So you’re off to New York City. What are you going to spend your money on? The food? The drinks? The attractions? No matter what you want out of the experience, a goal all people share is to find the right hotel – a place that is comfortable or luxurious, intimate or full of life.
And while the city has tons of places to choose from, there are certainly a select few that really deliver just a little more than what you would expect.
Here are the hotels we think deserve your attention.
Young and Hip: Yotel

This futuristic building, located close to Times Square, is the perfect place for those who truly look at New York as the city of all cities. The mood lighting, the funky décor, the modestly sized yet comfortable rooms (inspired by Japanese pod hotels) are all designed to transport you out of your daily routine and get you into vacation mode. Within walking distance are all of the Broadway theaters and a few too many ‘tourist traps’, but it’s a great staring point where you can access the rest of NYC by foot, taxi, or subway. Yotel – 570 10th Ave (between 41st St & 42nd St) www.yotel.com
Celebrity Hangout: Thompson LES

No other neighborhood in New York City is as appealing as the Lower East Side. This bohemian sanctuary is filled with boutiques, bars, restaurants and you may spy quite a few celebrities down here on any given day. Hotels like The Thompson are among the few uber-chic places in the area to hang your hat, and feature a sleek and modern ambiance, numerous amenities and a level of privacy that makes you feel like a rock star. Thompson LES – 190 Allen St (between 1st Ave & Houston St) www.thompsonhotels.com
The Ace Hotel

Boutique hotels are a dime a dozen, but this one takes the proverbial cake. Its dark and moody atmosphere screams ‘Gotham’, but never goes over the top or becomes pretentious. What we really love about this place is the bustling lobby, which attracts many freelancers, as well as houses an excellent bar, coffee shop and restaurant. It gives a constant flow of energy that is dynamic and inspiring the moment you walk in, and gets your blood flowing when you’re ready to head out into the night. The Ace Hotel – 20 W 29th St (between 5th Ave & Broadway) www.acehotel.com
The Splurge: Mandarin Oriental

Quite possibly the sexiest views of Manhattan are offered at the Mandarin Oriental, which offers rooms that soar above the city skyline in the Time Warner Center. If you love world-class amenities and money is no object, then this is indeed one of the best hotels to stay. The service is impeccable, the Columbus Circle location puts you steps from Central Park, and the high-end shopping options, as well as the finest (and most expensive restaurants), right next door will make your stay unforgettable. Mandarin Oriental – 80 Columbus Cir (between 62nd St & 63rd St) www.mandarinoriental.com
The Legendary: The Plaza

There are a lot of historical hotels in New York City that will vie for your attention (all of which are certainly worthy), but we had to choose The Plaza as the one to try if you’re only going to be here once. Recently renovated to its former glory, the lobby, restaurants, and rooms all take you back to a bygone era, and few places can compare when it comes to conveying the classic romance of the city. To no surprise, this is one of the most expensive places to stay too, but that’s the whole point of coming here isn’t it? The Plaza Hotel – 768 5th Ave (between 58th St & 59th St) www.fairmont.com
What other hotels in NYC do you like? Let us know in the comments!















