The 6 Best Hotels Near the Empire State Building, New York City

Being able to spy the Empire State Building from your hotel room is the ultimate NYC accommodation experience
Being able to spy the Empire State Building from your hotel room is the ultimate NYC accommodation experience | © Michele Falzone / Alamy Stock Photo
Julia Goicochea

Staying in a room with a view of the Empire State Building is one to tick off the hotel bucket list. If you’re eager to see the Art Deco skyscraper during your trip, one of these plush hotels will do the trick.

The grand stature of the Empire State Building is ingrained onto the blueprint of New York City. Often romanticized, its sky-spearing architecture has played a role in countless films, whether as a concrete climbing wall for an unfathomably large gorilla or the romantic meeting point for love-struck Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Its enduring influence has drawn many people to the city – if you’re one of them, these hotels put you in pole position to beat the crowds.

1. Arlo NoMad, Midtown South

Boutique Hotel

The wooden stool-lined rooftop bar at Arlo NoMad, New York.
Courtesy of Arlo NoMad

Recognized for its unique hotel service created with ‘urban explorers’ in mind, the Arlo NoMad is the winner of many prestigious awards, such as a Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Award. Each guest room features modern walnut furnishings and custom light fixtures, which make staying at the Arlo feel like a luxury experience. Other hotel perks include access to the seasonal rooftop bar, complimentary bicycles for exploring NYC, and a second-floor bar, lounge and terrace.

2. The Gregory Hotel, Midtown South

Hotel

The Gregory Hotel New York
Courtesy of The Gregory Hotel / Booking.com

This brick and limestone structure pays homage to its ornate past as with a vintage brew of restored features like the classic marble fireplace, grand columns and stained glass windows (it began life as an immensely popular aristocratic hotel in 1903). The contemporary and monochromatic room decor is made inviting with tasteful floral arrangements, fashion-focused art and massive king- or queen-size beds that promise a good night’s sleep. Pull up a stool in Brendan’s Bar, which serves expertly mixed cocktails, or pay a visit to NOMI Beauty to unwind with a blissful deep-tissue massage.

4. Ace Hotel New York, Midtown South

Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel

Ace Hotel
Courtesy of Ace Hotel New York / Expedia

Housed in a historic, turn-of-the-century building, Ace Hotel New York offers rooms of all sizes, including those with bunk beds and ‘mini’ rooms outfitted with a full-size bed. Most rooms feature vintage furniture, and certain rooms even come with a turntable and records. As a bonus, there’s also a British gastropub and a coffee shop on the premises.

5. Archer Hotel New York, Midtown South

Hotel

A bedroom at Archer Hotel New York, with a bed, headboard, exposed brick wall, bedside lights and windows
© Archer Hotel New York / Booking.com
Behind Archer New York’s towering glass, red-brick and steel facade lies a refined interior of midnight-blue chesterfield sofas, grayscale city photography and marble countertops. Rooms are equally haute with plum-leather headboards, handmade salted caramels upon arrival, Malin+Goetz bath products and a sleek walk-in shower. But the real treat is the Spyglass Rooftop Bar, spoiling you with irresistibly Instagrammable views of the Empire State Building and serving up enchanting cocktails like the Red Lotus, a bittersweet concoction of hibiscus tequila, lemon and agave.

6. Even New York, Midtown East

Chain Hotel

Even New York Midtown East
Courtesy of Even New York Midtown East / Expedia.com

Situated just minutes from Grand Central station, Even New York ensures it lives up to its wellness-focused ethos with Peloton bikes and water rowers in its state-of-the-art gym, as well as a ping-pong table and family-friendly on-site children’s activities. Its sprawling open-plan lobby is interspersed with natural elements like raw granite brickwork, sleek wooden furnishings and a jungle-like living wall – a soothing setting to enjoy a healthy on-brand smoothie from restaurant Cork & Kale. The practical rooms maintain the same stripped-back aesthetic with wood floors and svelte white leather furniture, and even include an in-room fitness kit and sound system so you can work up a sweat without stepping foot outside your door.

Chloe Byrne contributed additional reporting to this article.

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