table with multiple power outlets, and a layout making it conducive to a true office while on the road. A king-size bed and a marble three-fixture bathroom with TV are all standard. Guests also receive robes, free Wi-fi, international phone calls, a fully stocked minibar and soft lighting for maximum comfort.
The historic Peninsula is modernized to include a rooftop terrace with an indoor pool and spa. Gourmet dining is an expectation for Peninsula guests, and they have two fabulous choices here. For upscale Continental cuisine there is Clements Restaurant, and the ever-popular Salon de Ning, also on the rooftop terrace, is known for light Asian meals and creative cocktails.
A transformed factory building in Midtown Manhattan is home to the wonderful Refinery Hotel. Repurposed from its history as the Colony Arcade, a hat factory and Prohibition-era tearoom, this cool, classy, retro hotel retained the distressed hardwood floors and 12-foot ceilings that make it so distinctive.
Guests of the 197-room property can feel the building’s history, but at the same time modernization has not missed any comforts that today’s travelers seek. Free Wi-fi, upscale bath products from Le Labo, plus gourmet foods and Hudson Whiskey in the stocked minibar are welcome amenities.
The stylish loft rooms with soaring ceilings include a large flat-screen TV and minibar. Popular in the local neighborhood is the hotel’s signature Parker & Quinn restaurant, with a nostalgic atmosphere and high-quality American dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
An extremely popular destination, the Refinery Rooftop offers amazing views of the Empire State Building and Manhattan’s skyline. This spectacular space is vibrant, serves us delectable dishes and salads, and is so popular that reservations are absolutely a necessity.
Another popular Refinery Hotel meeting spot is Winnie’s Jazz Bar in the hotel lobby. Adult beverages, relaxed seating and fun music make this the perfect place to start or end your evening.
As the famous song says, “New York, New York, a place so nice they named it twice”. This vacation destination is like nowhere else in the world. With so many 5-star hotel options, incredible sightseeing, cuisine, museums, and every kind of entertainment, New York City will provide you with an unforgettable getaway.
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