New York has had a rough ride of it lately but despite its difficulties, you can’t deny that if you’re looking to stay in some of the best design hotels in the world, it’s easily top of our list.
Whether you’re planning a city break to see the sights or are visiting for some much-needed retail therapy, there are a host of super stylish places to choose from to unwind in at the end of a busy day in the Big Apple.
Like many big cities around the world, the locals who can are choosing to work from home so the streets and transport network are much less populated, making a visit a far more appealing prospect.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite luxury design hotels for all budgets for you to choose from, both in Manhattan and just across the East River in Brooklyn. Ranging from cool, hip hangouts to plush, elegant retreats, you’re bound to find a hotel that you’d love to call home, even if it is just for a few days.
Bear in mind that due to current restrictions, some hotels may have reduced capacity or closures so always check before you book to avoid disappointment.
1. Made
ABOUT: Just four blocks away from the Empire State Building, Made is a city hotel with a relaxed yet stylish vibe. The 108 rooms vary in size from a petite studio to the spacious penthouse suite on the 17th floor. Clever wall systems in the rooms combine rich walnut surfaces with industrial metal railings from which desks and extra storage hang. These are softened by the handwoven textiles, plush bathrobes and super comfy Leesa hybrid mattresses.
HIGHLIGHTS: If it’s outdoor space you’re craving, head to the roof terrace for stunning city views or escape to the Patio on the second floor for some peace and quiet. The hotel's restaurant, Ferris, is currently open for dinner only, three days a week, while the Paper coffee shop is open for hot drinks and baked goods from morning to early evening, seven days a week.
PRICE: From $129 (approx. £98) per night
WHERE: 44 W 29th Street, New York 10001
2. The Whitby Hotel
ABOUT: Located in midtown Manhattan, with both MOMA and Central Park just a few blocks away, The Whitby Hotel is one of two New York hotels that designer Kit Kemp and her husband Tim own. Decorated in Kemp’s unique eclectic style, all pretty rikrak and packed with colour and pattern, the floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the 87 rooms fill each space in plenty of natural light. All of the suites have freestanding bathtubs - perfect for a soak at the end of a day of sightseeing - and some also have private terraces, too.
HIGHLIGHTS: The popular Whitby Bar and Restaurant serves food and drink every day, from 7am till late, including a delicious finger sandwich and cake laden Afternoon Tea. Or there’s The Orangery, if you’d prefer a quieter, more intimate dinner for two. As with all the Kemp’s Firmdale hotels, there’s an honesty bar (found in The Drawing Room) if you fancy a night cap.
PRICE: From $695 (approx. £537) per night
WHERE: 18 W 56th Street, NY 10019
3. The Greenwich Hotel
ABOUT: Situated in the heart of TriBeCa, the Robert De Niro-owned Greenwich Hotel is a grown-up, home away from home. Every one of the 88 rooms and suites are different, yet all have English-made mattresses from Savoir Beds. Leather upholstery with handmade silk rugs, along with Carrara marble or Moroccan tiled bathrooms all feed into the relaxed yet luxurious feel that this hotel oozes.
HIGHLIGHTS: The hotel’s restaurant, the buzzy Locanda Verde, combines French brasserie-style cooking with Italian dishes every day of the week. As well as a stunning subterranean pool, the hotel’s spa, Shibui offers a host of treatments to help you unwind at the end (or start) of a long day.
PRICE: From £495 (approx $650) per night
WHERE: 377 Greenwich St, NY 10013
4. Archer New York
ABOUT: The decor in the Archer is decidedly masculine with a sartorial edge - which is fitting since it’s located in the city’s Garment District. Bare brick walls, dark woods and plenty of monochrome dotted with flashes colour ensure a stylish, grown-up ambiance. The bathrooms feature subway-tiled walls with luxe Malin + Goetz toiletries, whale coffee lovers will appreciate the Nespresso making facilities in each room.
HIGHLIGHTS: Aside from the rooms that have views directly onto the Empire State Building, the hotel has a bar and restaurant - the Ava Social - that serves lunch, dinner and bar snacks till late. The Spyglass Roof Bar on the 22nd floor takes advantage of the stellar views and is open from lunchtime till the early hours, seven days a week.
PRICE: From £134 (approx $174) per night
WHERE: 45 W 38th Street, NY 10018
5. The Williamsburg Hotel
ABOUT: In Brooklyn’s hippest neighborhood, overlooking the Manhattan skyline, The Williamsburg Hotel taps into the area’s industrial heritage. Exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling glass and weathered steel dominate the decor, offset with crisp white linen and pops of teal and mustard yellow.
HIGHLIGHTS: The rooftop pool is a definite must visit, as is the striking glass-wrapped Watertower Restaurant, which overlooks it. Alternatively, The Patio is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, from eight till late.
PRICE: From £182 (approx $239) per night
WHERE: 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
6. Public
ABOUT: Fans of simple, pared-back luxury will love the rooms in this chic hotel in the Lower East Side. Conceived by Ian Schrager, the co-founder of Studio 54, Public boasts a whopping 370 rooms ranging in size from the 205 sq ft Queen, to the comparably vast 800 sq ft Penthouse Suite. Each of the rooms are decorated in a host of subtle neutrals with delicately sheer curtains (with blackout shades), luxe faux fur throws and they feature smart technology throughout.
HIGHLIGHTS: The hotel boasts two restaurants as well as two bars, so you’re spoilt for choice if you don't wish to stray far. There’s also a further bar on the roof with stunning views of the city by day and by night.
PRICE: From £148 (approx $195) per night
WHERE: 215 Chrystie St, NY 10002
7. NoMad New York
ABOUT: Situated in the Flatiron District, just north of Madison Square Park, the decor in NoMad aims for opulent elegance teamed with funky bohemian touches. Rooms have a distinct Parisian feel, with leather upholstery, stand alone claw-footed baths, vintage furniture and fabric covered dressing screens, all thanks to French designer Jacques Garcia.
HIGHLIGHTS: While there are four different spaces in the hotel in which to enjoy food and drink, the Rooftop Bar, with its skyline views, is a clear winner. Here, you can avail of the classic NoMad dish of chicken with black truffle and foie gras stuffing, as well as caviar or oysters. If you’re more of a gym bunny, the hotel has a well appointed fitness centre, open 24-7.
PRICE: From £222 (approx $293) per night
WHERE: 1170 Broadway & 28th St, NY 10001
8. The Hoxton Williamsburg
ABOUT: Young, chic and achingly hip, there is no better place than Brooklyn to have a New York outpost of this cool hotel chain. The Hoxton Williamsburg features 175 rooms decorated with a Mid Century modern esthetic - with raw concrete walls, vintage furniture, brass fixtures and fittings and textiles by local designer, Dusen Dusen.
HIGHLIGHTS: The hotel has two restaurant bars - one on the ground floor, the other on the rooftop. If you’d rather stay in your room or are heading out early, the hotel can deliver a quick breakfast to go to your door - comprising of juice, fresh fruit and a pot of granola.
PRICE: From £128 (approx $169) per night
WHERE: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
9. The Bowery Hotel
ABOUT: Nestled in the heart of the East Village, The Bowery Hotel combines classic elegance with modern touches. The lobby, with its dark wood panelling and low lighting, are cosy and inviting, while the rooms are bright and airy, with traditional touches, like thick heavy drapes and antique furniture.
HIGHLIGHTS: If you’re brave enough, the hotel will loan you a bicycle to explore the city so you can avoid taking the subway or taxis. The hotel’s restaurant, Gemma, is a cosy trattoria, serving delicious Italian dishes, pasta and pizza every day of the week.
PRICE: From £277 (approx $365) per night
WHERE: 335 The Bowery, NY 10003
10. Freehand New York
ABOUT: Part community space, part hotel, Freehand’s decor pays homage to the Flatiron district’s strong artistic heritage thanks to the styling by design studio Roman and Williams. Rooms vary from singles to doubles (and even bunk rooms) - all of which are remarkably affordable, considering the hotel’s central location. Inside, the hotel has commissioned artworks by students and alumni from Bard College in upstate New York, which sit alongside a plethora of plants, mismatched Mid Century furniture and super soft sheepskin throws.
HIGHLIGHTS: The communal spaces like the games room, together with the hotel’s radio/podcast station, give the hotel the atmosphere of a cool and friendly college dorm. But the decor is far from basic, with the original gothic columns of the building framing the relaxed and cozy furnishings. What’s more, Freehand boasts five different eateries on-site so you have lots to choose from for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
PRICE: From £62 (approx $81) per night
WHERE: 23 Lexington Ave, NY 10010
Like what you see? Now that you have our pick of the best design hotels in New York, there’s no time like the present to book that dream trip to the Big Apple.
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