Where to Stay in New York City for a Local Experience
The USA‘s most storied city has perfected the art of the hotel – as well as having some of the best-preserved historic hideaways, it’s a hotbed for innovation, with trendy new brands springing up each year. Whether you want a mega-label up near Central Park and the museums, a more low-key, character-packed pad downtown, you’re spoilt for choice. This is where to stay in New York City and blend in like a local.
1. The Knickerbocker Hotel
Hotel, Pubs with Rooms
2. The Dominick
Hotel
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.
3. Conrad New York Downtown
Hotel
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.
5. The Langham Fifth Avenue
Hotel
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.
6. Empire Hotel
Hotel
7. Refinery Hotel
Luxury
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.
8. The Michelangelo New York
Hotel
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.
Looking for more unique places to stay in NYC? Discover our guide to the most romantic hotels in New York City, or if you’re visiting on a budget, check into one of these affordable stays in Manhattan.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.