10 luxury hotels in New York for an unforgettable five-star stay
Experience the luxury side of New York with these incredible hotels that make staying in the Big Apple a real treat
New York has a reputation as being one of the world’s most expensive cities ─ and it knows how to do luxury well. The city’s five-star hotels are like something straight out of a movie, with celebrities often checking-in to get a slice of that refined Big Apple experience.
While you might not be plumping for the Penthouse Suite, our pick of the best luxury hotels in New York takes you through grand dames with the kind of old world service you only get in this city, along with boutique style lodgings like The Whitby Hotel (a lesson in seriously plush interior design) and funkier hangouts like The William Vale, whose luxury offerings include the largest hotel pool in New York and a 22nd-floor terrace with unique views of the skyline.
Resplendent spaces with marble-chequered floors and trompe l'oeil murals can be found at The Pierre Hotel ─ which also has an old school lift attendant ─ while The Beekman drips in chintz. On the other end of the scale, the New York EDITION is sleek and sultry.
There’s a luxury pied a terre for everyone in New York, see below for more places to stay.
Sofitel New York
Close to key sites like the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, and good transport connections including three subway stations, the Sofitel New York enjoys an excellent location in the heart of New York’s clubland.
With wainscoting, contemporary artworks, geometric-patterned floors and brassy sconces, the beautiful Art Deco interiors attract a well-heeled crowd wishing to combine sightseeing with a swish place to call home for a few nights. Subtle nods to Parisian elegance keep things interesting ─ the brasserie serves French fare and there are uses of brass, marble and wood throughout. Rooms are spacious with polished marble bathrooms, and there’s a gym.
The Whitby Hotel
In Upper Midtown Manhattan, The Whitby Hotel’s wow-factor is its design-led interiors. Kit Kemp, founder and mastermind behind the Firmdale hotels uses bold colours and funky patterns to create a look that is stylish and cocooning ─ and the result is mesmerising. Spaces are lavishly adorned in artworks, bespoke upholstery, and intricate wallpaper designs, creating a true home-from-home feel.
You’ll never want to leave, especially as the service is tip-top. There’s a restaurant, bar, orangery and outdoor terrace which are lively spaces to linger, and the rooms are sumptuous. A gym and cinema complete the picture.
Warwick New York
The Warwick New York’s proverbial guestbook must be bursting at the seams with celebrity names ─ luminaries including Audrey Hepburn, Elvis, The Beatles and Elizabeth Taylor have all stayed here. Interiors combine old and new world elegance; historic features like marble floors and pilasters mingle with contemporary furniture and modern conveniences.
Rooms are spacious for New York and classically styled, making it a favourite of older travellers who want a slice of old world glamour with comfortable lodgings in a convenient location. There’s also a restaurant and lounge with a clubby vibe. It’s five minutes’ walk from Central Park and round the corner from MoMa.
Crosby Street Hotel
Also part of the Firmdale collection, the Crosby Street Hotel is a temple to modern art, vibrant style and boutique interior design. It’s perfect for travellers who want to hole up somewhere central ─ in the heart of SoHo ─ whilst also enjoying the peace of a quiet street. Conveniently, Chinatown, Tribeca and Greenwich Village are within 15 minutes’ walk.
Immaculate rooms and spaces are elevated with fastidiously clean lines, with patterned fabrics and bold colours making a statement. There’s a lounge that makes the perfect post-sightseeing spot, while the candle-lit inner courtyard is wonderfully romantic. A restaurant and bar is popular with locals and guests alike.
Loews Regency New York Hotel
With elegant Art Deco-era interiors and a posh Park Avenue postcode, the Loews Regency New York Hotel has drawn celebrities, business and leisure guests for years ─ famous faces include Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Spike Lee. It suits people looking for a stylish base while they explore New York ─ or to simply relax with room service in the comfy accommodations.
If you don’t feel like heading out to Midtown and the Upper East Side, there’s a choice of dining spots at the hotel; go to the famous Regency Bar for classic American bites. There's also a good coffee shop plus salon where you can get your hair done or opt for a spa treatment.
The Beekman
This is the one for old world elegance. Public spaces in The Beekman drip with opulence as shown in the use of velvet seating, chintzy lampshades, wood-panelled walls, Persian-style rugs and soft lighting. And everything is done properly here. Turndown service, a house car and valet service are welcome luxury touches.
Bright and airy rather than deep and atmospheric, the rooms are slightly different ─ but are just as lovely and carry the theme on in seating and the odd vintage piece. The Bar Room which does a fabulous jazz brunch at weekends, fine dining restaurant led by Tom Colicchio, and a French bistro for casual fare are all worth visiting, too.
The Dominick
A position right on the edge of the SoHo neighbourhood means The Dominick is never too far from a trendy restaurant, bar, boutique or art gallery. Its hip location sees people of all ages flock to its doors, especially well-heeled city hoppers who appreciate the spacious rooms with big windows that make the most of the skyline, the terrace pool (also with great views) and the spa with hammams, saunas and steam rooms.
A restaurant overseen by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt ups the culinary offering, though if you feel like seeing more of the area there are countless places to eat and drink on the doorstep.
The Pierre Hotel
The Pierre Hotel is the last word in luxury for New York hotels. Service is taken seriously here ─ there’s even a lift attendant ─ and it’s home to one of the city’s best restaurants, Rotunda. Cocktails and afternoon tea can be enjoyed to live music in the smart lobby bar, while shoppers make the most of Fifth Avenue and Upper East Side, the city’s smartest pocket.
The look is entirely resplendent with Neo-Georgian details: think marble-chequered floors, trompe l'oeil murals, a majestic ballroom. Classically styled rooms feature lots of white which accentuates the use of walnut sideboards and stylish lamps.
New York EDITION
Ian Schrager has created a sleek and sultry haven in this striking 1909 clocktower by Madison Square Park ─ cocooning spaces that are favoured by couples and families with older children. Expect lots of neutral beiges with warm woods underlit to create moody drama.
In the heart of lower Manhattan, the New York EDITION is well primed for sightseeing; not too far from the Flatiron Building, Union Square and several subway lines, so it’s perfect as a posh pied a terre. Sumptuously comfortable rooms, a billiard room, gym, spa, cool cocktail bars, and the highly acclaimed Clocktower restaurant complete the luxury picture.
The William Vale
Occupying a 23-storey skyscraper that wouldn’t look out of place in a futuristic sci-fi movie, The William Vale certainly has the wow-factor. It’s located in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn, a creative hub that’s home to museums, flea markets, galleries and hip nightlife.
There’s a cool bar, Westlight, on the 22nd floor that offers retro styling with panoramic views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, while the vibrant Leuca serves authentic Italian food. The terrace pool is the largest hotel pool in New York, and rooms are modern and bright, with squishy beds and balconies. Regular events for all ages create a community feel.
View more of our hotel reviews:
6 easy ways to prep for your bucket list trip
Brilliant no-fly holidays for 2025
Top food holidays for gourmands
Villa Carlotta is a haven to visit in Lake Como
