New York City Hotels

In the past few years, Midtown has undergone a subtle evolution from the land of corporate offices and tourists to a neighborhood New Yorkers actually want to hang out in.

Just over a year old, the James’s second location in the city (the first opened in SoHo in 2010) is a Beaux Arts building from 1904. It’s got a hip, modern vibe, which is a great juxtaposition in such an historic building. Rooms are bright and cheerful (if a bit on the small side—this is New York, after all) and have a residential feel thanks to little touches like built-in wooden nightstands, Art Deco–style minibars, and works from local artists on the walls. It’s also home to Scarpetta, a popular high-end Italian restaurant that moved from its Meatpacking location to the hotel last year. The central location—in a rapidly changing, ever-cooler neighborhood—is a big bonus: NoMad is convenient to most parts of the city.

Tucked away on an unassuming side street in the Flatiron district, Made is right in the thick of Manhattan’s gorgeous sprawl, showcased beautifully via floor-to-ceiling windows in all 108 rooms.

What 11 Howard has managed to do is recreate the feeling through the décor, of being in your own, beautifully outfitted home.

We’ve been fans of the 1 Hotel group since it first set up shop in Miami; New York quickly followed with two locations—one near Central Park and the other on a stretch of rapidly changing Brooklyn Heights waterfront. Blurring the line between luxury and sustainability, every corner of the space is considered in terms of design, from the locally made tables to the greenery and reclaimed wood walls. The rooms are minimal but comfortable, outfitted with hemp-blend mattresses and organic cotton sheets. Another major draw is the food: Chef Jonathan Waxman’s beloved NYC establishment Jams was reprised here, and he hands down serves one of the city’s best kale salads and squid ink rigatoni.

New kid on the block the William Vale is an all-balcony building, meaning guests have a stellar view no matter their room’s orientation—we recommend a corner suite, the panoramic views, all-glass bathroom (lie in the tub and take in the Manhattan skyline), and beautifully appointed living room are so worth it, especially if you’re rooming with—or planning on entertaining—a few friends. In what was once a neighborhood of abandoned buildings, adjoining Wythe Street is now packed with incredible breakfast spots (try Meyers Bageri or Sunday in Brooklyn), bars, and great boutiques. The accommodations are Scandinavian in style with clean lines and unfussy furniture in a neutral palette, intended not to detract from the majesty of the city views. In keeping with the neighborhood’s creative spirit, the hotel regularly hosts artistic and wellness-oriented events—from chakra healing with a shaman to meditation and letter-pressing—at its stunning water-facing rooftop bar that’s packed to the rafters at night.

Thanks to a new crop of restaurants and bars, the Dumbo waterfront bleeding into Brooklyn Heights is the buzziest spot to be in Brooklyn right now. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has taken full advantage of their location—a thin strip of land jutting into the water, right at the base of the bridge—and constructed the building entirely of reflective glass and steel.

If you think about it, the concept for this East Village hotel is pretty revolutionary: Offer topnotch service and accommodations without the pretense or hefty price tag. Rates for the elegant, generously sized rooms are reasonable and include breakfast; instead of traditional room service, there’s the market-style Louis). Whether for dinner (Jean-Georges Vongerichten is in charge of the menu) or a drink, the Public Kitchen is a favorite. The rooftop bar is quintessential Ian Schrager, with clubby lights and a serious late night crowd.

The hotel itself makes for a really lovely stay for visitors—particularly if you're looking for a place to post-up during the day and get some work/reading done: The lobby is a gorgeous lounge space with a distressed limestone fireplace, cozy leather couches mixed with vintage furnishings, Moroccan-style rugs, and chandeliers with a romantic glow.

This 60-room boutique hotel sits on ground that was actually an apple orchard in the early days—though the federally protected historic building (formerly the General Theological Seminary) wasn't built until the 1800s. The rooms themselves are modern but very comfortable, furnished with antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces that were sourced in and around the city. As for the downstairs amenities, you'll find a cozy little courtyard restaurant protected from the street, and Chelsea Market just a few steps away. As the name indicates, you're also right near the High Line—we like to pick up a coffee from the on-site Intelligentsia to nurse during the walk.