SantoriniDave.com

Map of New York Hotels

By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in NYC

• 5-star: Mandarin Oriental
• 4-star: Archer • Pendry
• 3-star: citizenM
• For Families: Lowell • AKA
• For Couples: Library • Crosby
• Times Square: Marriott • citizenM
• Central Park: Pierre
• Penn Station: Renaissance
• Grand Central: Library
• Empire State Bldg: Langham
• Lower Manhattan: Crosby
• Financial District: Beekman

Best hotels in NYC.
Best Hotels: 1. The Mark (Upper East Side) • 2. Mandarin Oriental (Upper West Side) • 3. Sheraton (Midtown West) • 4. Thompson Central Park • 5. The Peninsula (Midtown West) • 6. The Pierre (Upper East Side) • 7. Lowell Hotel (Upper East Side) • 8. Four Seasons (Midtown East) • 9. Marriott (Midtown West) • 10. The Chatwal (Midtown West) • 11. Refinery Hotel (Midtown West) • 12. Langham (Midtown West) • 13. Andaz 5th Avenue (Midtown East) • 14. Library Hotel (Midtown East) • 15. The Bowery Hotel (East Village) • 16. Crosby Street Hotel (SoHo) • 17. The Greenwich (TriBeCa) • 18. Four Seasons (Downtown) • 19. Beekman (Financial District) • 20. Millennium Hilton (Financial District)

Best New Hotel: Pendry Manhattan West

Best Affordable Hotels: 21. Beacon (Upper West Side) • 22. La Quinta Central Park (Upper West Side) • 23. Garden Suites Hotel (Upper East Side) • 24. citizenM (Midtown West) • 25. Riu Plaza Times Square (Midtown West) • 26. Hilton Garden Inn Times Square (Midtown West) • 27. Pod 39 (Midtown East) • 28. High Line Hotel (Chelsea) • 29. Maritime Hotel (Chelsea) • 30. Washington Square Hotel (Greenwich Village) • 31. The Marlton (Greenwich Village) • 32. The Standard (East Village) • 33. Soho Grand (SoHo) • 34. Hotel 50 Bowery (Chinatown) • 35. Hampton Inn Downtown (Financial District)

My Top Tips for Staying in NYC

My wife and I in New York City.

My wife and I on a walk through NYC.

1. Midtown Manhattan (Near Times Square)
• Why Stay: Walking distance to Broadway shows, flagship stores, and iconic sights like Rockefeller Center. Vibrant 24/7 energy at the city’s tourist heart.
• Hotel Vibe: Large chain properties (e.g., Marriott Marquis, citizenM) offering modern amenities and unmatched centrality.

2. Midtown East (Grand Central, Chrysler Building)
• Why Stay: Ideal for business travelers and first-timers keen on midtown’s classic skyline. Grand Central Terminal is a transit hub for easy connections.
• Hotel Vibe: Upscale, traditional comfort – the Andaz 5th Avenue and the Library Hotel exude old New York glamour with trendy modern updates.

3. Hell’s Kitchen
• Why Stay: Home to a booming restaurant scene, off-Broadway theaters, and quick access to Hudson River Park. Lively yet less frenetic than Times Square.
• Hotel Vibe: Mid-range to boutique hotels – YOTEL Times Square for futuristic flair or Ink 48 for chic style and rooftop views.

4. Upper West Side
• Why Stay: Leafy, brownstone-lined blocks near Central Park and Lincoln Center. A quieter residential feel, popular with families.
• Hotel Vibe: Elegant old-world stays like Hotel Beacon (kitchenettes for longer visits) and The Lucerne, near the Natural History Museum. Or my favorite, the Mandarin Oriental, overlooking Columbus Circle and steps from the park.

5. Upper East Side
• Why Stay: Museum Mile at your doorstep (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim), upscale boutiques, and classic Manhattan sophistication.
• Hotel Vibe: Quintessential luxury – like the Lowell or The Mark, both known for polished service and refined décor.

6. Chelsea
• Why Stay: Art galleries, the High Line, and Chelsea Market. An eclectic hub mixing industrial chic with upscale residential blocks.
• Hotel Vibe: Boutique finds – The Maritime Hotel (nautical flair) or Dream Downtown for a trendier aesthetic.

7. Meatpacking District
• Why Stay: High-end fashion, nightlife, and proximity to the Whitney Museum. Cobblestone streets reminiscent of old industrial New York.
• Hotel Vibe: Exclusive clubs and stylish design – like The Gansevoort Hotel – for celebrity spotting and rooftop pools.

8. Greenwich Village
• Why Stay: Historic brownstones, jazz clubs, and bohemian cafés. A walkable, charming district that feels worlds away from midtown’s bustle.
• Hotel Vibe: Intimate boutique hotels like The Marlton or smaller guesthouses that capture the Village’s artistic soul.

9. West Village
• Why Stay: Picture-perfect tree-lined lanes, hidden garden courtyards, and top-notch restaurants. A magnet for film sets and strolling romantics.
• Hotel Vibe: Primarily Airbnb or cozy inns – though nearby The Jane Hotel (just over the border in Meatpacking) offers quirky, budget-friendly digs.

10. SoHo
• Why Stay: Designer shopping, cast-iron architecture, and a high-fashion vibe. Upscale cafés, bistros, and cool nightlife hide in side streets.
• Hotel Vibe: Swanky modern hotels – The Mercer or Soho Grand – with chic bars that mirror the neighborhood’s stylish ethos.

11. Nolita & NoHo
• Why Stay: Quieter sister to SoHo, brimming with boutique shops, independent restaurants, and a charming European feel.
• Hotel Vibe: Fewer large hotels – seek out smaller, design-forward properties or apartments for a genuine local immersion.

12. Lower East Side
• Why Stay: Gritty past meets trendy present. Dive bars, cutting-edge eateries, and street art define its edgy appeal.
• Hotel Vibe: Industrial-chic hotels like The Ludlow or Hotel on Rivington – exposed brick, stylish lounges, and city views.

13. East Village
• Why Stay: Once the heart of New York’s punk scene, now a haven of indie shops, tattoo parlors, and craft cocktail bars.
• Hotel Vibe: Sparse on large hotels; consider smaller boutique spots or short-term rentals in pre-war walkups for an authentic vibe.

14. Chinatown & Little Italy
• Why Stay: Bustling street markets, historic family-run eateries, and a kaleidoscope of cultural flavors. Great food on a tighter budget.
• Hotel Vibe: Basic, budget-friendly hotels or pensions. Lower nightly rates in older buildings – though modern additions are slowly popping up.

15. Tribeca
• Why Stay: Chic loft conversions, celebrity sightings, and the annual Tribeca Film Festival. Great for calm, upscale living.
• Hotel Vibe: Luxury boutique – The Greenwich Hotel (Robert De Niro’s property) stands out for handcrafted details and tranquil vibes.

16. Financial District & Wall Street
• Why Stay: Convenient for business travelers, plus the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Calm at night, busy by day.
• Hotel Vibe: High-rise chain hotels and sleek modern stays – Four Seasons Downtown or The Beekman for historical grandeur with a twist.

17. Battery Park City
• Why Stay: Spacious riverfront promenades, family-friendly parks, and a slower pace within the city. Views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty.
• Hotel Vibe: Modern, with plenty of condo-style hotels – Conrad New York Downtown offers large suites, perfect for longer stays.

18. Dumbo (Brooklyn)
• Why Stay: Insta-famous Manhattan skyline views, cobblestone streets, and a growing indie scene. Steps away from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• Hotel Vibe: A handful of stylish hotels like 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, featuring eco-chic design and rooftop bars with jaw-dropping views.

19. Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
• Why Stay: Vibrant nightlife, cutting-edge restaurants, and street art galore. A mecca for creative types seeking edgy culture.
• Hotel Vibe: Modern, hip boutique hotels – like The Hoxton – featuring rooftop pools and curated local events.

20. Greenpoint (Brooklyn)
• Why Stay: Quieter version of Williamsburg, with Polish delis, waterfront parks, and indie shops. Easy ferry ride or short subway trip to Manhattan.
• Hotel Vibe: Limited traditional hotels – consider renting a stylish loft or smaller B&B for a cozier stay near the East River.

21. Park Slope (Brooklyn)
• Why Stay: Classic brownstones, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to Prospect Park. Wonderful cafés and farmer’s markets.
• Hotel Vibe: Mostly apartments or B&Bs – perfect for a local immersion. Larger hotels cluster near Barclays Center, a short stroll away.

22. Long Island City (Queens)
• Why Stay: Breathtaking skyline views across the East River, art museums (MoMA PS1), and quick Midtown access via multiple subway lines.
• Hotel Vibe: Towering new hotels – often more affordable than Manhattan – The Boro Hotel or Ravel Hotel feature panoramic rooftop bars.

23. Astoria (Queens)
• Why Stay: Multicultural dining, low-key nightlife, and close to LaGuardia Airport. Explore Greek, Brazilian, and Egyptian eateries.
• Hotel Vibe: Mostly smaller hotels or apartment rentals; good for budget-conscious travelers seeking a local slice of NYC.

Best Places to Stay in NYC

3-star hotel near Times Square.

The affordable Riu Plaza Times Square.

My hotel room in NYC.

Our hotel room at the Pendry Manhattan West.

TripAdvisor Hotels (Best Value)

New York TripAdvisor Hotels

*Note: The top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor are selected by an algorithm based on location, price, cleanliness, service, and amenities. This produces good-value, safe, and reliable hotels but often not the most interesting or unique places to stay in New York.

TripAdvisor Hotels: 1. Arlo Midtown • 2. Hilton Garden Inn Times Square • 3. Arlo NoMad • 4. Moxy Downtown • 5. Artezen Hotel • 6. Hilton Midtown • 7. Arlo SoHo • 8. Riu Plaza Times Square • 9. Pod Times Square • 10. Millennium Hilton One UN Plaza • 11. Stewart Hotel • 12. Arthouse Hotel • 13. The Dominick • 14. The Beekman • 15. Hilton Garden Inn Financial Center

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as best places to stay in some of my favorite cities - like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.