I’ve stayed at my fair share of hotels in New York over the years but since I’m always asked, and often have friends with the common theme that they still don’t have a favorite hotel in NY ~ I was curious and wanted to pick your brain this time around! So thanks for chiming in with your top boutique hotels. You guys are so my people because we have the same taste in New York hotels. All have that very similar NY downtown cool vibe to them that I love.
I tend to usually always (for the past 8+ years, since moving out of the West Village back to California) stay at The Ludlow Hotel in the East Village. I feel old saying that I remember when it first opened and I could snag a room for ~ $160 a night. It felt like the best deal in all of New York… so good that I never felt guilty extending my stay and often staying for a week for work or when in town for fashion week. It’s since gone up in price but still remains really reasonable in comparison to other New York hotels.
When visiting New York I typically plan my stay and the location of my hotel around what I have planned / my work meetings or the events I’ll be attending. It’s a spread out city and as you know can take hours to walk or get all the way across the city by taxi if you hit rush hour. My husband is often Uptown or more central, in Midtown, for work and sometimes I’ll just tag along on his trip if I can swing it… crashing his free hotel room. When staying Uptown it’s nice for say visiting The MoMA, Central Park and shopping along Madison Ave on the Upper East Side (hiii The Row). If you’re looking to do more of the classic touristy destinations (Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building) maybe a more centralized hotel is better for you.
If traveling by myself or I am choosing what hotel we are staying at then I prefer to be in downtown. I usually always want to spend my time in the West Village (our old neighborhood), Nolita, Soho (for a little shopping) and the Lower East Side. Downtown is more me and the vibe I love about New York. I also always walk everywhere when in New York (rarely even taking the subway unless necessary these days)… and love being able to easily walk to dinner from my hotel.
Where to Stay In New York
I appreciate a luxurious hotel and have stayed at most of them in New York: the St. Regis, The Palace, The Plaza, The Greenwich Hotel to name a few and my husband has stayed in most of the best hotels as mentioned as well for work. But when in New York I much prefer the smaller boutique hotels with that downtown cool New York feel and vibe. It’s what makes the trip!
All New York hotels have their own pros and cons but after going through all of your favorite boutique hotels ~ this is a great list!! I hope helps your NY hotel research some!
** Updated with my top hotel votes again in April 2024
Best Boutique Hotels New York
The Ludlow |
One of my personal favorites, honestly at this point just because it feels like home to me. I think if you’re not familiar with New York the location might not be as ideal for you. But I love walking to Nolita and into the West Village from The Ludlow and just being downtown. There’s so much happening in the Lower East Side now… really cool smaller wine bars and restaurants and independent boutiques. I like walking from The Ludlow down to Orchard Street for shopping. There’s also the newer Orchard Street Hotel now that has a very similar Ludlow-esque vibe.
The Marlton |
This was my most popular suggestion / top vote from all of you for a lower budget boutique hotel… and I agree. It’s a gem in a great West Village location. Ideal for solo travel, work travel or traveling with girlfriends. The Marlton has smaller “jewel box” rooms ~ which I never mind because you’re rarely in your room when visiting New York anyway. My only hesitation would be if I was looking for a larger room to stay with my husband. Minimal amenities here as well, but the lobby is cozy and it’s got a great (similar to The Ludlow) downtown cool vibe.
The Bowery |
I have eaten here numerous times over my years but surprisingly have still never stayed here! The Bowery is another downtown gem of a boutique hotel with that cool New York vibe. And Gemma is always so good for dinner!
Greenwich Hotel
| The Greenwich has topped my list as one of my absolute favorites in New York. It’s more of a special splurge hotel, with a great spa and where I spent my birthday a couple of years ago with T. I still think about that trip! I loved the more quiet Tribeca location and the moody lounge room for a cocktail before dinner.
** I loved that these were the most popular responses because they all have a similar very New York, older with charm, cozy feel and cool vibe to them! All of my top votes exactly. ________________
Other Hotels You’ve Stayed and Love
The CarlyleHotel |
This Rosewood property has been on my wishlist to stay for a while now. A splurge / treat yourself New York trip option, but my husband and I are big Rosewood Hotel fans so I’m actually surprised we haven’t made this one happen yet! And drinks at Bemelmans Bar is a must.
Hotel Chelsea |
I’m adding this one to this list as it’s newer (since this post was originally posted back in 2022) and has a very similar vibe to The Ludlow, Bowery and Marlton. The rooms are much bigger which is nice. It’s located in Chelsea, a little farther out on the West Side which would be my con but it is convenient if you’re looking for a more central hotel. It’s easy to get to the Chelsea market, The High Line, Meatpacking, and you can easily walk downtown to the West Village for dinner. Hotel Chelsea also has a very hopping restaurant in the evenings and a great breakfast in the mornings. My husband liked the larger rooms over say The Ludlow.
The lounge area of The Greenwich Hotel is cozy for breakfast in the morning or pre-dinner cocktails at night. I have the best memories of T and I cozied up by the fire before heading to our dinner reservations.
