Sometimes all you need is a quiet room with lots of character, and you’ll find this at the best boutique hotels in New York City.
New York is bursting at the seams with modern high-rises and trendy hotels. Yet it’s once you scratch beneath the shiny surface that you find some boutique hotel gems that exude personality. Boutique hotels are often in a quieter part of the city, allowing you to enjoy an authentic cultural immersion into your immediate neighbourhood surrounds, with the iconic charms of the Big Apple still within easy reach. Whether you’re looking for some traditional charm or eclectic uniqueness, sift through our curated list of the best boutique hotels in New York City to find your next escape.
A designer stay at Boro Hotel New York
The fabulous Boro Hotel is ideally located for those hoping to see one of New York City’s best art-industrial and residential areas. With a plethora of restaurants, bars, museums, retail shops and parks nearby, you’ll find everything you need within easy walking distance. You’ll also be within strolling distance of sites such as the East River, MoMA PS1, the Museum of the Moving Image and the Noguchi Museum.
The Boro is architecturally designed and feels instantly welcoming, with roomy, bright spaces, modern fittings, floor-to-ceiling windows and block colours. Many suites feature balconies or terraces if you’d like a private and cheerful outdoor space. The delightful BeeBe’s restaurant serves up mouthwatering Italian-American cuisine, including New York-style pizza. There’s also a café in the lobby, but the star of the show is the scenic rooftop bar where you can gaze out across the city lights at night, cocktail in hand.
In the lobby lounge and library, take a break and select from a range of Strand Bookstore books or newsstand publications. Of course, you’ll want to explore the heart of the city too, so jump on the nearby subway and you’ll be there in 15 minutes. The best part? The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating and will do whatever it takes to make your stay the best it can be.
Smiles all around at Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
The luxurious Gansevoort Meatpacking Hotel sits comfortably in the heart of the city in the popular Meatpacking District. The hotel’s design is modern-industrial and gives an immediate overall feeling of calm. Enjoy easy access to shopping centres, dining and drinking establishments, markets, galleries, parks and museums, as well as the Hudson River, Little Island and the High Line.
Rooms and suites are elegant and comfortable, with huge bay windows that create a light, airy atmosphere. Each room features a Google Nest Hub and The Mirror Workout system for your convenience and fitness needs. Opt for a room with a Juliet balcony or private terrace for superb views of Manhattan. Dining options at Gansevoort include an exquisite omakase sushi restaurant, licensed café and bar. All three are located on the rooftop with stunning city views. There’s a bar and bistro on the ground floor with outdoor seating, perfect for slow brunches and people-watching.
The hotel’s fitness centre is cutting-edge, with Peloton bikes and weight training machines. Take a dip in the heated rooftop pool while enjoying uninterrupted 360-degree views of New York City. For some true indulgence, an in-room spa treatment will help you recharge your batteries after long days exploring.
Endless fun at Staypineapple, An Artful Hotel, Midtown New York
The Staypineapple Hotel is brimming with character. Decorated with colourful carpets and tiles, eye-popping art pieces and little golden pineapples everywhere, you’ll find delight wherever you turn. Close to Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson Yards, as well as an array of exceptional restaurants, bars, cafés, nightclubs and shopping, there won’t be a single dull moment.
The zingy decor certainly extends to the rooms. The large windows in all rooms lend spectacular views, while some rooms have awesome open-air terraces, perfect for relaxing with a tea or coffee from your in-room Keurig coffee pod machine. The staff are happy to customise your room to your needs if you’d like an extra room, workspace or extra pillows. The staff also provide guests with a complimentary drink and pineapple treats upon check-in.
While there’s no restaurant or bar on-site, there are plenty nearby, or you can order in or grab a snack at the snack counter. Explore the neighbourhood the fun way on complimentary beach cruisers provided by the hotel, or jump on the nearby subway and head into central New York.
Most sophisticated stay at Mondrian Park Avenue New York
The gorgeous Mondrian Park Avenue hotel is located in Manhattan’s popular NoMad (Madison Square North) area. It’s the epitome of class and sophistication. The hotel is located nearby to the Flatiron District, Madison Square Garden and Madison Square Park, Bryant Park, the East River, and The Empire State Building, so there’s no shortage of places to explore.
With furnishings and decor curated by designer Philippe Starck, the unique rooms at this hotel are simply gorgeous. Soft, crisp bedding, chic adornments, marble bathrooms with double-headed rain showers and modern fittings give a relaxed, refined atmosphere. The large windows in every room perfectly frame the spectacular views, with some rooms featuring walk-out balconies overlooking Park Avenue or 30th Street.
Dining options include Eastern Mediterranean fare at Cleo, or sophisticated cocktails at Never Never bar. Drink in breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace bar with a flute of champagne and some hors d'oeuvres. A complimentary New York Sports Club access will keep you fit while a gentle stroll around the neighbourhood is a great way to see one of the most picturesque parts of the Big Apple.
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