New York - Manhattan Hotels

Best places to stay in New York

New York is made up of five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Manhattan is the city’s epicentre and is home to most of its iconic sights, so it’s the ideal choice for first-time visitors. Beyond the bustle of Midtown (see below), check out areas like the Lower East Side for residential cool, the Meatpacking District for high-end nightlife, and Harlem for delicious soul food and the gorgeous architecture of NYC’s brownstone townhouses. In the south of Manhattan, neighbouring Chinatown and Little Italy are vibrant districts where you can enjoy the patchwork of cultures that make up this truly global city.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

If you’re in New York to see the big-name sights, then Midtown (roughly the central third of the borough) is the place to be. It’s here that you’ll find the world-famous silhouettes of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, plus the frenetic energy and neon billboards of Times Square. The northern limit of Midtown is the city’s green lung, Central Park, where you’ll definitely want to take a stroll and maybe visit the incredible Metropolitan Museum of Art. The area is also home to Grand Central Station – not just the place to go for onward train travel, but well worth a visit in its own right for its palatial concourse.

Where to stay with your family in New York

In Manhattan, Battery Park City down at the southern tip of the island is a great option for families. Quiet and safe yet still well connected to the main sights via the subway, it boasts numerous parks including the eponymous Battery Park, where kids can ride the aquatic-themed SeaGlass Carousel and thrill at the view of the iconic Statue of Liberty out in the bay. Just across the road is One World Observatory, where you can climb 102 floors in just 47 seconds and enjoy a panorama like nothing else. For accommodation, Conrad New York Downtown is a luxurious yet child-friendly option offering views over the water.

Where to find cheap hotels in New York

If you’re after budget hotels in New York, you could do a lot worse than The Pod Hotels, a collection of affordable accommodation in coveted locations. Pod Times Square, Pod 39 and Pod 51 are all in uber-central Midtown, while Pod Brooklyn is just across the water in the arty hipster hub of Williamsburg. All the hotels boast rooftops and/or courtyards, lounges for work and play, and free guided tours. Alternatively, if you’re booking last minute, check out Ravel Hotel in up-and-coming Long Island City, where you can snag a room for less than £100 at short notice.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Manhattan may have a glitzy, high-class image, but there are still plenty of good-quality hostels where solo travellers can get the “backpacker” experience. Nap York Central Park Sleep Station boasts an unbeatable location at the southeast corner of the park and offers twin-size pods with sleekly designed privacy dividers. HI New York City is in the quiet, leafy Upper West Side and is a great place to meet fellow travellers with its huge outdoor patio and garden. If having your own bathroom is a deal-breaker, check out Ace Hotel New York, which has comfortable single rooms with an en-suite and minibar right in the heart of Manhattan.

The 10 must-sees of New York

• Brooklyn Bridge: The world’s first steel suspension bridge is a towering NYC icon.

• Central Park: An 843-acre island of tranquillity in the midst of Manhattan.

• Empire State Building: An unmistakable silhouette featured in countless films and TV shows.

• High Line: This former freight line is now a much-loved green walkway.

• Metropolitan Museum of Art: With over two million works of art, the Met is a cultural colossus.

• Museum of Modern Art: The place to go for artistic masterpieces from the late 19th century to present.

• National 9/11 Memorial: A moving and thought-provoking tribute to the lives lost on 11 September 2001.

• One World Observatory: Atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the views are simply breathtaking.

• Statue of Liberty: The definitive symbol of NYC and America’s founding ideals.

• Times Square: With dazzling billboards and 24/7 activity, Times Square encapsulates New York.

The Ultimate Guide to Going Out in New York

Embrace the vibrant nightlife of New York City on your holiday, a destination renowned for its never-ending energy. Whether you seek a relaxed evening or an exhilarating night out, New York has something for every nocturnal preference. Discover our essential guide to New York's nightlife, from cosy bars to bustling clubs, ensuring your nights are as memorable as your days in the city that never sleeps.

Broadway Magic

Immerse yourself in the glamour of Broadway. Witness world-class performances that set the standard for global theatre. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, Broadway shows are a must for any New York outing.

Jazz Nights in NY

Experience the soulful rhythms of New York's jazz scene. Intimate venues like the Blue Note and Village Vanguard offer unforgettable nights with legendary and upcoming jazz artists.

Cocktail Bars

Sip on innovative cocktails at New York's trendsetting bars. From the elegant speakeasies hidden in the heart of Manhattan to the rooftop bars offering stunning city views, there’s a perfect spot for every mood.

New York Culinary Delights

New York’s restaurant scene is a haven for foodies. Whether you're looking for Michelin-starred dining or a slice of the famous New York pizza, the city caters to all tastes and budgets.

Dance the Night Away

For those who love to dance, New York's clubs are the place to be. From the chic lounges in the Meatpacking District to the vibrant dance floors of Brooklyn, the city's diverse music scenes cater to every genre.

Cultural Events in New York

Engage with New York's rich cultural tapestry through its numerous events. Attend a film premiere, enjoy a live music festival, or visit one of the city's many museums for a night event.

NY Comedy Clubs

Laugh out loud at one of New York's iconic comedy clubs. Home to some of the world’s best stand-up comedies, these clubs offer a unique experience and a chance to see up-and-coming comedians.

In New York, the possibilities for a great night out are endless. With this guide, you're ready to dive into the exciting and diverse world of going out in New York!

Discover the Thrills of Shopping in New York

New York, a global shopping paradise, offers everything from iconic department stores to trendy boutiques. For those ready to indulge in a shopping spree, here's your ultimate guide to shopping in New York.

• Fifth Avenue: Begin your shopping adventure on Fifth Avenue, renowned for its luxury retailers and flagship stores. From high fashion to iconic brands, Fifth Avenue is a must-visit for any serious shopper.

• Soho and Nolita: For a more unique shopping experience, head to the stylish streets of Soho and Nolita. Here, you'll find an array of independent boutiques, designer stores, and trendy pop-ups that capture the essence of New York's fashion scene.

• Vintage and Thrift Shops: Dive into New York's vibrant vintage and thrift scene for one-of-a-kind finds. Areas like Williamsburg and the East Village are hotspots for vintage clothing, retro accessories, and unique pieces with a story.

• Luxury Department Stores: Experience the grandeur of New York’s famous department stores. Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Saks Fifth Avenue offer an unparalleled selection of brands, making them a shopper's paradise.

• Brooklyn Flea Markets: For a more local experience, explore the flea markets in Brooklyn. These markets are treasure troves of antiques, handcrafted items, and local artworks, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

• Designer Outlets: Bag a bargain at one of New York's designer outlets. With locations like Woodbury Common, you can find luxury brands at a fraction of the price.

• Tech and Gadgets: For tech enthusiasts, New York is home to flagship stores of leading tech brands. From the latest gadgets to innovative tech accessories, these stores are a tech lover's dream.

Shopping in New York is an adventure in itself. Whether you're looking for high fashion, unique finds, or bargain deals, the city's diverse shopping scene has it all. With this guide, you’re ready to tackle the best shopping experiences New York has to offer!

Hotels with rooftop bars

18 stories up, JIMMY at ModernHaus SoHo stands out among NYC’s rooftop bar scene thanks to its jewel in the crown: a pool deck. But it’s not just a summertime destination: for the colder months, there’s an indoor conversation pit with a working fireplace too. Naturally, the views are epic.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Ai Fiori at the 5-star Langham on Fifth Avenue offers an elevated take on Italian Riviera cuisine, with handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and regional specialities. The four-course prix fixe menu is a great way to experience a bit of everything, from ultra-creamy risotto to sumptuously tender wagyu beef loin.

Spa hotels

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is home to Bamford Wellness Spa, a haven of tranquillity nestled alongside the bustle of the famous river crossing. The spa’s handcrafted treatments use specially formulated products from the Bamford skincare range for long-lasting wellness. Try the innovative Hammam Flotation Therapy for a feeling of total weightlessness without needing to get wet.

Exceptional hotels

Even if its name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll have seen The Plaza before. This iconic New York hotel has been open since 1907 and has featured in films including Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle and The Great Gatsby, and its opulent, Châteauesque luxury continues to captivate visitors to this day.

Luxury hotels

Towering above Columbus Circle at the entrance to Central Park, Mandarin Oriental is a sleek and sophisticated offering with an indoor pool, an Asian-inspired spa, a super-modern fitness centre, and a must-visit restaurant. With rooms featuring luxury décor and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, it’s a superb option if you’re looking to splash the cash.