#1 The Whitby
A unique, boutique bolthole from the Firmdale group in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The Whitby offers a sensorial stay, with eclectic, colourful design and a focus on art, alongside serious luxury and unstuffy service
#2 The Peninsula New York
Midtown Manhattan's golden Peninsula calls itself a “cocoon of peace and quiet” amid the fray on Fifth Avenue. And recent travelers agree, though they contend that it's an expensive cocoon. Highlights include free internet access, the rooftop terrace Salon de Ning (which offers stunning city views), and a highly acclaimed spa and health club. But that's not all this ultra-luxurious hotel has going for it. Previous visitors cited the top-notch service, spectacular vistas and enviable location (just steps away from Central Park and Rockefeller Center) as equally compelling reasons to return. Others described the property as elegant and serene, praising the hotel's calming color palette and extra touches found in each of the accommodations, such as stocked minibars, marble baths, cozy robes and slippers, and sleek flat-screen TVs. Recent visitors also raved about the delectable dishes and sophisticated atmosphere offered at the hotel's dining establishments, the Clement Restaurant and the Gotham Lounge.
#3 Crosby Street Hotel
Tim and Kit Kemp’s 86-room hotel overflows with style, great design, and sophistication, awash with unusual finds and classic details. Every nook and cranny of this Firmdale property really does tell a story. Luxury knows no bounds, yet the five-star service lacks pretence and is remarkably approachable.
#4 The St. Regis New York
This luxury Beaux-Arts icon, standing in one of Manhattan’s sweetest locations, pulls out all the stops for an unforgettable experience. Posh accommodation, the legendary King Cole Bar and flawless service prove that St Regis New York lives up to the hype.
#5 The Benjamin
Denihan's landmark Beaux Arts hotel exudes elegance from head to toe. This graceful Emery Roth building features sophisticated spaces that feel more like upscale apartments. In-room kitchenettes, exceptional service, and Geoffrey Zakarian's acclaimed restaurant and bar add to the pied-à-terre experience.
#6 The Pierre
This 41-storey Taj hotel boasts a superb location in Lenox Hill, luxury apartment-like rooms and suites with sweeping views of Central Park. The on-site restaurant, Perrine, is helmed by Chef Ashfer Biju and is undeniably one of the best you'll find in the neighbourhood.
#7 The Chatwal
With only 76 rooms, this jewel in the Theatre District proves that great things come in small packages. The stunning Art Deco interiors, personalised service, and a destination restaurant and bar by Geoffrey Zakarian establish The Chatwal as one of Midtown's preferred choices for luxury.
#8 The William Vale
One of New York’s hottest hotels. Plum in the middle of Williamsburg (AKA hipsterville), it spans 14 floors of Brooklyn’s most stylish new building. There is a huge outdoor pool deck, groovy rooftop bar with 360 views, a top chef and futuristic rooms have a balcony and cinematic views of Manhattan.