As a born and bred New Yorker, I might not be staying in hotels on a regular basis, but I’ve come to know which hotels are considered the best. Through city staycations, recommending hotels to out-of-towner-friends, blog shoots or just knowing what areas and hotels I’d want to be in if I was visiting, these are some of the best the city has to offer.

The Best Hotels in NYC

THE SURREY

Neighborhood: Upper East Side

Address: 20 East 76th St, New York, NY 10021

If you’re looking for Upper East Side, Gossip Girl vibes (in the best possible way), this is the place to stay. It’s close to Central Park and Madison Avenue shopping and relatively quiet for NYC standards. Built in 1926 and once a residence hotel to NY celebrities (such as JFK, Bette Davis, and Claudette Colbert to name a few.) This boutique historic hotel was voted the #1 City Hotel by Conde Nast Traveler in 2016 and with good reason.

THE HIGH LINE HOTEL

Neighborhood: Chelsea

Address: 180 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Set in the 19th Century seminary of an Episcopal Church, The High Line Hotel is one of the oldest hotels with hip & historic charm in the heart of Chelsea. Located opposite the High Line Park and one block from Chelsea Piers, the hotel is charming, quirky and bustling with a welcoming staff.

I love that the lobby is equipped with an Intelligentsia coffee house that’s filled with locals and people staying there. Some might find that part odd, but I think it adds to the charm. The coffee is great and the atmosphere makes for great people-watching. If you’re looking for calm and low-key, this hotel is not for you. But if you don’t mind me in the midst of Chelsea’s hustle and bustle, I highly recommend.

THE NEW YORK EDITION HOTEL

Neighborhood: Flatiron

Address: 5 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

The New York EDITION Hotel has one of the coolest locations of all – set in the Landmark clock tower building, in the heart of Flatiron District. Built in 1909, this clock tower was once headquarters for The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Overlooking Madison Square Park, the location is ideal if you need to be in the middle – close to midtown and easy enough to get downtown. The service is excellent, it’s close to Shake Shack (hey, priorities) and as soon as you walk into the lobby, you’re greeted with the BEST smell. 

HOTEL GIRAFFE

Neighborhood: Flatiron 

Address: 365 Park Ave South, New York, NY 10016

A good friend of mine, who travels often and is an opinion I trust, stayed here during a recent trip and deemed it her favorite hotel in NYC. It has become her go-to when visiting for work or pleasure. What sets Hotel Giraffe apart from all the other luxury boutique hotels is not only its timeless style, but also its added amenities offered daily to its guests: a fabulous complimentary breakfast and wine and cheese happy hour. Yes, please!

*Fun Fact: Mr. Big’s apartment scenes in the first “Sex & The City” movie was filmed in the Penthouse.

THE NOMAD HOTEL

Neighborhood: Flatiron

Address: 1170 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

 Housed in a historic beaux arts building, this chic, Parisian-inspired hotel is centrally located in Flatiron. It also happens to have one of the most beautiful bars and one of the best restaurants the city has to offer. If you’re into hotels that are light and airy, this one is not for you! But if dark and sexy is a bit more up your alley, I highly recommend.

THE BEEKMAN HOTEL

Neighborhood: Financial District

Address: 123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038

One of my favorite downtown hotels. It’s a historic hotel with old world charm, but with modern amenities and technology (and quick wifi). The staff is exceptional, the beds are comfortable and the amenities are top notch. One of things I appreciate most is the varied rooms and suite designs, all rooms with their own unique charm and personality.

CROSBY STREET HOTEL

Neighborhood: Soho

Address: 79 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012

Set on a cobblestone street, my interior designer friend deems the Crosby Street Hotel his favorite (in terms of aesthetics) with Kit Kemp design in every detail. It also happens to be one of my favorite hotels for a NYC stay-cation. Located in the heart of Soho and perfect for some of the cities best shopping and people watching. The hotel itself has service that is top-notch with attention to every single detail. Lastly, cannot mention this hotel without calling out their bar, one of the best in the city. Even when not staying here, my girlfriends and I have met here on many occasions for cocktails and a fun night out.

THE GREENWICH HOTEL

Neighborhood: Tribeca

Address: 337 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

The Greenwich hotel is located in the heart of Tribeca, one of my favorite NYC neighborhoods. With no two rooms alike, the hotel is chic and sexy, but never intimidating or stuffy. Whether you’re dining at the hotel or ordering room-service, the hotel is attached to Locanda Verde, one of the cities best Italian restaurants. Even if you’re not staying there, come for their brunch, which has been one of my favorites for years. Heck, I’d even go as far as saying to have both dinner and brunch there. It really is that good.

ARLO SOHO

Neighborhood: South Village

Address: 231 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013

Located near Chelsea Market, High Line and Meatpacking, The Arlo Soho boasts an interior defined as contemporary with a Scandinavian vibe. Yes, the rooms are small, but chic and extremely comfortable. The lobby and bar area is a great place to catch a drink, hang out, work on laptop and just be in a feel-good, inspiring atmosphere.