Where to Stay in New York City for a Local Experience

Just a step away from the neon fizz of Times Square, the Knick has calm, clean rooms behind its frilly Beaux-Arts facade, decked out in tranquilizing hues of stone, pine and biscuit. The Charlie Palmer restaurant taps into the farm territory of NY’s Hudson Valley for its seared steaks and roasted-squash soups; and its rooftop bar has one of the best views around for buzzy Manhattan moments such as New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July.

The SoHo neighborhood, with its sharp designer stores and cult bakeries, breeds a slicker brand of boutique hotel, and the Dominick’s tree-trimmed rooftop, lofty bronze lobby and art-bedecked rooms sum up that vibe. Sip martinis by the pool in the summer months; or hunker down in its small-but-perfectly-formed spa – or in elegant fine-dining spot Vestry when the cold snaps set in.

There’s an abstract, sci-fi feel to the Conrad’s towering, glass lobby – and the cool tones and curvaceous furniture continue everywhere from the rooms to the rooftop bar. Placed way downtown, near the World Trade Center, there’s an almost corporate smartness to this hotel that tempts business travelers and jet-setters; but the rooftop bar, with its unobstructed views of the shimmering Hudson River, could romance the socks off anyone.

Blessed with a super-central location and attentive, approachable staff, the Langham feels a cut above some of its established Midtown rivals. With sculptural, liquid-look areas in the lobby and moody murals behind reception, it’s a sharp, arty stay. Rooms may look basic, in crisp, cool white, and navy, but their simplicity hides some serious investment in your comfort – they’re kitted out with cloud-like Duxiana mattresses and kitten-soft Sferra bedding.

Situated in the underrated Upper West Side, the Empire has art deco looks and an oversized neon sign to match. Busy rooms with patterned carpet and taupe wallpaper are not to everyone’s taste, but behind that sky-level sign is a scenic rooftop lounge, with vine-strung walls and tangerine sofas – try the smoked port old fashioned or the jalapeño margarita. Skip around the neighborhood to find brutalist concert spot Lincoln Center, countless Jewish delis, and the Museum of Natural History.

This bijou hotel ticks all of the boutique boxes – a great location, walkable from Midtown’s sights and theaters; a sense of place (it’s fashion-themed, in the historic Garment District); and fun creative touches, such as the retro newspaper of hotel info in your room, or live jazz and free wine in the lobby. Rooms are white, wood, and leather, with the odd designer’s sketch thrown in – and a small, sheltered rooftop bar with stretches of exposed brick completes the picture.

Plum in NYC’s theatreland, close to foodie Hell’s Kitchen, the Michelangelo channels old-school glamour, from the marble and velvet of its lobby to the scarlet and gold upholstery of bar-restaurant the Lounge. Rooms similarly purr with sophistication – polished wood bed-frames, snuggly armchairs, and pearly curtains framing the metallic grid of the city. Rooms are on the large side for Manhattan, so there’s no chance of cabin fever here.