The Coolest Hotels to Book in New York City

Get the complete Brooklyn experience at this non-traditional boutique hotel, beginning with a ride in its gleaming-yellow 1970s cab. The Box House Hotel sits in the Greenpoint district – close to Midtown Manhattan – a one-time industrial stronghold and farmland. The 126 rooms include lofts, suites and apartments with original factory detailing, oversize abstract art and plenty of hipster curios. Head to Top of the Box on the rooftop for cocktails, bites and views that will make you feel like you own the city.

Designed by esteemed NYC architects Grzywinski+Pons, the Hotel on Rivington’s rooms and suites are characterized by floor-to-ceiling glass walls and balconies – both offering unobstructed views across the skyscrapers and russet-brick buildings of Manhattan. JIA, the late-night lounge with the hottest DJs in the city, is popular with cocktail-swigging celebrities. And when it’s time to retire, the king-size Tempur-Pedic beds and free-standing two-person Japanese tubs at this Lower East Side residence are exactly what’s needed.

While the name comes from the manufacturing that more recently took place in the building, this property was originally a radio factory. Now, the Collective Paper Factory serves as a quirky five-story hotel with the high ceilings and vast windows typical of warehouse architecture. A co-working space is handy for business travelers, and you can choose from a range of in-house classes to learn a new skill. Chic urban-influenced rooms are minimal, other than the splash of modern art by local Long Island City painters and the occasional authentic antique film prop.

Marking an innovation for the hospitality industry, YOTEL provides a forward-thinking cabin-style place to stay in New York City. Guest pods have a rain shower, silent air conditioning, superfast wifi, a smart TV that pairs with your devices and mood lighting as standard. However, this particular one in the heart of Manhattan (on 10th Avenue) has the added boon of housing one of the biggest outdoor hotel terraces in New York – at a relatively affordable price.

Sleep in a “cabin” instead of a room at the seafaring-themed vintage Jane Hotel. Found beside the Hudson River in an ultra-trendy part of the city – the West Village – it’s one of just a few hotels in this neighborhood. The artsy young clientele takes advantage of on-site complimentary bike hire and a seasonal rooftop bar. First built as a six-floor hotel for sailors in 1908, it has welcomed travelers from around the world ever since. It’s striking distance from a stroll on the High Line, perfect to clear your head after a big night out.

Spread across 13 floors in the NoMad district are the 159 rooms and suites in the Evelyn Hotel. The beaux arts hotel dates back to 1905, and after undergoing two extensive multi-million dollar refurbishments, it has taken on a refreshed art nouveau style, with statement sculptures and installations. The namesake of the hotel is Evelyn Nesbit, the early-20th-century artists’ model, chorus girl and actress, also known as the Girl in the Red Velvet Swing.

Save your pennies for exploring what the city has to offer at this budget-friendly place to stay in NYC. The designers of this place are masters at using a smart layout to maximize room space. You’ll benefit from three public spaces and the delights of the surrounding Murray Hill area. It’s also home to a rooftop bar, arcade games area with two ping-pong tables, and Empellón Al Pastor, a Mexican-inspired eatery and bar by chef Alex Stupak.

This boho boutique hotel is housed in an unassuming apartment block, with the nearest metro station a five-minute walk away. NU Hotel has a bold local feel – from the Brooklyn beers in the fridges to the murals by local artists on its walls. Fun decorative touches, such as an indoor hammock and a chalkboard in the bathroom, are incorporated into its loft-style decor.

Head downtown and sleep beside the bright lights and bling of one of the busiest squares on earth at this four-star super-central hotel. A 24-hour reception organizes tickets, reservations and excursions to help you get the most out of the city, while the Red Moon Restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes and sushi. You can also join the locals and benefit from access to the fitness facilities at the Equinox Sports Club. A calming monochrome concept of relaxation in its rooms belies the hectic locale.

As the oldest operating hotel in New York City, the three-star 88-room Sohotel dates back to the early 1800s. Its position on the once-notorious Bowery is now a hotspot for Instagrammers and couture shoppers. The boutique venue houses three restaurants (Mexican, organic Italian and craft beer-themed American), a cocktail bar, a lounge attracting local creatives, an art space and a lobby with free infused water and imported Stone Street Coffee.