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The Best Hotels to Book in Midtown, NYC

Experience Times Square humming with life at the heart of Midtown Manhattan
Experience Times Square humming with life at the heart of Midtown Manhattan | © galit seligmann / Alamy Stock Photo

You might have guessed from its name, but Midtown Manhattan is one of the most popular areas to stay for visitors because of its central location. Plant yourself in the fizzing nerve center of the Big Apple, and base yourself in one of the best hotels dotted around its core, now bookable with Culture Trip.

Known for being home to many quintessential New York landmarks, Midtown thrives on business as much as pleasure with its cluster of skyscrapers busy with suit-and-tie workers. Travelers are also at their leisure with tons of activities and accommodation options on their doorstep. From rooms with classic New York charm to trendy rooftop bars, these popular hotels in Midtown Manhattan should be at the top of your list.

Hotel Hendricks

Independent Hotel

Hotel Hendricks
Courtesy of Hotel Hendricks / Expedia

No relation to the gin, but equally as enticing, Hotel Hendricks is infused with a rock’n’roll edge accomplished by liberal use of animal print and gleaming bronze details. Located close to the glitzy buzz of Broadway, this pet-friendly hotel shows off from the outset with a dramatic exterior overflowing with ivy. Step inside for a glass of fizz at the atomic-yellow lobby bar, or check out the rooftop to take in far-reaching city views from jazzy zebra-stripe booths. The mahogany rooms are thematically cut through with wildlife motifs and offer deluxe amenities like bespoke paraben-free toiletries and Keurig coffee makers.

Bryant Park Hotel

Hotel

A room with white walls and curtains, a double bed and a TV seating area at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City
Courtesy of Bryant Park Hotel / Expedia
The gold-tipped spires of this black neo-gothic skyscraper may conjure up fairytale images of castles and villains, but the sleek interior of the Bryant Park Hotel is much more enchanting. Check in at the cherry-red reception desk before descending into the subterranean Célon – an atmospheric cocktail bar with vaulted ceilings and the glow of patterned Moroccan lamps – where you can lounge on mountains of bohemian cushions and sip Sahara Breezes, a refreshing mix of gin and elderflower. Rooms are a more stripped-back affair, but include cashmere blankets, Bose radios and access to the 24-hour gym.

The Iroquois New York

Luxury

The Iroquois New York
Courtesy of the Iroquois New York / Booking.com

Tucked away just off Fifth Avenue, the Iroquois is perfectly placed if you’re hoping to splash some cash on a high-end shopping spree. Unsurprisingly, the hotel has welcomed waves of famous figures such as James Dean and The Clash through its doors, and effortlessly maintains its historic elegance. Plush rooms feature marble whirlpool baths with labyrinth mosaic tiling, classic New York photography and luxury Frette robes and linens. Work out on the Peloton bikes in the gym, detoxify in the Finnish sauna or throw back Prohibition-era cocktails in the sunken saloon of Lantern’s Keep.

The Roger New York

Hotel

A Deluxe Room King looks out over Madison Avenue or 31st Street, The Roger, NYC
Courtesy of The Roger New York

Peek under the pinstripe awning of the Roger to find a lesson in luxury by designer Anna Busta. Just moments from the Eden of Central Park, this boutique hotel exudes elegance with emerald-hued Persian rugs, polished hardwood floors and classic Hollywood photography in the lobby. Sleek rooms range from snug Deluxe Queens to the Empire Terrace Queen with a private terrace lined with blossoming flowers and sunloungers. All rooms feature minibars stocked with gourmet snacks and silky Egyptian cotton linens. Check out the Parlour Bistro for an elevated twist on comfort food and tuck into soda-dipped fried chicken and home-made ice-cream sandwiches.

The Bernic Hotel

Boutique Hotel

The Bernic Hotel
Courtesy of The Bernic Hotel / Expedia

Not only does the boutique Bernic Hotel now offer a seasonal open-air rooftop lounge with views of the Chrysler Building, most guest rooms come with a private balcony – or, at least as “private” as anything really gets in Manhattan. Inside, the restful spaces are kept simple but elegant with copper-framed cityscape art, snug queen- or king-size beds topped with lemon-yellow cushions, and tiled bathrooms with heated floors – blissful in the depths of a New York winter. Its location can’t be beat, especially if you’re arriving via train or have tickets to a Broadway show – both Grand Central Station and Times Square are within easy reach.

Fifty Hotel and Suites by Affinia

Chain Hotel

Fifty Hotel & Suites by Affinia
Courtesy of Fifty Hotel and Suites by Affinia / Expedia

A magnet for the business-orientated and artfully inclined, this boutique hotel draws you in with smart gray furnishings, bright Persian rugs, smoky abstract art from Gabrielle Rein and recycled metal sculptures. Rooms are unexpectedly expansive considering the busy area and are brimming with luxurious amenities like a pillow menu, signature Affinia beds and ecofriendly toiletries. Thanks to its understated suites with kitchens, the hotel is also ideal for longer stays – a tempting prospect given the daily classic continental breakfast spread and nightly complimentary wine hour.

Archer Hotel New York

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
The sparkling jewel in the Archer Hotel’s sophisticated crown is the Spyglass Rooftop Bar with its unparalleled views of the Empire State Building. The towering structure is a cinematic backdrop to happy hours – try the Archer Palmers with black tea-infused gin. In the rooms you are greeted with handmade salted caramels, wintry branches spidering across curtains and bedside minibar bars lined with nightcap-friendly spirits. The treats continue with the nightly turndown service, which bestows you with complimentary shortbread cookies. When you aren’t busy sunning yourself in nearby Bryant Park, be sure to swing by in-house gastropub AVA Social for tacos and sticky ribs.

Royalton New York

Boutique Hotel

Royalton New York
Courtesy of Royalton New York / Expedia

The ruby-red doors of the Royalton are befitting of its regal title – behind them lie rippling prismatic walls and a swanky lobby leading to rooms fit for futuristic royals. The sleek standards feature cloud-like queen beds with 300-thread-count linens, while the suites have glittering “disco” deep-soaking tubs and huge contemporary wood-burning fireplaces. Slide into one of the suede booths at restaurant Forty Four where you can tuck into a breakfast of challah french toast or eggs benedict. In town for a special occasion? Nomi Beauty is on hand to provide in-room hair and make-up.

Kixby Hotel

Independent Hotel

Kixby Hotel
Courtesy of Kixby Hotel / Expedia

Channeling the New York of the Roaring ’20s with contemporary flourishes, Kixby is a mix of jewel-toned velvets, smoky-blue walls and vintage-style gold detailing. On the roof you’ll find The Lookup with its chilled vibes and landmark-laden views, while a moodily lit art deco setting is found in cocktail lounge Lot 15 where you can tear into dripping wagyu steak sandwiches. Deluxe details are aplenty in rooms with Serta Plush Platinum Suite mattresses sitting on platform beds and Malin+Goetz toiletries awaiting in marble walk-in showers. You’ll have emblematic city sights like Times Square and Grand Central Station as your neighbors, too – ideal if you’re looking to cram a lot into your trip.

Refinery Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Refinery Hotel
Courtesy of Refinery Hotel / Expedia

The Refinery has metamorphosed from hat factory to Prohibition-era tearoom to the luxury hotel you see today. A rich wooden desk sits under the Gothic arches of the cavernous lobby while hardwood floors take you deeper into hallways with traditional tattoo-style art, bold lipstick-red chairs and working Edison telephones. Rooms are high-ceilinged spaces featuring cobalt abstract art and luxury touches like the White Company toiletries, turndown service and golden fixtures. Head up to the Refinery Rooftop for a signature Irish whiskey-driven cocktail and close-up views of the Empire State Building.

The Plaza

Suite Hotel

Courtesy of The Plaza / Hotels.com

Admit it, no New York hotel is more famous than The Plaza. Overlooking Central Park South, it’s as quintessentially New York as Carrie Bradshaw – who shared the small screen with the Plaza in one of the most iconic scenes of Sex and the City. Once facing an uncertain future, the hotel has seen many different owners – including the 45th president of the United States – and has undergone several changes. Half of the building has been converted into condominiums, and an upscale food hall open to the public has been installed on the concourse level. To many, though, the Plaza will forever be the home of the beloved children’s book character, Eloise. The hotel honors the fictional character with a tea and gift shop in her name, as well as her very own suite, outfitted by Betsey Johnson.

Sorted out your place to stay? Begin exploring the Manhattan metropolis by taking a look at the best things to do in the Manhattan neighborhood of Chelsea or checking out the top free things to do in New York City – handy if you splash out on luxurious accommodation, bookable with Culture Trip. Want to see more of the Big Apple? Take a tour or pitch up in one of the most historic hotels in New York before spending the evening back in Manhattan dining at one of the best restaurants in the South Street Seaport area.

This article is an updated version of one originally by Christine Kandic Torres.

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