Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square opened in 2016 as an excellent upper-middle-range hotel choice in a neighborhood teeming with tourists and competitor chain hotels. The Riu's 600 rooms on 29 floors are contemporary and bright, thanks to huge windows (some with Hudson River views) and a muted color palette. Note that Deluxe Queen Rooms are cramped for two people and semi-transparent showers in all rooms will provide a privacy issue for some travelers. There are three dining options, including a grab-and-go coffee shop, Fashion Bar, and a buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and access to the modern fitness center are covered by the mandatory facility fee. For something with lower rates and a hipper vibe, Row NYC is just down the street.
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square opened in 2016 as an excellent upper-middle-range hotel choice in a neighborhood teeming with tourists and competitor chain hotels. The Riu's 600 rooms on 29 floors are contemporary and bright, thanks to huge windows (some with Hudson River views) and a muted color palette. Note that Deluxe Queen Rooms are cramped for two people and semi-transparent showers in all rooms will provide a privacy issue for some travelers. There are three dining options, including a grab-and-go coffee shop, Fashion Bar, and a buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and access to the modern fitness center are covered by the mandatory facility fee. For something with lower rates and a hipper vibe, Row NYC is just down the street.
This 112-room affordable property is a block from Radio City Music Hall and close to Times Square. The studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments have been around for more than a few years, just like the people who run the place like clockwork; it attracts repeat guests for a reason. The spacious upper-middle-range units feel homey and most contain modern kitchenettes with coffeemakers and microwaves. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, and a comfortable lobby for checking e-mail and reading one of the free newspapers. For those who don't mind sacrificing traditional hotel features (there is no restaurant, bar, or fitness center), it's one of the best options for the price in this tourist-centric location.
This 112-room affordable property is a block from Radio City Music Hall and close to Times Square. The studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments have been around for more than a few years, just like the people who run the place like clockwork; it attracts repeat guests for a reason. The spacious upper-middle-range units feel homey and most contain modern kitchenettes with coffeemakers and microwaves. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, and a comfortable lobby for checking e-mail and reading one of the free newspapers. For those who don't mind sacrificing traditional hotel features (there is no restaurant, bar, or fitness center), it's one of the best options for the price in this tourist-centric location.
The 124-room Aloft Harlem offers a stylish stay for a good value -- a trademark of its brand. Modern, streamlined design throughout the property merges with playful, music-oriented details that give the spaces character. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious Bliss toiletries, as well as cool design features. The hip on-site bar has a billiards table, and the fitness center is large and modern (though shared with apartment residents). Though the Harlem location is some distance from New York City’s main tourist sights, this part of the neighborhood offers many excellent restaurants, galleries, and performance spaces, including the iconic Apollo Theater just one block away.
The 124-room Aloft Harlem offers a stylish stay for a good value -- a trademark of its brand. Modern, streamlined design throughout the property merges with playful, music-oriented details that give the spaces character. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious Bliss toiletries, as well as cool design features. The hip on-site bar has a billiards table, and the fitness center is large and modern (though shared with apartment residents). Though the Harlem location is some distance from New York City’s main tourist sights, this part of the neighborhood offers many excellent restaurants, galleries, and performance spaces, including the iconic Apollo Theater just one block away.
Sophistication is the name of the game at the upscale Hyatt Herald Square New York, a contemporary high-rise hotel located a four-minute walk from the Empire State Building in central Manhattan. Features mostly focus on trendy dining spots, from a seasonal rooftop bar to an American bistro and espresso bar. Guests won’t find a lot to do in the hotel beyond a small fitness center and restaurants and bars. Valet parking is New-York-City pricey and breakfast costs a fee, too. The 122 nicely decorated rooms are small, but most Big Apple hotel rooms are, so at least these are outfitted with mini-fridges and coffeemakers. For those sold on rooftop bars, The James New York is a stylish alternative with a hopping rooftop bar and pool, but it's in SoHo.
Sophistication is the name of the game at the upscale Hyatt Herald Square New York, a contemporary high-rise hotel located a four-minute walk from the Empire State Building in central Manhattan. Features mostly focus on trendy dining spots, from a seasonal rooftop bar to an American bistro and espresso bar. Guests won’t find a lot to do in the hotel beyond a small fitness center and restaurants and bars. Valet parking is New-York-City pricey and breakfast costs a fee, too. The 122 nicely decorated rooms are small, but most Big Apple hotel rooms are, so at least these are outfitted with mini-fridges and coffeemakers. For those sold on rooftop bars, The James New York is a stylish alternative with a hopping rooftop bar and pool, but it's in SoHo.
The upper-middle-range Sago Hotel, located in the heart of the trendy Lower East Side, offers a fresh, industrial-chic vibe. Its 20 rooms reflect a boutique aesthetic with wood floors, concrete accent walls, and windows overlooking city views, plus fairly roomy bathrooms with walk-in showers. Amenities and space are limited in entry-level rooms, though Studios, Suites, and the two-story Penthouse add room and high-end extras, like marble tubs, chic kitchens or kitchenettes, and furnished terraces. The hotel's trendy on-site bar and restaurant was closed during our 2017 review, though there were plans for a replacement, and a free continental breakfast was still being served in the space. The hotel also offers free passes to a neighborhood gym. By comparison, the nearby Sohotel is a more eclectic boutique property with a connecting gastropub, though decor isn't as polished.
The upper-middle-range Sago Hotel, located in the heart of the trendy Lower East Side, offers a fresh, industrial-chic vibe. Its 20 rooms reflect a boutique aesthetic with wood floors, concrete accent walls, and windows overlooking city views, plus fairly roomy bathrooms with walk-in showers. Amenities and space are limited in entry-level rooms, though Studios, Suites, and the two-story Penthouse add room and high-end extras, like marble tubs, chic kitchens or kitchenettes, and furnished terraces. The hotel's trendy on-site bar and restaurant was closed during our 2017 review, though there were plans for a replacement, and a free continental breakfast was still being served in the space. The hotel also offers free passes to a neighborhood gym. By comparison, the nearby Sohotel is a more eclectic boutique property with a connecting gastropub, though decor isn't as polished.
The upper-middle-range Renwick Hotel is walkable to both Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building, and is convenient for tourists and business travelers. Elegant and artistic interiors reflect and celebrate New York City. The 173 decently-sized rooms feature eclectic furnishings like paintbrush door hangers and literary quotes on ink pads, reflecting the building’s history as a home for artists and iconic writers like Steinbeck and Fitzgerald. Aside from Wi-Fi and morning coffee, there aren’t many freebies here; breakfast isn’t included, and parking comes with hefty charges. However, the celebrity chef-owned restaurant offers room service, and there’s a business center and gym. Nearby, the DoubleTree by Hilton Metropolitan New York City has less style, but cheaper rates.
The upper-middle-range Renwick Hotel is walkable to both Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building, and is convenient for tourists and business travelers. Elegant and artistic interiors reflect and celebrate New York City. The 173 decently-sized rooms feature eclectic furnishings like paintbrush door hangers and literary quotes on ink pads, reflecting the building’s history as a home for artists and iconic writers like Steinbeck and Fitzgerald. Aside from Wi-Fi and morning coffee, there aren’t many freebies here; breakfast isn’t included, and parking comes with hefty charges. However, the celebrity chef-owned restaurant offers room service, and there’s a business center and gym. Nearby, the DoubleTree by Hilton Metropolitan New York City has less style, but cheaper rates.
The Broadway Hotel and Hostel is a chic (enough) value hotel housed on the multicultural Upper West Side, fairly close to Central Park, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural History, and Columbia University. The subway is located just two short blocks away -- the 1 train connects to Midtown Manhattan in 15 minutes. While the hotel is low on frills, you can rely on free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour snack shop, comfortably spacious lounges with a kitchenette, and cozy, colorful rooms with pristine bathrooms.
The Broadway Hotel and Hostel is a chic (enough) value hotel housed on the multicultural Upper West Side, fairly close to Central Park, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural History, and Columbia University. The subway is located just two short blocks away -- the 1 train connects to Midtown Manhattan in 15 minutes. While the hotel is low on frills, you can rely on free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour snack shop, comfortably spacious lounges with a kitchenette, and cozy, colorful rooms with pristine bathrooms.
Situated in the bustling heart of midtown Manhattan just a five-minute walk from the Empire State Building, the mid-range Best Western Premier Herald Square hotel is ideally located near Penn Station and city hotspots, like Bryant Park. The property’s 94 rooms are tiny but tastefully decorated in a palette of green and purple and have flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea service, and comfortable beds. There’s a cozy on-site bar and lounge, plus a small fitness center, free hot daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Those looking to stay in this area could compare prices with the similar mid-range Hampton Inn Manhattan - 35th St.
Situated in the bustling heart of midtown Manhattan just a five-minute walk from the Empire State Building, the mid-range Best Western Premier Herald Square hotel is ideally located near Penn Station and city hotspots, like Bryant Park. The property’s 94 rooms are tiny but tastefully decorated in a palette of green and purple and have flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea service, and comfortable beds. There’s a cozy on-site bar and lounge, plus a small fitness center, free hot daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Those looking to stay in this area could compare prices with the similar mid-range Hampton Inn Manhattan - 35th St.
Opened in 2017, the upper-middle-range Life Hotel is the latest incarnation of the 19th-century building that once held the offices and staff living quarters for "Life" magazine. The hotel's design reveals careful attention paid to the building's past, from the parquet marble floors in the lobby to the wrought-iron-framed beds (with luxe mattresses) in its 98 rooms. Room details like copper grating, restored wall moldings, and glass doorknobs are met with generous modern amenities, such as 60-inch flat-screen TVs, Google Chromecasts, and dedicated Wi-Fi hotspots. Life Hotel's boutique atmosphere makes it a welcome alternative to the many characterless hotel options in this part of Midtown. However, those looking for a similarly priced boutique hotel with more features could try the trendy Arlo NoMad, which has a rooftop bar and several co-working spaces.
Opened in 2017, the upper-middle-range Life Hotel is the latest incarnation of the 19th-century building that once held the offices and staff living quarters for "Life" magazine. The hotel's design reveals careful attention paid to the building's past, from the parquet marble floors in the lobby to the wrought-iron-framed beds (with luxe mattresses) in its 98 rooms. Room details like copper grating, restored wall moldings, and glass doorknobs are met with generous modern amenities, such as 60-inch flat-screen TVs, Google Chromecasts, and dedicated Wi-Fi hotspots. Life Hotel's boutique atmosphere makes it a welcome alternative to the many characterless hotel options in this part of Midtown. However, those looking for a similarly priced boutique hotel with more features could try the trendy Arlo NoMad, which has a rooftop bar and several co-working spaces.
The upscale Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel opened in 2016 with a "living hotel" concept that successfully combines cutting edge-technology and, surprisingly, fashion. Its location a block from Penn Station is both a blessing and a curse, bringing fast access to trains and the hordes of tourists and chaos that come with them. Though, fortunately, noise isn't a problem inside the hotel. The 348 rooms and suites are contemporary and well-lit by natural light, plus mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi come standard. Rock & Reilly's Irish Pub serves three meals a day on an enormous patio with a retractable roof. Guests can also have a cocktail or hear a DJ set in the lobby's bar and communal workspace. Compare rates with the W New York, another stylish property with a Bliss Spa on the slightly quieter eastern side of Manhattan.
The upscale Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel opened in 2016 with a "living hotel" concept that successfully combines cutting edge-technology and, surprisingly, fashion. Its location a block from Penn Station is both a blessing and a curse, bringing fast access to trains and the hordes of tourists and chaos that come with them. Though, fortunately, noise isn't a problem inside the hotel. The 348 rooms and suites are contemporary and well-lit by natural light, plus mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi come standard. Rock & Reilly's Irish Pub serves three meals a day on an enormous patio with a retractable roof. Guests can also have a cocktail or hear a DJ set in the lobby's bar and communal workspace. Compare rates with the W New York, another stylish property with a Bliss Spa on the slightly quieter eastern side of Manhattan.