Known for its vibrant dining scene, first-rate entertainment and world-famous shopping, New York City spoils its inhabitants. Visitors can indulge, too, at the city’s finest hotels, where luxury surprises and delights. Enter one, and there’s a chance that you’ll encounter a 64-arm crystal chandelier, an “anything goes” delivery service, and beautiful private art collections. Here are the best luxury hotels in New York City.
The 111-year-old Plaza epitomizes New York luxury. Here, spoiled guests may have any wish satisfied in a New York minute at the five on-site dining and drinking venues and The Plaza Boutique. The hotel’s iconic Palm Court, an aspirational destination for afternoon tea, and its rooms adorned with unique wallpapers and 24-carat gold fixtures come recommended by fictional guests including Eloise and Kevin McCallister.
Advanced technology, such as apps capable of unlocking room doors and a WHATEVER/WHENEVER® delivery service, characterizes this futuristic hotel. The W New York – Times Square introduces a contemporary, plugged-in brand of luxury, one which entails a Farewell Kiosk where guests can print their boarding passes. Even private helicopter tours are available at the touch of a button.
Brooklyn’s legendary creativity abounds at this Brooklyn Heights hotel designed by local artists. Floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge combine with nature-inspired décor to create 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s expansive feel, which any New Yorker will tell you is a luxury around here. Keep an eye out for only-found-here décor elements, such as crate-inspired slatted wood closets and leather strap-upholstered chairs.
With its multimedia collection by 11 artists, including conceptual artist Jenny Holzer and portrait artist Chuck Close, The Surrey adds to the Upper East Side’s famed art scene. The 92-year-old converted residence hotel is now home to unorthodox art, including an interactive video piece and a custom armoire and chaise lounge. Currently, it’s the only Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel in New York City.
Expect over-the-top grandeur from this hotel inspired by the 254-year-old French crystal brand of the same name. In addition to nearly 15,000 pieces of Baccarat stemware and fixtures, the Baccarat Hotel is home to the world’s first dedicated spa by skincare brand La Mer and a luxury car service available for journeys spanning just several blocks. Tip: Don’t leave without ‘gramming the dazzling 64-arm Baccarat chandelier in the hotel’s Grand Salon.
No two of owner and design director Kit Kemp’s 86 accommodations are the same. Fabric-covered headboards, original artwork, and a bold signature mix of patterns and prints create unique accommodations which Crosby Street Hotel can guarantee no one else will have. This air of exclusivity extends to guests-only spaces, including the Drawing Room and Sculpture Garden. Tip: Mix with the locals over afternoon tea, a nod to Firmdale Hotels’ British roots, at the Crosby Bar.
Though located in a 109-year-old building, the cool New York Edition specializes in “new luxury for a new generation.” Creator and Studio 54 legend Ian Schrager fills the Flatiron property with custom Le Labo amenities in a scent exclusive to the Edition, black-and-white photography by renowned fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky, and other glamorous features. At the center of the hotel is its Michelin-starred Clocktower restaurant, which boasts a billiards room and a bar gilded in 24-carat gold, in addition to contemporary British cuisine.
Opened by a distinguished New York family in 1904, The St. Regis New York has been a Big Apple icon ever since. The pampering here (no doubt on par with the kind Colonel John Jacob Astor IV received himself) is legendary, as is the St. Regis butler service, which is included with every room. If one does want to lift a finger here, they can use it to hold a Bloody Mary at the King Cole Bar, where the drink was invented in 1934.
