The 14 most iconic hotels in New York City for 2026

Hotels like The Plaza loom large in the imagination. Even if you’ve never stepped foot inside this New York City icon, you likely have some sense of the place, whether from Eloise’s adventures or Kevin McCallister’s luxury retreat. This Fairmont property, a fixture on the National Register of Historic Places since 1907, doesn’t just live up to the hype—it exceeds expectations in every facet. From the moment I arrived, welcomed by the signature gardenia scent and glittering chandeliers, I was treated like someone special. Whether you’re a visitor or a local on a staycation, a night here is a divine treat that captures an old-school New York vibe that is increasingly hard to find.

The 282 guest rooms are a masterclass in opulent decor, featuring crystal chandeliers, ornate headboards, and impeccable cleanliness. I stayed in an Edwardian One-Bedroom Suite, where the experience was elevated by a personal floor butler offering coffee and tea. The bathrooms are equally impressive, boasting separate soaking tubs, mosaic tiling, and 24-karat gold-plated fixtures. For those looking to splurge, one-of-a-kind themed spaces like the Gatsby Suite or the all-pink Eloise Room offer a truly unique stay. Even furry friends are pampered through the Canine Companions program, which provides organic treats and plush beds.

Then there’s the dining. The Palm Court is world-renowned for its afternoon tea under a soaring stained-glass dome, while The Champagne Bar serves a perfect Vesper martini and truffle fries made with the real deal.

Oh, and you’re steps away from Central Park, Fifth Avenue shopping, and the Museum of Modern Art. All that paired along the well-appointed gym and the indulgent 111 Skin Spa on-site, The Plaza isn’t just one of the most iconic hotels in New York, but it’s one of the most iconic on the planet.

Time Out tip: If you prefer a quiet night in, 24-hour room dining is available—including the legendary $350 Home Alone sundae. 

Address: 768 Fifth Avenue; New York, NY 10019
Price per night: Prices start around $1,069 per night 
Closest transport link: N/R/W trains are available at the 5th Ave/59th Street Station, just a minute’s walk from the hotel

Times Square is one of the flashest, most chaotic neighborhoods in New York, yet The Knickerbocker Hotel proves that the city’s epicenter can offer luxurious respite. This historic landmark—famously the rumoured birthplace of the dry martini—blends old-school New York suave with modern luxury. Thanks to soundproof, double-glazed windows and minimalist decor, you can enjoy the convenience of Midtown while feeling light-years away from the noise. Whether you’re catching a Broadway show or jumping on the 7 train to Queens, the location is unbeatable, offering a “night mode” sanctuary that makes you feel like royalty.

The rooms define understated grandeur, featuring 12-foot ceilings, automated blackout curtains, and bedside tablets to control the ambiance. The beds are truly dreamy, outfitted with SFERRA Egyptian cotton sheets and Ploh goose down pillows. In the bathroom, marble finishes and rain showers paired with Diptyque amenities create a spa-like feel. For a true taste of the hotel’s history, the Martini Suite offers an in-room kit to craft the original 1907 recipe. Even the fitness center stays on theme, named “Saints & Sinners” after a massive on-site mural by local artist Molly Crabapple.

Dining at “The Knick” is equally impressive, with five on-site options ranging from a high-end handroll experience at Akoya to the lively St. Cloud Rooftop. Charlie Palmer Steak IV serves a standout short-rib bacon jam burger, and their 24-hour room service is delivered with full white-linen table setups. The service is attentive and seamless; from the proactive concierge who stores your bags to the thoughtful turndown service that lays out slippers by your dimmed bedside, no detail is overlooked. It’s a rare Manhattan gem where you can block out the city and not have to lift a finger.

Address: 6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036
Price per night: Standard room rates begin at $329/night, Standard King Room starts at $450/night
Closest transport: N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7 trains at 42nd Street-Times Square; M, D, F, B trains at 42nd Street-Bryant Park; Grand Central Station is a ten-minute walk; LaGuardia Airport is a 30-minute drive; JFK International Airport is an hour drive.

With its hulking concrete frame towering over the elevated park, The Standard, High Line is one hell of a building. Though I’ve walked past it frequently, it wasn’t until I passed through the canary yellow revolving doors for a recent stay that I could truly appreciate this icon. Nestled in the Meatpacking District, steps from Little Island and Chelsea Market, it serves as a cool alternative to the saturated hotels of Midtown. The property debuted in 2009, and despite a few minor dings in the furniture, it still feels fresh. Service is largely seamless—though check-in lines can be long—and the staff goes out of their way to accommodate guests, particularly regarding food allergies at the hotel’s main restaurant.

The real draw here is the sweeping city vistas. Every one of the 338 rooms features a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan or the Hudson River. My Studio Suite offered cozy, moody lighting, Italian sheets, and a luxe freestanding bathtub. A word of warning: the glass-enclosed showers lack doors, which is romantic for couples but potentially awkward for colleagues (though you can request a privacy curtain). The design is elevated, using wood paneling to cleverly differentiate the sleeping and living areas. Even the 24-hour gym shares these stunning views, making a mile on the treadmill significantly more entertaining with the skyline as your backdrop.

When hunger strikes, the ground-floor Standard Grill offers a solid menu of steaks and seafood, while the lively street-level Biergarten serves up crisp pints and sausages. For a true New York experience, head to the rooftop discothèque, Le Bain. It’s a classic see-and-be-seen spot featuring an indoor pool and an outdoor level with twinkly skyline views. Whether you’re an out-of-towner or booking a staycation, the combination of extraordinary views and a vibey neighborhood location makes The Standard shine. It offers the perfect Manhattan retreat—tucked away from the chaos of the north, yet close enough to the A/C subway lines to explore the rest of the city.

Time Out tip: Nothing beats an early morning stroll along the High Line when the sun is out. Tear yourself away from that bed, if you can. 

Address: 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Price per night: Starting at $390/night 
Closest transport link: Penn Station, Grand Central Station, and NYC’s major airports are all nearby

Believe us when we say that pictures don’t do this place justice. The Algonquin isn’t just a hotel; it’s a cornerstone of New York’s literary legacy. The birthplace of The New Yorker magazine, it has hosted literary giants such as William Faulkner and Maya Angelou, and its walls still hum with their creative energy.

Even the hotel’s resident cat is part of the tradition—Hamlet, named after the Shakespearean prince himself, greets guests with the same poise and intellectual curiosity as the great minds who once gathered here. For a true immersion into this storied past, book a table at The Round Table Restaurant. For more than 80 years, it’s been the gathering spot of New York’s artistic elite—Dorothy Parker and the original Algonquin Round Table famously sharpened their wit and words here.

Of course, where there are writers, there are cocktails. The Blue Bar is an ode to that fact—a space that feels plucked straight from The Great Gatsby. Bathed in a dramatic blue glow, the room is dressed in Grecian-style columns, marble counters, and flowing curtains. Signature drinks like the Vicious Wit and Writer’s Block might just inspire your next masterpiece—or at least take the edge off your deadline. Feeling extravagant? Ask about the hotel’s legendary $10,000 Martini.

The 181 guest rooms are every bit as timeless. Forget minimalist trends—here, you’ll find rich yellow walls, dark wood furniture, and patterned carpets that whisper old New York glamour. With plush linens, a light-up vanity mirror, and room enough to spread out your manuscript, it’s the perfect retreat to write, read, or simply sleep.

Time Out tip: Spend an evening at Times Square’s historic dive bar Rudy’s Bar & Grill, where the beer is cheap and the hot dogs are free with any purchase.

Address: 59 W 44th St, New York, 10036
Closest subway: 42nd St-Bryant Park and Fifth Avenue
Price: From $212 per night

The Hotel Chelsea has a cult status, not least because of its former guests. Countless legends, including Patti Smith, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Leonard Cohen, have checked into the historic hotel for the night.

In its modern iteration, though, it’s more than a monument to artistic greatness. The uniquely decorated rooms are a blend of boho chic with rock and roll flourishes (a bit of animal print never did anyone any harm). Like any rockstar worth their salt, rinse the impressive minibar, which is stacked full of premium wine and high-end snacks. Just don’t throw the very swanky TV (which comes with all the streaming services your heart could desire) out the window.

Emptied the minibar? Fear not, there’s the wonderfully decadent Lobby Bar to quench your thirst or book Spanish restaurant El Quijote, where you’ll feel like you’re inside a rich burgundy wine in the sumptuously decorated dining room.

If you have more modern popstar proclivities, rather than rockers of yesteryear, you’ll rejoice at the in-house spa. Not only can you indulge in the finest treatments, which will buff away a whole week of excess, but you can unleash your inner zen in the private garden. The gym—a former artists’ studio—is a wood-beamed wonder where you can break a sweat on state-of-the-art equipment while admiring the kooky architecture.

Time Out tip: Make a beeline for Bosqe Flowers & Coffee shop, an espresso bar and florist with a hidden sushi speakeasy.

Address: 22 W 23 St, New York, 10011
Closest subway: 23rd Street
Price: From $650 per night

Tucked away on a cobbled street in Tribeca, The Greenwich Hotel is Robert De Niro’s lesson in what happens when old-school New York cool meets world-class luxury. Forget flashy lobbies or Instagram walls—this is the kind of place where the lighting is low, the materials are rich, and privacy is treated like an art form.

The vibe? Effortless. Every inch feels handcrafted, from Moroccan tiles to reclaimed wood beams. But it’s the penthouse that really earns its celebrity price tag—a staggering $18,000 a night. Designed by Axel Vervoordt (the minimalist mastermind behind Kim Kardashian’s home) and architect Tatsuro Miki, the three-bedroom space channels Japanese wabi-sabi calm: think custom stone fireplaces, soft natural tones, and a terrace dripping in wisteria, complete with a heated spa pool and outdoor grill. It’s less “suite with a view” and more “secret sanctuary in the sky.”

Below, the Shibui Spa is a mood all its own—dimly lit, cedar-scented, and entirely transportive. Treatments draw on Japanese rituals, with everything from sound healing to the drunken lotus massage (yes, it’s as decadent as it sounds). There’s also a lantern-lit pool and lounge designed for full-on decompression.

And when hunger calls, Locanda Verde, the hotel’s Italian-inspired brasserie, serves comforting dishes with flair—steak tartare, pumpkin ravioli, and a dangerously good olive oil torta. Pair it with a glass of something bold and you’ll understand why A-listers never want to leave.

Time Out tip: Head to Grand Banks for cocktails and oysters on the deck of a fishing boat.

Address: 377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
Closest subway: Canal Street
Price: From $995 per night

The St. Regis is not merely a five-star hotel dripping in luxury—it’s also officially a New York City landmark. The St. Regis has not just hosted today’s movers and shakers—it was a favorite of Salvador Dali’s, who visited with his wife and pet ocelot in tow. The St. Regis doesn’t just boast exquisite rooms—every single one comes with a 24-hour butler service. You get the picture.

Since opening in 1904, the St. Regis has defined New York opulence. Built by businessman John Jacob Astor IV—who later died on the Titanic—the hotel remains his enduring masterpiece. Staying here feels like stepping into a dream. Some ceilings are adorned with sweeping cloud murals, so it’s easy to imagine your feet never quite touching the ground.

Levitate first toward the King Cole Bar, a New York institution in its own right. Behind the gleaming bar stretches the famous Maxfield Parrish mural, painted in 1906 yet evoking the grandeur of an Ancient Greek fresco. You, too, will feel like a Greek deity as you sink into a velvet armchair and sip on the bar’s signature Red Snapper, otherwise known as a Bloody Mary. And for some more history? The cocktail is said to have been invented here.

Still feel like you’re living in a daydream? Well, the rooms at The St. Regis won’t change that. The old-school glamour will cast a spell on you, with crystal chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and canopy-like headboards. Amenities, though, are decidedly not old-school and include Dyson hairdryers and touchscreen controls. The best part? Dreams usually end with a thud back to reality—but at the St. Regis, reality is the dream.

Time Out tip: Book afternoon tea at the hotel’s brightly colored restaurant La Maisonette.

Address: Two E 55th St, New York, 10022
Closest subway: 5th Avenue-53rd Street
Price: From $1,169 per night

The best hotels are entirely divorced from the outside world, so you’ll be glad to know The Carlyle hasn’t even had a first date with reality. It’s such a haven that Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy reportedly confided their affair to the hotel’s white-gloved staff. Of course, The Carlyle, which prides itself on “remarkable privacy,” is far too discreet to confirm this.

Once inside, any troubles will be washed away when you’re confronted with The Carlyle’s unrivaled luxury. Marble floors so shiny you can see your face in them, grand artworks, and vintage chandeliers will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate universe where no demand is too much.

Naturally, the rooms are exquisite. Soak in a marble bathtub before sinking into the satin bedsheets and wake up feeling like a brand-new person. And if you do actually want to venture into New York City, they have umbrellas—and not just any umbrellas, oversized umbrellas—to combat even the most miserable of days.

No stay at The Carlyle is complete without a visit to the intimate, last-of-its kind supper club, Café Carlyle. There, guests will experience legendary jazz artists, show singers, and actors in an authentic Manhattan setting that evokes the golden age. For more New York throwbacks, dine at Dowling’s at The Carlyle, which serves reimagined classics, from truffle French fries to mac and cheese. But make sure to look up while you eat—the restaurant boasts a rich collection of over 200 artworks from local artists.

Time Out tip: Your friend will thank you if you learn how to nail the perfect martini at the Bemelmans Bar’s martini masterclass.

Address: 35 E 76th St, New York, 10021
Closest subway: 77th Street
Price: From $1,150 per night

Tucked away in the former bohemian abode of Greenwich Village, the logbook of Washington Square Hotel is a trove of famous artists, writers, and musicians. Bob Dylan famously once lived in Room 305, and Dylan Thomas was a regular—but the century-old hotel itself long outdates both of them.

As you step into the Washington Square Hotel, you’ll feel as though you’ve gone back in time to when it first opened in 1902, as all the original Art Deco features have been preserved. Make sure you take a moment to absorb the vintage splendor of the lobby, with its cubic-patterned floors, wood-paneled walls, and sweeping staircase.

The rooms are delightfully retro in design, but modern in terms of comforts, with LCD TVs and clock radios. They are all accented by the hotel’s signature deep red, which creates a soothing ambiance when contrasted with the warm off-white walls. Meanwhile, furnishings are sleek—think black-rimmed mirrors and monochrome pictures. At the top end of the scale, you’ll find the Penthouse King, where you’ll have the best shower of your life (it comes with body jets) and a separate seating area designed for lounging.

Much like the rest of the hotel, the restaurant is a love letter to a bygone era. North Square’s menu is also fittingly classic, with mains including herb-crusted rack of lamb, spice-roasted duck breast, and steak. Desserts—with decadent options like key lime pie and a cookie plate (yes, you read that right, it’s a platter of cookies)—are a must. Check for when the restaurant has reopened. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the Jazz brunch at North Square Restaurant at 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. every Sunday afternoon.

Address: 103 Waverly Pl, New York, 10011
Closest subway: West 4th Street-Washington Square
Price: From $191 per night

If any single hotel is shorthand for “iconic New York,” it’s the Waldorf Astoria. Heck, it even has a salad named after it—the Waldorf Salad, a mix of apples, celery, walnuts, and mayonnaise, was first tossed together here in 1896 for a charity ball. And, the hotel has not just been a salad pioneer: the Met Gala also began life in its Grand Ballroom.

First opened as two hotels on Fifth Avenue, built by feuding relatives in 1893, the Waldorf Astoria recently reopened after eight years and billions of dollars of painstaking renovations. Like the best kind of cosmetic work, the results are transformative but subtle: the hotel is still unmistakably the Waldorf, only more refined and polished.

The soul of the place remains. The new-look rooms and suites embody understated luxury—think “stealth wealth” in decor and unmatched comfort in feel. Don’t expect edgy artwork or industrial touches; here it’s all creams and soft whites, grand flower arrangements, and art lit like museum pieces. And, of course, every room features a deep soaking tub worthy of a long, indulgent soak.

It wouldn’t be the Waldorf without a world-class spa, and this one spans 22,000 square feet dedicated to rejuvenation. Treatments come with names like Spirit of Achievement and Golden Hour, and guests can even book makeup lessons or “exceptional” applications to emerge perfectly photo-ready.

Dining options are equally refined: Yoshoku serves Japanese cuisine with modern flair, while Lex Yard offers an American brasserie experience with à la carte dishes and a five-course market menu. Then there’s the Peacock Bar—the place to knock back cocktails, be seen, and bask in that unmistakable Waldorf magic.

Time Out tip: Try a Physique 57 Fusion Class, combining core-focused and barre-inspired movements, at the hotel’s gym.

Address: 301 Park Ave, New York, 10022
Closest subway: 51st Street or Lexington Avenue-53rd Street
Price: From $1,101 per night

Swiss hotelier César Ritz didn’t just build a hotel empire—he gave us the word “ritzy” itself. And ritzy is exactly the vibe at this 33-story limestone landmark on Central Park South.

The ritz, glitz, and glamour are exactly why La Prairie—another Swiss luxury legend—chose the hotel for its first-ever US spa. Pop in for the Caviar Firming Facial or the Pure Gold Radiance treatment and emerge feeling like your skin is now made of silk.

If you’d rather eat your caviar, head to the Contour Gastro Lounge & Bar. The menu leans classic New York with a decadent twist. The Ritz-Carlton Burger—a short rib and brisket blend with aged New York cheddar, house aioli, and pickles—is reason enough to skip dinner reservations elsewhere. And really, when has a shrimp cocktail ever gone out of style?

As for the rooms—well, they’re as ritzy as the name promises. Think a blend of contemporary sophistication and timeless townhouse elegance, with handcrafted wood accents, curated artwork, and playful furnishings. To really live it up, book the Artists’ Gate Suite, which boasts not one, not two, but thirteen large windows overlooking the park and Sixth Avenue. There’s even a billiards room for a little late-night fun—because at The Ritz, the good life never checks out.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the Manhattan Minute from 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily at the Contour Bar Room, where you’ll sip the hotel’s Contour Manhattan and learn about the cocktail’s history.

Address: 50 Central Park S, New York, 10019
Closest subway: 5th Avenue-59th Street
Price: From $993 per night

Want to be transported back to the Gilded Age? Step inside the Lotte New York Palace, a landmark built in 1882 that hasn’t changed its DNA. Its gleaming white marble lobby, framed by twin staircases and glittering chandeliers, feels like stepping into another era. Every detail, from the intricate moldings to the polished marble floors, whispers history while embracing modern New York sophistication.

If your version of luxury involves slowing down, head to the ila Spa, the brand’s first US outpost. Inspired by the serenity of the English countryside, this haven features seven tranquil treatment rooms offering “sound-healing” rituals where you’ll be slathered in organic, farm-grown products. Yes, you won’t find rolling hills or crisp country air in Midtown, but you’ll come remarkably close.

Continue the European theme at Pomme Palais, a jewel-box pastry shop that could have been plucked from a Paris street. Between the glossy éclairs, delicate tarts, and impossibly buttery croissants, every bite is a little escape. When you’re ready to return to the city, start the morning with an elegant American breakfast at Villard Restaurant, or fight over shared plates like oysters and lobster mac and cheese beneath the ornate ceiling at The Gold Room.

Upstairs, the rooms balance historic grandeur with plush, contemporary comfort. Soft, wall-to-wall carpeting, sumptuous bedding, and timeless detailing make it a space you’ll never want to leave. The Lotte Palace doesn’t just celebrate the Gilded Age—it makes it feel alive again.

Time Out tip: Head to Ophelia for both river and skyline rooftop views and great cocktail offerings.

Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, 10022
Closest subway: Fifth Avenue-53rd Street
Price: From $395 per night

This stalwart of the New York hotel scene is still as classic and elegant today as the day it opened in 1930—which is quite some feat. This is no more evident than by The Rotunda, an absolute must-see, on the ground level. With its curved walls and grandiose murals—painted by Edward Melcarth in 1976—it feels like it was plucked straight from a rococo fairytale, and one where all your wishes are granted. Thanks to a renovation by Daniel Romualdez, it’s not just a show-stopping architectural gem, but also includes a full bar and light snacks in the afternoon and evening.

For something more substantial, restaurant Perrine dishes out Mumbai-meets-Paris cuisine. Spoil yourself with the steak au poivre or a rogan josh made with melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank and served with two fluffy, buttery parathas. Need some post-dinner entertainment? Two E Bar and Restaurant have you sorted. Every night the voguish venue comes alive with dazzling live performances, including swinging and soulful jazz performances.

Now for the rooms, which will transport you from India and France to Istanbul with the Turkish marble bathrooms. Despite design influences from other countries—see the ruffled eggshell curtains that are very old London—guests will feel like they’re on cloud nine when they sink into the huge beds (king size, of course—or twin on request). The hotel’s crown jewel, though, is undoubtedly the presidential suite, which puts others to shame. Spanning the entire 39th floor, it boasts up to six bedrooms and soaring views over Central Park and Manhattan. The interiors—creamy neutrals with shimmering metallics and gleaming marble—are more than stately, too.

Time Out tip: For a celeb chef meal at a revived classic, head to Café Boulud.

Address: 2 E 61st St, New York, 10065
Closest subway: Fifth Avenue-59th Street
Price: From $553 per night

The Hotel Edison is among the first Art Deco hotels in New York City’s Theater District and has been around since 1931, so you bet there’s a lot of history packed into this retro hotel. Its storied past includes Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb, who turned on the hotel's marquee lights himself. Film buffs will also recognize The Hotel Edison as the backdrop for many Hollywood films, including The Godfather and Birdman.

The sense of performance is felt everywhere in the hotel, literally. Enjoy live jazz at the hotel’s bar, the Edison Rum House, or tuck into delicious comfort food like pastrami reuben sandwiches and fried chicken and cheddar waffles at Friedman’s at the Edison, served to you by singing waiters. Even the Hotel Edison’s Italian restaurant is not just a homely joint for vodka pasta and pepperoni pizzas, but doubles as a comedy club with nightly stand-up shows.

While the hotel acts as a one-stop food and entertainment hub, the rooms are a one-stop shop of sleep and tranquility that will make you forget that Midtown Manhattan is just moments away. Designed in an old-school New York fashion—with ornate wallpapers and dark wood furnishings—the rooms are a touch of class among the bright lights and neon signs of Broadway. Though very much classic in style, they are still kitted out with all the modern conveniences, from flatscreen TVs to USB charging ports, if you forgot to stop by duty-free for a US charger. Upgrade to the brand-new Thomas Edison suite for an outdoor terrace with views over Times Square and a second bedroom.

Whether lounging in your room, hopping between the bars and restaurants, or watching shows, you won’t want—or need—to leave the Hotel Edison, but its NYC walking tour, free for all guests, could just convince you.

Time Out tip: Every Tuesday and Friday between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., enjoy the hotel’s complimentary “Wine Hour.”

Address: 228 W 47th St, New York, 10036
Closest subway: 49 Street
Price: From $115 per night