The Best Hotels to Book Near the New York Public Library

This calming oasis overlooking lush Bryant Park offers a welcome retreat from the city streets. Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso machines and bathroom products by local apothecary Malin + Goetz. Wellness is also highly prioritized here. Besides providing all guests with in-room yoga mats, the hotel also organizes seasonal yoga sessions in Bryant Park and has a gym equipped with Peloton bikes and free weights. Need to recharge after your workout? Drop by the sauna to soothe those tired muscles.

Hotel Hendricks bills itself as a “rock-and-roll glam” stay – and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Each of the stylish safari-themed rooms is decked out with eye-popping animal prints, rich mahogany furnishings, industrial fixtures and weighty royal-blue curtains. There’s also a restaurant that serves Latin-inspired cuisine and two rooftop bars, including the Aussie-themed Daintree Rooftop & Lounge. We suggest pairing one of the latter’s signature martinis with moreish bar bites, such as the standout Steak Katsu Sando or Lobster Roll.

Literary lovers and serious bookworms can complement their library visit with a stay at this hotel. Each of the ten guest floors pays homage to one of the ten categories of the Dewey Decimal Classification system, which is used by libraries to sort books. Consider yourself a tech geek? Request for a room on the sixth floor. All about history? The ninth floor is the one for you. Rooms are simply appointed but come with an extensive range of texts to peruse during your stay.

The Dylan boasts just 107 rooms housed within a gorgeous white marble building dating back to 1911. Each high-ceilinged guest room is cozy and comfortable, featuring bold jewel-toned furnishings and Carrera marble bathrooms. Burn some calories at the on-site fitness center before indulging in prime cuts of steak, zesty shrimp cocktail and other American classics at the attached Benjamin Steakhouse.

This snazzy hotel is located right across the street from the New York Public Library. The ample rooms were designed to evoke the best of New York loft living, with towering ceilings, large windows that allow plenty of sunlight to flood in and light fixtures styled after vintage subway lanterns. Some suites come with private balconies or terraces that overlook the buzzy streets below, whilst this pet-friendly hotel also includes an on-site spa and fitness center.

The rooms at this Bryant Park bolthole are minimalist and unfussy, complete with high ceilings, marbled bathrooms and handmade Tibetan rugs lining the floors. The hotel also has decent dining options, including restaurant Koi that specializes in Japanese cuisine with modern California accents: think salmon and crab rolls with black truffle, plus seared tuna served with crispy garlic chips and jalapeño. Do also visit Célon Lounge to enjoy a spicy margarita in a colorful and cozy Moroccan-themed setting.

This chic boutique hotel marries sophistication with a touch of whimsy. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome gift of handmade salted caramels. Each of the spacious rooms is decked out in an elegant industrial aesthetic, which blends exposed-brick walls and black-and-white tiling with colorful fabrics and evocative artwork. You’ll also be provided with complimentary bedroom slippers bearing playful designs – such as a smiley face, mustache, or plump lipstick-clad lips – and daily turndown treats.

A stay at Arlo NoMad puts you within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park and, of course, the New York Public Library. Take your pick from 250 well-lit, contemporary-designed rooms that come outfitted with large beds and offer sprawling city views. If you’re feeling hungry after a long day of exploring the Big Apple, consider tucking into hummus plates, cauliflower tabbouleh and harissa chicken thighs at the onsite Middle Eastern-themed Lamalo Restaurant.

This boutique hotel boasts a range of facilities that you rarely find in a stay of this size. For starters, there’s an indoor heated pool complete with an adjoining bar, so you can sip on a cheeky cocktail between laps. It also includes a 24-hour fitness center and sauna. Rooms come with touch lighting, rain showers and bold geometric or floral-patterned wallpaper. The triple room features an additional bunk bed – making it great for families – while larger suites have a separate sitting area.