Where to Stay in New York: Best Neighborhoods & Luxury Hotels Guide
How to Choose the Right Neighborhood and the Perfect Hotel
Choosing where to stay in New York City is one of the most important steps when planning your trip. The city is vast, diverse, and each neighborhood offers a completely different atmosphere—from the refined elegance of the Upper East Side to the vibrant energy of Midtown, and the creative charm of Brooklyn and Queens. Before booking your hotel, it’s essential to decide which area of Manhattan you prefer, or whether you want to stay just outside the island, in neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Long Island City, or even New Jersey, all still well connected to Manhattan.
For first-time visitors, choosing the right area can feel overwhelming. New York is dynamic, multicultural and—yes—quite expensive. One of the most effective ways to balance quality and budget is to pick a hotel near a Subway station. You don’t need to stay in Times Square to reach the main attractions quickly and easily.
New York Is a Walking City… but the Subway Is Essential
You will walk many miles every day during your stay—it's simply part of the New York experience. To avoid ending each day exhausted, rely on the subway for longer distances.
The city offers a wide selection of luxury 5-star hotels—especially around the Upper East Side, Central Park South and Midtown—alongside excellent aparthotels and boutique hotels. Keep in mind that in addition to the nightly rate, you must always consider New York taxes, and breakfast is often not included.
Which Part of Manhattan Should You Choose?
Upper West Side & Upper East Side
These two elegant residential areas are separated by Central Park.
Upper West Side
Charming, authentic, and relaxed, the Upper West Side is perfect for families and travelers seeking a quieter, more local New York. The area is served by the excellent 1/2/3 red subway line. Along Broadway and Columbus Avenue, you’ll find cafés, bookstores, and neighborhood restaurants.
Heading north toward Columbia University, the atmosphere becomes even more lively and cultural. From here, you can easily reach West Harlem, rich in history, music, and stunning brownstone architecture.
Upper East Side
Elegant and prestigious, the Upper East Side offers historic buildings, world-class museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, high-end shopping along Madison Avenue, and some of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Manhattan. It’s perfect for travelers who want a sophisticated, quiet stay just steps from Central Park.
Times Square & Midtown Manhattan
Times Square and Midtown are the most visited areas of New York, packed with lights, traffic, and endless entertainment. You’ll find many of the city’s top attractions here, including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Broadway theaters, Grand Central Terminal, and Bryant Park.
Staying in Midtown means being at the center of everything—but also dealing with crowds, higher prices, and a fast-paced atmosphere. It’s the perfect area to explore during the day, even if you prefer to sleep somewhere calmer.
Local Tips
To the west, stroll along Riverside Park and visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. To the east, don’t miss the United Nations Headquarters and the spectacular views of the Queensboro Bridge and Long Island City.
Downtown & Lower Manhattan
Below 15th Street, you’ll find some of New York’s most fascinating neighborhoods:
- Greenwich Village – artistic and bohemian
- Tribeca – chic, upscale, refined
- SoHo – fashion, design, cast-iron architecture
- Lower East Side – young, creative, vibrant
- Financial District – now residential, lively and full of restaurants
The area around the World Trade Center has been completely transformed: the One World Observatory, the stunning Oculus by Santiago Calatrava, and Brookfield Place make it one of the most modern and captivating districts of Manhattan.
Brooklyn & Queens
Brooklyn
Neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Park Slope, and Williamsburg offer a creative, relaxed, and very local experience. Don’t miss Jane’s Carousel and the views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Queens
Areas like Astoria and Long Island City have become extremely popular thanks to excellent hotels, museums such as MoMA PS1, and their fast connection to Midtown—just 20 minutes by subway.
How to Choose Your Hotel
Beyond choosing the neighborhood, consider:
- distance to the nearest subway station
- hotel standards and service level
- room size (often smaller than expected in NYC)
- taxes and included services
Chains like Hilton, Hampton Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn offer good value and larger rooms than the city average. However, if you want a truly memorable experience, New York features some of the finest luxury hotels in the world, perfect for elevating your stay and making your trip unforgettable.
Where to Experience Luxury in New York
If you want to elevate your stay and enjoy the most exclusive side of New York City, the city offers some of the most prestigious luxury hotels in the world. From legendary landmarks overlooking Central Park to refined boutique hotels in SoHo and Tribeca, these properties combine exceptional comfort, five-star service, and outstanding locations. Below is a curated selection of the finest luxury hotels available on our website.
- The Plaza Hotel New York – An international icon located at the corner of Central Park and Fifth Avenue. Opulent rooms with gold accents, the legendary Palm Court, exclusive boutiques, and impeccable service define this world-renowned hotel.
- Four Seasons Hotel New York Midtown – Designed by I.M. Pei, this prestigious Midtown landmark features panoramic suites overlooking Central Park, world-class wellness facilities, and elevated five-star hospitality.
- Crosby Street Hotel – A sophisticated boutique hotel in the heart of SoHo, known for its contemporary design, bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and artistic ambiance.
- The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel – A timeless Upper East Side landmark celebrated for its classic interiors, refined suites, the legendary Café Carlyle, and a standard of personal service unmatched in the city.
- The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York – Ideal for travelers seeking spacious suites with kitchenettes and a wellness-focused experience, just steps from Grand Central and Rockefeller Center.
- The Greenwich Hotel – Located in exclusive Tribeca, this intimate and artisanal hotel features warm design elements, serene courtyards, and the celebrated Shibui Spa—perfect for a discreet and luxurious retreat.
Choosing one of these luxury hotels in Manhattan means enhancing your journey with an unforgettable stay marked by elegance, comfort, and world-class hospitality. Whether you prefer the sophistication of the Upper East Side or the creative energy of Downtown, each property offers a unique perspective on New York at its finest.