New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the United States, and we think a visit to it should be on everyone’s bucket list! There are more than 120,000 hotel rooms in New York City, so it can definitely feel overwhelming to decide where to stay. However, we’ve made it easier for you – we have picked out a selection of great hotels in some of the best neighborhoods in New York with the best restaurants. These hotels are also close to wonderful art galleries and main New York attractions, all in an amazing central location! Keep reading to see some of our top picks for the best places to stay in the Big Apple.
Don’t forget to contact a TierOne Travel Consultant to book your NYC hotels – we’ll make sure you get the best rate for your visit to New York!
Getting to New York City
There are many options for flights to NYC from Western Canada:
From Calgary, you can travel to New York City on a nonstop flight with Air Canada or WestJet.
From Edmonton, you can get to New York City with Air Canada and WestJet with one layover.
From Vancouver, you can fly to New York City nonstop with JetBlue and with one stop on WestJet, United and Air Canada.
From Victoria, you can get to New York City with connecting flights WestJet, Air Canada and Alaskan Airlines.
Things To Do In New York City
Visit Central Park
As you step off 59th Street’s busy sidewalks into a sea of green, you won’t believe what awaits you: 693 acres of man-made gardens, meadows, woodlands, and hills. You would walk 58 kilometers if you walked down every route in Central Park! Central Park is not to be missed.
Along the route, you’ll see sculptures, bridges, and arches, as well as 21 playgrounds, an ice skating rink in the winter, and even a zoo! Plan your park route to include stops at famous Central Park attractions such as the Bethesda Fountain, Tavern on the Green, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial.
Ogle the Statue of Liberty
If you’re visiting New York for the first time, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see. You can even climb all the way to the top of the Statue of Liberty’s crown for incredible views! A ferry connects Liberty Island, the site of the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island to Battery Park in Manhattan. The trip from Battery Park to Liberty Island takes only 15 minutes. After seeing the Statue of Liberty, take the next ferry to Ellis Island and take a tour of the island. Then easily return to Battery Park by ferry. You will get amazing views of Manhattan from the water!
See a Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway musical is an amazing experience that is unique to New York City for both locals and first-time tourists. Head to Midtown Manhattan for a show and admire colorful billboards and bright lights. The list of shows is extensive and is constantly changing. Choose from long-running classics like The Lion King, Wicked, and Chicago, as well as newer popular musicals like Hamilton and Hadestown, as well as smaller Off-Broadway performances. The costumes, sets, melodies, and stories of a Broadway production are unforgettable and a must-do when visiting New York.
Visit Grand Central Station
Grand Central Terminal is more than simply one of the world’s busiest railway terminals; it’s a window into old New York! Take your time appreciating the architecture and checking out the delicious food and shopping. Avoid visiting during rush hour if you aren’t commuting in or out of the city, because it gets very busy!
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial is located on the site of the former World Trade Center complex and takes up over half of the 16-acre property. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are North America’s largest man-made waterfalls. The 9/11 Memorial Museum welcomes visitors to learn about the history of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The Museum’s dramatic combination of architecture, archaeology, and history gives an unparalleled encounter with the details of the attacks, their aftermath, and the individuals who lived through them.
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the coolest things to do in New York City is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The views of the Manhattan skyline are spectacular from this historic bridge. A stretch of the bridge is pedestrian-only, making it one of the most beautiful sites in New York City to take a stroll.
When the Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time, stretching 1,595 feet across the East River and connecting lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights. It is now a well-known, historic landmark of the New York City skyline.
Be Amazed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The Museum of Modern Art, located in Midtown Manhattan, is larger than it seems from the outside. It displays the works of notable painters like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, and Diane Arbus. Head to the fifth-floor Collection Galleries to see famous paintings like The Starry Night and Monet’s Water Lilies. Make sure to make time to browse the fascinating books and trinkets available in the renowned gift shop, which is a must-see in its own right!
Hang Out at Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is well-known for its arch honoring George Washington, the president for whom the park is named, and its fountain. The square is a popular meeting place that also houses various other monuments and facilities. If you enjoy people-watching, Washington Square Park is the place to go. In this tiny green space, chess players, musicians, performers, students, sunbathers, and Greenwich Villagers all stop here for a breath of fresh air.
Spend Some Time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been the cultural focus of New York City for over a century, thanks to its huge permanent collection. The building itself is a sight to behold, with its Gothic-Revival-style structure, famous tiered steps, and Central Park on its doorstep. It’s hard to do the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City justice in just a few hours. You could spend days looking through its massive collection of over 2 million pieces of artwork. If you’re pressed for time, you’ll need to prioritize and concentrate on the masterpieces you absolutely must see at the Met.
Visit Rockefeller Center
You’re in for a renowned, family-friendly experience at Rockefeller Center whether you want to see a concert on the plaza outside the TODAY show, visit the Christmas tree, or practice your moves on the ice skating rink. Don’t forget to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck to be treated to breathtaking views of the city below.
Take a Rockefeller Center Tour for a one-of-a-kind glimpse at a place unlike any other. Learn about the architecture, art, and significance of this historic landmark. A visit to Rockefeller Center would be incomplete without a stop at Radio City Music Hall, which is renowned for its history, architecture, and entertainment.
Wander the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s finest natural history museums, spanning four city blocks immediately across from Central Park. From a massive collection of taxidermy mammals, and displays of Native American tribes to a whole hall dedicated to marine life, including a life-size model of a blue whale. Every part of the natural world is represented here. The dinosaur floor is one of the best things to see here, with an immense Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton dominating the area. Go on a deep dive into the world of mummies, with specimens of ancient Egyptians and Peruvians, preserved for thousands of years. The museum might seem familiar since it is the setting of the first Night at the Museum movie.
Head up the Empire State Building
A visit to the Empire State Building is about more than just seeing the city. You will also be visiting a historical monument and one of the world’s most famous buildings!
The Empire State Building includes two observation decks: an outdoor one on the 86th level and an inside one on the 102nd floor. All tickets include access to the 86th-level observation deck; you just have to select whether you want to pay extra for the 102nd floor. You can also buy specific tickets to see the Empire State Building during sunrise or sunset.
Stroll Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is one of the world’s most expensive shopping corridors. It stretches from Greenwich Village’s Washington Square Park to Harlem. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, the New York Public Library, the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection, the Plaza Hotel, Rockefeller Center, the St. Regis New York, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are among the famous buildings and sites on Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue runs along the east edge of Central Park as well.
Marvel at Times Square
Times Square is one of the world’s most famous squares and draws 50 million visitors per year, making it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations! Times Square is constantly changing. Marvel at the millions of lights that adorn the neon billboards, shop at popular stores, and appreciate the amazing street performers.
Every New Year’s Eve, hundreds of people flock to witness the ball drop, making this the world’s most famous place to ring in the New Year!
The Best Hotels in New York City
1 Hotel Central Park
1 Hotel Central Park is a natural oasis in the heart of Manhattan, located one block south of Central Park on the corner of 58th Street and 6th Avenue. The hotel, housed in an 18-story building, features nature-inspired guest rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar from Chef Jonathan Waxman, a communal space for working or relaxing and enjoying a cocktail, and a 24-hour fitness centre, among other amenities.
Rooms
Enter your room for a peaceful escape from the city. Central Park’s natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere are brought inside through the elements used in each room. With reclaimed woods, treetop views, large windows, a handcrafted organic cotton mattress, and linens made with sustainably produced materials, thoughtful details blend nature into each hotel stay.
Dining at Jams
Created for you from farm to fork by renowned chef Jonathan Waxman, who was named “Best Chef in New York City” by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Waxman introduces California cuisine to New York at Jams. The environment is as dynamic as the food thanks to the open kitchen, exposed brick, and reclaimed oak. If you want to stay in the comfort of your own room you can order in-room dining from 7 am-10 pm.
Location
1 Hotel is conveniently located in the middle of Manhattan. Explore Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, Tavern on the Green and everything Central Park offers by bicycle or on foot. 1 Hotel Central Park is close to everything you could possibly want during your trip to New York City, such as:
- The Museum of Modern Art
- The American Museum of Natural History
- Rockefeller Center
- Radio City Music Hall
- Top of the Rock
- Times Square
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
Enter one of the first buildings to grace the skyline of New York City, a historically significant building that has been painstakingly rebuilt. Since its founding in 1761, The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel has been a gem of Lower Manhattan. Its timeless appeal makes it as welcome as ever the moment you step over the mosaic marble threshold. Eat food prepared by renowned chef Tom Colicchio, socialize on the main level of the stunning nine-story atrium, or take in the carefully curated art and distinctive design elements used throughout the hotel.
Rooms
Each of the 287 guest rooms and suites features a thought-provoking collection of art chosen by Katherine Gass, as well as unusual elements like aged oak flooring and Carrera marble. You are transported back in time by the vintage accents, towering ceilings, leather headboards, and Manhattan vistas. The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel, offers king-bed rooms, spacious suites, and Terrace Penthouses. The hotel’s old-world glitz and new-world grandeur guarantee a stay above and above your expectations.
Dining
Le Gratin
Le Gratin, a Bouchon Lyonnais opened by chef Daniel Boulud, is housed in the classic Beekman in the center of Manhattan. Chef Daniel Boulud launches a casual dining establishment that takes inspiration from the renowned Bouchon and bistros of Lyon, France, which are renowned for their vibrant atmospheres, friendly service, and soulful Lyonnais-style cuisine.
Enter one of the first buildings to grace the skyline of New York City, a historically significant building that has been painstakingly rebuilt. Eat food prepared by renowned chef Tom Colicchio, socialize on the main level of the stunning nine-story atrium, or take in the carefully curated art and distinctive design elements used throughout the space, which was brought to life by award-winning designer Martin Brudnizki.
Temple Court
Eat at Temple Court, where celebrated chef Tom Colicchio reinvents a menu of old and new classics with a seasonal flair. Enjoy favorites like stuffed rabbit loin with beluga lentils or dry-aged prime New York strip with roasted sunchokes as you relax on grey leather and mohair banquettes or next to a wall of multicolored stained glass. Head over to the Bar Room at Temple Court for drinks and a meal from the all-day menu.
Location
The Beekman is located in the heart of downtown Manhattan where you can wander cobblestone streets to experience the culture, couture, and crafts of every trade. There are many major attractions nearby, such as:
- New York City Hall
- Fulton Center
- Wall Street
- One World Observatory
- New York Stock Exchange
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Statue of Liberty
Ink 48 Hotel
This charming, 222-room hotel is housed in a former printing facility from the 1930s, and it makes a point to honor its literary background. Of course, there is the name of the hotel itself, but there is also a restaurant inside called Print and a rooftop bar called Press Lounge on the 16th floor. If you can pry yourself away from the cocktails and food long enough to spend some quality time in your room, you’ll be treated to bright decor, extremely comfortable beds, and flat-screen TVs—although the view of Manhattan’s skyline from your window is really the only show you’ll need at night.
Rooms
This city is always awake! However, 222 loft-style bedrooms and suites will be there when you’re ready to unwind. Most of them have huge windows (some with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies) that give you amazing views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, or both. Many feature deep soaking baths that are perfect for unwinding and planning what else you want to see in the big apple.
Dining
One of the top restaurants in the country serving seasonal, sustainable food is PRINT Restaurant, which is housed inside a refurbished and repurposed printing factory in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. The daily menu changes at PRINT to highlight the freshest foods that the in-house forager and chef have sourced from the neighborhood farmers market, nearby farms, and other artisan suppliers.
The Press Lounge
From the 16th floor, experience amazing views of the city! The Press Lounge is open every day and is “The Best Rooftop Bar in NYC” according to The New York Times. Try the Pressed for Thyme, a seasonal cocktail blended with gin, honey thyme syrup, and lemon. Stay for the panoramic views and snacks (from soft pretzels to charcuterie).
Location
The Ink 48 Hotel is close to shopping, unique experiences, hidden gems, and well-known tourist attractions such as:
- Hudson Yards
- The Glasshouse
- Madame Tussauds
- Bryant Park
- Broadway
- Times Square
Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
This is an Art Deco boutique hotel, in the heart of Greenwich Village.
The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village has earned a reputation as one of the finest boutique hotels in New York City thanks to its distinctive style, convenient location in the heart of Manhattan, and welcoming staff. Displays of unique artwork by up-and-coming local artists are encircled by architecture modeled after the Georgian revival towers of New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue from the 1920s and rich, romantic interiors with Art Deco-inspired wall coverings. The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village welcomes visitors to explore the city of today and tomorrow. It is reminiscent of Greenwich Village’s early years and inspired by today’s dynamic, thriving culture.
Rooms
Each of the 113 luxurious lodgings draws inspiration from the unique character of Greenwich Village and Golden Age New York City and exhibits timeless and progressive charm with Art Deco lines, sleek furnishings, and stylish facilities.
Enjoy sleek, art-deco-inspired furnishings, such as a desk, armoire, and window treatments, that offer a novel take on modern luxury. Each of the Grove guest rooms, which can be found on floors 2 through 16, has a Queen-sized bed, plush Garnier Thiebaut linen, and art deco-inspired furnishings. Free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV are provided for your enjoyment. Bathrooms include a standalone shower design with elegant white porcelain console sinks, Watermark high-pressure showerheads, and traditional subway tiles in black and white.
Dining
Society Cafe
Society Cafe and bar offers a novel perspective on American cuisine and is tucked away within Walker Hotel Greenwich Village. Enjoy a meal that is prepared using Union Square Greenmarket items. Savour a variety of specialty cocktails made by mixologists, local beers, and a well-chosen wine list in a cozy, jazz-inspired setting.
Society Cafe’s Parlour
The Parlour, located just off the lobby of the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, is a welcoming spot for libations, snacks, and good times. For handmade drinks or afternoon tea, cuddle up by the library fireplace or in a nook. Enjoy the Society Cafe’s market-to-table menu selections as well.
Private Dining
Invite Society Cafe to host your upcoming social gathering or event. The private dining facility can host up to 70 people seated and 100 for a reception in its 1500 square feet of cozy area. The jazz-inspired restaurant, bar, and lounge offer the ideal environment for a special event in Greenwich Village with an excellent menu that features market-to-table cuisine.
Location
Let the spirit of New York City inspire greatness by getting lost in Greenwich Village and its surrounding neighborhoods. This lively district is full of intriguing things to do and places to explore and is home to a bevy of well-loved attractions, museums, institutions, parks, stores, dive bars, brownstones, and some of the trendiest restaurants on the planet. You’ll be close to:
- Union Square
- Washington Square Park
- West Village
- SoHo
- The Meatpacking District
- Chelsea Piers
- Freedom Towers
- The Flatiron Building
The Carlyle
The Carlyle is ideally located within the Upper East Side. It is located on a prominent section of Madison Avenue, a five-minute walk from Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum (probably why celebrities like Jackie Onassis, Princess Diana, and Audrey Hepburn were all regulars). Recently, 155 of the 187 rooms and suites underwent renovations in a design that evoked prewar New York with all of its glitz and refinement. The lobby’s polished black marble flooring, the potted palm trees, and the original Audubon prints that still hang on the rooms’ walls all contribute to the hotel’s endearing and distinctive sense of Art Deco glitz.
The hotel opened its doors in 1930. However, Bemelmans Bar is what really makes the Carlyle famous. The whimsical paintings here were painted in 1940 by Ludwig Bemelmans, the author of the Madeline children’s book series. Here you can find live jazz bands, leather banquettes, and pisco sours, giving you that uniquely New York feeling of nostalgia.
Rooms
The Carlyle offers the elite ambiance of an Upper East Side pied-à-Terre with 192 opulent rooms, including 92 suites. Our opulent New York apartments are a fantastic example of class and comfort, exquisitely furnished by prominent designers like Tony Chi and Thierry Despont.
Dining
Dowling’s at The Carlyle
Thanks to Dowling’s at The Carlyle, New York fine dining has entered a new age. Previously of the 21 Club, newly recruited Executive Chef Sylvain Delpique has devised a menu that includes his reinterpretations of classic New York classics and nostalgic meals from a different era. The chic new dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, supper, and weekend brunch after a significant renovation.
Bemelmans Bar
Bemelmans Bar is a magical refuge where novelist and artist Ludwig Bemelmans’ whimsical pictures come to life. It has been a local and tourist favorite since 1947. The murals are the only publicly accessible commission of his work still existing. He is best known for his cherished Madeline series of children’s books. Swing to exciting music, including performances by Earl Rose, Rob Mosci, and Loston Harris, as guests, sip on traditional drinks.
Café Carlyle
Café Carlyle, which first opened its doors in 1955, offers a traditional cabaret experience with exceptional talent, including former legends Bobby Short, Elaine Stritch, and Eartha Kitt. Present-day performers include Isaac Mizrahi, Judy Collins, Alan Cumming, Rita Wilson, Steve Tyrell, and John Pizzarelli, among others. The tiny supper club is distinguished by murals by Oscar-winning French artist Marcel Vertès with music-related themes.
The Gallery
The Gallery was created by the renowned Renzo Mongiardino under his creative guidance and was modeled after the Topkapi Palace in Turkey. The room has hand-painted wallpaper by Milanese artist Enrico Brus and painted views of famous structures like Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Venice’s Santa Maria del Salute that resemble intaglios. Afternoon tea, cocktails, and an all-day a la carte menu are available to customers.
Location
New York City’s Upper East Side is one of the best neighborhoods to explore. Along with the charming homes, there are a ton of fantastic restaurants, unique boutiques, adorable bookshops, luxurious storefronts, and other amazing things to experience. If you love museums, explore between 82nd Street and 105th Street, here you’ll find the Museum Mile of New York City, a ton of museums with something for every interest. You’ll be close to:
- Neue Galerie
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Jewish Museum
- Central Park
- Roosevelt Island Tram
MADE Hotel
This boutique hotel is located in the heart of trendy NoMad, with a tranquil retreat-like atmosphere. When you enter the lobby, you will be in an intimate space with a cozy coffee shop and communal tables. Both the interiors of the rooms and the public areas are decorated with wood, hand-woven fabrics, and brass fixtures. The rooftop bar offers views of the Empire State Building, the lobby bar serves cocktails, and the tapas restaurant Debajo is a hot spot in New York. A great spot to spend your New York getaway!
Rooms
Imagine a comfortable sanctuary in the city, a location to camp, unwind and recharge. These tiny retreats in the MADE Hotel’s guest rooms are designed to help you escape the nonstop noise of the city. Discover privacy in a setting outfitted with everything you need so you can travel light.
Dining
Paper
Paper is a local coffee shop with a goal to provide customers with the best coffee, tea, and baked goods to enjoy as part of their adventures in New York City.
Debajo
Debajo is a tapas bar that serves food in a welcoming, laid-back environment. The restaurant provides covered heated indoor and outdoor eating.
Location
This up and coming NYC neighborhood, NoMad, was formerly known for its wholesale stores along Broadway, but today NoMad has an expanding number of luxury hotels and a lot of trendy pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Weeknights are busy, with people coming in from the adjacent Flatiron District and on the weekends, both tourists and residents enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll be close to:
- Madison Square Park
- Flatiron Building
- Empire State Building
- Rockefeller Center
- Times Square
- Radio City Music Hall
New York City Travel Guides
The Mini Rough Guide to New York (Travel Guide eBook)
This pocket-sized guide is a handy, quick-reference companion for learning what to do, see, and how to get around New York. It includes top sights such as the Empire State Building as well as hidden jewels such as the High Line. This will save you time and allow you to better explore this amazing city.
Get the guide here: The Mini Rough Guide to New York
The Underground Guide to New York City Subways
The only subway guide you’ll ever need to get around New York City! From the trendy Manhattan theatre area to the quiet residential communities of Queens, every station in the four boroughs has been thoroughly researched to help you navigate the system like a pro.
Get the guide here: The Underground Guide to New York City Subways
LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR CITY GETAWAY TO NEW YORK CITY
When you’re ready to start planning your next trip, contact one of our TierOne Travel consultants. They have extensive experience in life-changing travel experiences and will be able to craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs!
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