Hotels

The Top Luxury Hotels in New York City  

Here, we share the finest luxury hotels in New York City and discuss their rich history, stunning architecture, and exceptional amenities. 

By 

Lindsay Cohn

 |  December 2, 2025

New York City is a place that beckons travelers to splash out. It’s home to some of the finest Michelin-rated restaurants in the world. It’s not uncommon to see a $50 cocktail on the menu (and after sipping it, realize the price was justified entirely). Designer outposts line Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue. Printemps, the luxury department store where chic Parisians buy fine jewelry and French fragrances, just made its stateside debut at One Wall Street. Members’ clubs are popping up everywhere. Given the abundance of wealth that resides in and visits the Big Apple, it’s no surprise that the city is a high-end hospitality hub, where storied stays with enduring cachet, revamped classics, and buzzy newcomers carve out a niche with discerning travelers. 

The tally of superbly polished properties tops 120. Visitors won’t have any trouble finding a first-class crashpad. However, with so many five-star options, it can be challenging to decide which one has the perfect blend of style, service, and location to elevate your next trip. For a girls’ weekend filled with mimosa-fueled brunches and spa sessions, groups might prefer a sprawling suite overlooking Central Park. Whereas a plush boutique hotel in see-and-be-scene Soho takes the edge for a swish solo trip. And there’s a certain romance about a dimly lit hideaway in quieter Tribeca. 

Here are the best luxury hotels in New York City.

The Top Luxury Hotels in New York City  

The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel

Gone are the days when you might see President John F. Kennedy meandering around his “New York White House.” And yet, The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, retains the same charisma that drew past presidents and icons from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The classic Upper East Side stay just off Central Park is a stronghold of discretion, sophistication, and unflappable service. And yes, it has many stories to tell, but it’s also exceedingly relevant in the present moment when a new generation of hospitality debuts seems to have traded professionalism for flash-in-the-pan trendiness.

Monogrammed pillowcases and Art Deco flourishes still come standard in the 192 guest rooms. Café Carlyle continues its lineage as a swank supper club for fine food and cabaret entertainment. If you love an old-school hotel bar, Bemelmans Bar is a timeless yet trendy drinking den beloved for its stiff martinis, iconic murals, live music, and chic scene.  

Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York

Sometimes Gotham feels like the most electrifying urban sprawl in the world; other times, you just want to flee. It’s in the moments when jetting off to Paris seems like a cure for what ails that you should save the first-class fare (or, better yet, just put it toward an upgrade) and hop in a black car bound for Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, where you’ll be greeted by “bonjour” at the front desk. Fashioned after a Parisian pied-à-terre, the Martin Brudnizki-designed rooms and suites show off pastel hues, large windows, and sumptuous fabrics. Titsou Bar is a bijou, velvet-draped speakeasy, offering cocktails or bubbles along with truffle popcorn before the famous seafood plateau at Brasserie Fouquet’s. The guest-and-member-exclusive Le Vaux rooftop hums with a high-profile crowd (celebrity sightings are almost inevitable). 

The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel

The newest entrant to the well-established Upper East Side hospitality scene, The Surrey, now a Corinthia Hotel, made waves in the press recently when a host of celebrities (namely Zendaya, Cardi B, and Angela Bassett) strutted out its grand front doors on the way to the Met Gala. Though you don’t need a SAG card to enjoy the A-list treatment at this reimagined rendezvous steps from Central Park. Casa Tua — the beloved Miami Italian restaurant with locations in Aspen and Paris — has a temple to spaghetti à la Nerano on the ground floor. The dimly lit bar just across the Art Deco lobby beckons for coffee and catch-ups during the day and digestifs in the evening. By contrast, rooms are delightfully quiet and dressed in calming soft shades. 

The Lowell

An Upper East Side fixture since 1927, The Lowell is a boutique gem and one of the few family-run luxury hotels left in New York City. Situated steps from designer shopping along Madison Avenue and Central Park, it possesses one of the most privileged addresses in the city. As one of the fashion industry’s favorite haunts, it’s no surprise that the restaurant and bar pay homage to Yves Saint Laurent’s beloved gardens in Marrakech. Majorelle pours afternoon tea in collaboration with Dior Maison. For something a bit stronger, Jacques mixes up craft cocktails in a setting where the conversation is polite and the patrons are always well-dressed. Channeling the plush comforts of private apartments, sumptuous rooms and suites weave together natural light, Frette linens, and mahogany desks. Some even have wood-burning fireplaces, soaking tubs, and landscaped terraces. 

Aman New York

The perfect escape when you need a reset but can’t or don’t want to leave midtown, Aman New York is the literal crown jewel of the Crown Building, rising high above Fifth Avenue in all its exclusive, staggeringly expensive glory. Calling the 25,000-square-foot Aman Spa New York a spa doesn’t cut it. More accurately described as an urban wellness sanctuary, the striking three-floor space offers holistic treatments, a 65-ft-long swimming pool, and two spa houses with private hammams and outdoor tubs. The 83 soundproof suites follow in the same halcyon footsteps. For something a bit more lively than lounging by the fireplace in a Frette robe (though that sounds like an appropriately indulgent evening plan), there’s an underground jazz club, omakase at Nama, and a 14th-floor garden terrace.

The Plaza

It simply doesn’t get more luxurious or iconic than The Plaza, a designated National Historic Landmark that has presided over Fifth Avenue and Central Park South since 1907. More than just a luxury hotel, it’s a piece of New York City iconography. A Hollywood favorite immortalized on screen in The Great Gatsby, Home Alone 2 (of course, there’s package inspired by the beloved film, complete with a 16-scoop sundae), and dozens of other movies, it’s been the site of black-tie galas, celebrity trysts, and even some infamous fights (Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra once had a clash in the Oak Room). Afternoon tea at The Palm Court is a classic New York experience for society types and visitors to sip Earl Grey (or Champagne) and nibble on finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones beneath the stained-glass dome.

Four Seasons Hotel New York

While the location on Billionaires’ Row and dashing good looks are nothing short of first class, it’s the spaciousness and unparalleled level of service that further sets the Four Seasons Hotel New York apart on the five-star playing field. Designed by legendary architect I.M. Pei, the Art Deco triumph boasts some of the largest guest rooms in all of Manhattan. Beyond the sheer size, the accommodations flaunt custom-built pedestal beds, deep soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The $80,000-per-night, 4,300-square-foot Ty Warner Penthouse is the most expensive hotel suite in the city. The grand lobby commands attention with its honey-toned marble floors, soaring columns, and elaborate florals. The revamped cocktail bar and refined all-day restaurant are the perfect pit stops between shopping along Madison Avenue and strolling Central Park. 

Crosby Street Hotel

Firmdale owns a flock of posh properties in central London and three in New York City. The Crosby Street Hotel, the most staid of the trio — which recently earned three Michelin keys — has presided over a cobbled block in the heart of Soho for the past 15 years. Between the Anselm Kiefer painting and the 3D installation by Jack Milroy, the open reception looks more like a gallery than a lobby. The artsy flair extends to the colorful bar and restaurant. In true Kit Kemp fashion, the guest quarters show off oversize fabric headboards, dress forms, and heavy printed drapes. While all the individually decorated rooms are lovely and you’ll sleep exceedingly well, it’s worth splurging on one of the spacious Crosby Suites, complete with a large living room, dining area, granite bathroom with a roll-top tub, and skyline views. 

The Greenwich Hotel 

Don’t expect to find shimmering crystal chandeliers and gold-plated decadence at The Greenwich Hotel. Robert De Niro’s venerable Tribeca hideaway is a bastion of discreet, understated luxury with a no-photos policy. It’s warmer and cozier than many of its five-star contemporaries, a place for film industry veterans and well-traveled types who aren’t easily impressed by flash-in-the-pan pomp. The best-kept secret in the city might just be that you can order the full Locanda Verde menu in the dimly lit lounge. It simply doesn’t get better than slumping into a leather-backed chair in front of the crackling fire and digging into a plate of hand-rolled garganelli. Rooms have an old-world appeal and are stocked with movie snacks (complimentary, of course). Downstairs is the subterranean Shibui Spa with its inviting pool, one of the most serene spots to escape the hubbub and one of the best luxury hotel spas in the U.S.

Mandarin Oriental, New York 

Sitting in the 35th-floor lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, New York, for even a few minutes, you quickly realize everyone is someone — whether an A-lister, socialite, tech billionaire, or repeat guest who the staff knows by name. This speaks to both the caliber of clients the hotel attracts and the level of service it provides. The Mo Lounge is a brilliant spot for a fancy lunch accompanied by bubbles and some of the best views of Central Park. The first and longest-running Forbes Five-Star spa on the East Coast supplies signature therapies that draw from traditional Chinese medicine wisdom and a 75-foot lap pool with stunning views. The guest rooms flaunt refined furnishings, plush fabrics, and marble bathrooms with tubs. The expansive Suite 5000 is a luxurious residential-style suite complete with two bedrooms, two and a half baths, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. 

The Twenty Two New York

If buzz and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere matter as much as decadent design and top-notch service, The Twenty Two New York is for you. The latest entrant to the Big Apple’s high-end hospitality scene and the first stateside debut of the trendy London hotel and members club recently put down roots (with the same money-making model but a larger footprint than across the pond) in Union Square. Tucked inside a restored brownstone once belonging to philanthropist Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt, at 16 East 16th Street, the property expresses a classic-meets-contemporary interpretation of luxury. Polished rooms and suites come together through a melange of velvet headboards, chevron floors, and Shaker-style furniture. It’s also home to one of the most talked-about debuts in the Big Apple, Cafe Zaffri, aka “Zaf’s,” the Levantine restaurant from the team behind Raf’s and Michelin-starred The Musket Room. 

Baccarat Hotel New York

The Baccarat Hotel New York is not the place to go for minimalism or the sort of stripped-back Scandinavian aesthetics that every hip, mid-range hotel seems to be adopting. It’s a magnificent mainstay of glimmering crystal chandeliers, rich velvets, and Jouffre silk. Unapologetically glitzy and glamorous, it’s a five-star legend — and one of a few reasons to visit Midtown East. The opulent Grand Salon is a favorite for afternoon tea and sipping craft cocktails or Champagne out of cut-crystal tumblers. In the evenings, well-dressed patrons clamor for seats at the crimson bar. Rooms and suites channel Parisian pied-à-terres. Expect custom-designed furniture, faceted sconces, framed original prints, Somma 1867 bed linens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and, of course, Baccarat crystal stemware that makes sipping anything feel fancy (as if you needed another reason to order from the indulgent in-room dining menu).

The St. Regis New York

In a city like New York, that’s all too often chasing the next big thing, there’s something so comforting about the familiarity and dependability of storied institutions. Founded by socialite John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, the St. Regis New York stands the test of time. The illustrious Midtown Manhattan landmark may have gotten a glow up (even the prettiest places need a fresh every once in and while), but it’s still as glam and old-school as ever with crystal Waterford chandeliers, crown moldings, and marble staircases harking back to its heyday (when Marlene Dietrich and Salvador Dalí used to check in). Butlers dressed in tails still attend to guests’ every whim and the King Cole Bar remains one of the most atmospheric spots to grab a drink in Manhattan. 

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

A decade ago, the NoMad area of New York City was a sort of no man’s land. These days, it’s one of the most happening parts of Manhattan. When The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad opened its doors in late July 2022, it ushered in a new era for the fledgling neighborhood that’s become a favorite of well-to-do staycationers and vacationers. Set on the corner of 28th and Broadway, the property leans into its location a few blocks from Madison Square Park. The lobby lounge has a greenery wall and whimsical decor that matches the eclectic menu. Also on the culinary front, there’s Zaytinya (a perennial favorite, transplant from Washington D.C.), a sophisticated José Andrés restaurant, and a 50th-floor bar for afternoon tea or evening cocktails and sweeping skyline views. The 219 guestrooms, 31 suites, and 16 penthouse residences ooze refinement.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

Tribeca has become the preferred base for a subset of the upwardly mobile who prefer a quieter, more low-key experience in lower Manhattan. The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is the ideal destination for this type of discreet luxury. Designed by award-winning interior architect Bill Rooney, the new, generously sized residential-style suites are splendid for when you want to splash out in a space that’s larger than most downtown apartments without sacrificing five-star service. One of the best self-care sanctuaries below 14th Street, the spa features seven treatment rooms for facials, massages, and crystal chakra clearing, as well as a 75-foot lap pool and a revamped gym. The signature restaurant, Cut by Wolfgang Puck, serves steaks and a standout wine list. There’s also an extensive in-room dining for when the cozy robes are too hard to resist. 

Waldorf Astoria New York

Conrad Hilton once cut out a magazine photograph of the Waldorf Astoria New York and scrawled “the greatest of them all” across it before tucking it into his wallet — as if to manifest his future ownership of the hotel. The grand dame has long had that effect on people. It captivated Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Queen Elizabeth II with its Art Deco-inspired interiors, complete with luxurious suites and grand ballrooms After an eight-year, $2 billion renovation, the Midtown Manhattan landmark has reclaimed its crown. From the 375 residential-style guest rooms and suites and Peacock Alley — the iconic bar graced by the 1893 World’s Fair clock and longtime resident Cole Porter’s Steinway piano — to the magnificent event spaces and the 20,000-square-foot Guerlain spa, the property is fit for royalty (or anyone who can afford the rates that begin at  $1,500 per night. 

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