The Best Hotels to Book Near the Flatiron Building, New York City

Two blocks east of the Flatiron Building, this heritage building used to be the George Washington Hotel, a famed haunt for artists and musicians. Now, it’s the funky Freehand Hotel: true to the old spirit, its rooms are simple yet classy, with custom-painted artwork and murals, and surprisingly affordable. Small groups are well served, with the option of a triple room or private bunk rooms for four. Expect a social vibe from the hotel, with two bars (one on the rooftop), a game room, gym and exceedingly friendly staff.

Planted squarely between the Flatiron and Empire State Buildings is this new 108-room independent boutique hotel. With lots of wood fixtures and natural textures, the rooms have an earthy-chic ambiance and excellent views of New York’s skyline; accessible rooms, a penthouse and various-size suites are all available. Beyond the rooms (and their slinky Italian sheets), Made has an 18th-floor lounge with views, a second-floor patio and an in-house tapas restaurant with treats by two chefs from former NYC restaurant Le Turtle.

With 337 rooms, the James covers all bases, from standard queen rooms right up to a superstar-worthy sprawling penthouse suite. Whichever you pick, rest assured you’ll get modern decor with Instagrammable geometric designer furniture and a soft color palette. Pet-friendly, the hotel is particularly well equipped for groups and events, from business meetings right through to weddings. And for those times when it’s too wet outside, dining in is tops: try the enduring New York Italian restaurant Scarpetta as well as the Australian cafe.

This five-star destination from the Marriott group occupies the historic MetLife skyscraper on Madison Avenue, directly across from Madison Square Park and a block from the Flatiron Building. The 271 rooms don’t disappoint – all bold, bright designs, cool stone bathrooms and stellar city views. If you’re in town for a milestone occasion, explore the numerous suites begging to be splashed-out on. And still on the indulgence front – make a reservation for the Clocktower, the hotel’s modern British restaurant, which glitters, down to its Michelin star.

Everyone likes a little gem – and this one, a mere block away from Union Square, exudes early 20th-century Gotham glamour, with antique interiors inspired by novelist Edith Wharton. The Inn at Irving Place is just the ticket if you need a quieter, more intimate place to stay – there are just eight guest rooms (as well as four more for those wanting longer-term stays). Despite its diminutive size, the Inn – set across two historic brownstone buildings – has a cocktail lounge, Cibar, you’ll want to spend an evening or two in, as well as Lady Mendl’s, a classy, quirky tea salon.

This outpost of the cool W Hotel chain is situated directly across from Union Square, a few blocks south of the Flatiron Building. Housed in a decadent 21-story Beaux-Arts building (the former Guardian Life skyscraper), the hotel’s public areas have a glitzy, ballroom-chic element to them – a neat counterpoint to the sharp, modern rooms with splashes of color. With numerous meeting rooms, it’s a good choice for business travelers, too.

This Art Deco stunner stands a few blocks south of the Flatiron Building on the edge of Greenwich Village (with its myriad bars and restaurants). Its rooms are decked out with sharp vintage colors and patterns and stylish black-and-white tiled bathrooms; for a seriously special occasion, consider the top-floor suites with marble bathtubs and terraces delivering city views. While there’s no shortage of eateries nearby, the hotel also has the Society Cafe on premises, where the menu pushes the boat out with modern American cuisine.