New York City is among the most thrilling locations in the world, and one of the magic behind this is the luxury hotels that are world-class and make staying there unforgettable. I have spent a few years staying in (or window shopping) in some of the most exquisite hotel lobbies and suites in NYC, and in each of them, the place has its own character and charisma. Be they historic grand mansions on Central Park or modern futuristic hideaways with panoramic vistas of the skyline, these are 7 of the best luxury hotels in NYC, and they are definitely worth spending the money. I have added addresses, budgeted prices, child-friendliness, and real-life impressions to enable you select the best place to stay.
Top Luxury Hotels in NYC
1. The St. Regis New York
2. The Plaza Hotel
3. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
4. Mandarin Oriental, New York
5. The Peninsula New York
6. Four Seasons Hotel New York
7. Park Hyatt New York
Top 7 Luxury Hotels in NYC
1. The St. Regis New York — Classic Fifth Avenue Luxury
Entering The St. Regis New York: Fifth Avenue is the way into a world where tradition and prestige merge. This hotel is in proximity to Central Park and is only a block away from Fifth Avenue shopping, and it has served as a symbol of sophisticated hospitality throughout the century. Its vintage interiors, crystal chandeliers, and bespoke butler service make one feel like a VIP the minute they walk in the door.
The rooms are huge and beautifully decorated with marble bathrooms and luxurious beddings, and most of the packages involve entry into high-end food and bars such as the King Cole Bar, which is the so-called birthplace of the Bloody Mary. Overnight rates typically begin at around 800-1500+, and they increase for suites.
Although it accepts the family, the St. Regis is more adult-friendly for those families whose children are older than 13 years and can enjoy luxury services and fine dining.
Address: 2 East 55th Street, New York, NY 10022
Average Price: ~$800–$1,500+ per night (standard rooms), suites can be much higher
2. The Plaza Hotel — Timeless Icon in Central Park
Having almost no rivals, The Plaza Hotel: Luxury over Central Park is one of the most legendary among hotels. This masterpiece of Beaux-Arts has been a part of New York skyline since 1907 and is associated with the old-world glamour. Afternoon tea at the Palm Court to suites with views out of the park, a stay at this place is a stereotypical NYC experience.
The price can be all over the board based on the type of room and the time of year, but you can always expect the room costs to be $900 and above, with suites and specialty experiences being significantly higher.
The Plaza is loved by families due to the closeness to the Central Park, the Central Park Zoo and the nearby museums. Children particularly love the magnificent and the opportunity to go through the park, a few short steps away at the front door.
Address: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
Average Price: ~$900–$2,000+ per night (varies widely)
3. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park — Serene Parkside Splendor
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is standing directly on the Southside of Central Park, featuring the traditional luxury with clean modern feel. The locals and tourists are also in awe of its relaxing interiors and its outstanding services to both locals and visitors that are somewhat welcomed and secret.
Guest rooms are also well-decorated, have big windows that overlook the park, and some of the most comfortable beddings in the city. The hotel has on-site spa and lounge areas that enable one to relax after a night out shopping or sightseeing at the museums.
Nightly rates will usually start at the $800-2,000 range and up, depending on the type of room and the time of year, and is a high-end selection that does not lose any comfort or convenience.
Families who have children like this place, as it borders the park – it is ideal to walk the mornings and play with the children and most suites are big enough to fit small children and their baggage.
Address: 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
Average Price: ~$800–$2,000+ per night
4. Mandarin Oriental, New York — Contemporary Skyline Luxury
The Mandarin Oriental, New York is a high-rise above Columbus circle and Central Park thus providing spectacular views, particularly on higher floors overlooking the park and the Hudson River. Its smooth design and modernism is a refreshing contrast to other more historic hotels in Manhattan.
The rooms are contemporary and stylish with luxurious facilities and large windows stretching to the ceiling giving the impression of the Manhattan skyline being a part of the interior. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art spa and pool facility – a recluse after a tedious day of sightseeing.
The starting price of a room is usually in the range of $900-1500 per night in the standard classes, and suites and exceptional views cost more.
Although Mandarin Oriental does not offer a lot in the way of kids programming, the older kids and teens tend to enjoy the scenery and the facilities, so long as they bring extra clothes because the higher rooms get colder.
Address: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023
Average Price: ~$900–$2,500+ per night
5. The Peninsula New York — Elegant Fifth Avenue Stay
The Peninsula New York is situated at the Fifth Avenue adjacent to the Central Park and Rockefeller Center and offers traditional sophistication with contemporary comforts. The guests usually discuss the refined service, stylish lounges, and one of the most discussed rooftop bars in the city – ideal place to observe the sunset with the skyline in the background.
The rooms are large according to the standards of Manhattan and are designed in an elegant manner with technologically oriented details. The spa and indoor pool of the hotel are a popular amenity among many travelers, as it is not common in the city.
The average nightly rate is between 800 and 1800 plus and occasionally, packages come together with free breakfast or spa credits, which makes the indulgence more justifiable.
Peninsula has well-equipped suites and convenient access to the close attractions such as Radio City Music Hall, St. Patricks Cathedral, and Central Park in large numbers to children.
Address: 700 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Average Price: ~$800–$1,800+ per nigh
6. Four Seasons Hotel New York — Modern Classic on Billionaires’ Row
The Four seasons hotel in New York is a prominent establishment on the prestigious 57 th Street of Manhattan also known as the Billionaires row. It is a destination on its own and its status of flawless service and low-key luxury gives it an enviable reputation.
The property boasts of spacious rooms with huge windows, high quality beddings and luxurious bathrooms which are typical of many NYC properties. The spa and fitness center are also a welcome sight by the guests as well as the Michelin-starred dining experience on the premises where one can spend a LOT of money on evening meals.
Normal rooms begin at approximately 1,000-1,500 and higher per night and ultra-luxury suites may skyrocket into the several thousands per night and this is definitely a premium price tag when it comes to a one-time event.
The Four Seasons is rather kid-friendly as well. The large rooms and friendly staff make many families believe that the place is the best to be with kids and because of the central location, it is easier to exploration with a kid.
Address: 57 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022
Average Price: ~$1,000–$3,000+ per night (some suites can be extremely pricey)
7. Park Hyatt New York — Contemporary Luxury Near Central Park
Park Hyatt New York is the place to be in case you want a luxury hotel that is comfortable and at the same time feels modern and peaceful. The hotel is located one step away from Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art and combines city ease with the natural beauty and detail of nature.
The guest rooms in this place are roomy and modern, they have luxurious bedding and huge showers. The hotel has a spa and indoor pool as well, which is ideal when one wants to relax after a day in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Their night rates are often based at about 900 to 2,500 and most of the packages come along with extravagant packages such as spa or breakfast discounts just to make the deal sweeter.
Although there are no kids clubs in the Park Hyatt, the older children tend to get the comfort and space and since it is conveniently located, exploring the location with the family is easily achievable.
Address: 153 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019
Average Price: ~$900–$2,500+ per night
Conclusion
Make a reservation: NYC luxury hotels usually get booked months before the fall or holiday seasons.
Check packages: Most of the properties do provide breakfast, dining, spa, or parking credits which are value addition.
Location: Hotels in Midtown and in Upper East Side are excellent places to visit, sightsee, and family and Downtown are best to visit business and culture tourists.
There is no way you will stay at any of these gorgeous hotels without having a memorable time. Every house has its tale and character – old glory or new-age glamour – and to be a guest at any one of them is like being a part of the heartbeat of the city, at least at night or two.
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