10 choices from luxe to budget
While other cities may try to compete, the fact is that there are few skylines that are as instantly recognizable as New York City’s. With so much to see in the city that never sleeps, knowing how to find the best view can be a daunting task. Thankfully, we’ve scoured hundreds of different hotels in search of the 10 best views to be found across New York.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
For those with the cash to spare, the views from the Mandarin Oriental are some of the most picture- perfect that New York has to offer. Its extravagantly polished interiors and floorto- ceiling windows open on almost all sides, offering glimpses of Central Park, Columbus Circle, Midtown’s high- rises or the Hudson River. .
The William Vale
At The William Vale, settling down in the heart of hipster heaven can be done in chic luxury style — and alongside epic 360- degree views of Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Its sharp retro- inspired style makes it one of 2016’ s freshest additions to the NYC hotel scene, and those views are available everywhere — from the pool to trendy Westlight bar and many of the spacious rooms.
The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
The recently refurbished St. Patrick’s Cathedral remains one of the nation’s most stunning examples of Neo- Gothic architecture ( and has an enviable address along Fifth Avenue). The Towers at Lotte New York Place — a sharp luxury hotel — has an equally posh setting along Madison Avenue, and its Premier Skyline Rooms look out onto both St. Patrick’s and the towering buildings of Rockefeller Center.
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
The Beekman capitalizes on its Lower Manhattan setting by adding views of classics, like the Woolworth Building, and new additions to the skyline, like One World Trade Center. For the best views, opt for a Corner Suite on a higher floor. Don’t forget to bask in the hotel’s sumptuous Old World- inspired interiors, too, because some of the best views here don’t even require looking outside.
Cambria Hotel & Suites New York – Chelsea
Make sure you park yourself somewhere great when the sun is going down, as the sky does magical things in the Tri- State area. Armed with that info, head to the terrace bar at the Cambria Hotel & Suites New York. Once there, you’ll see New York’s famous water towers crowning buildings in the foreground, and the glistening spire of One World Trade Center in the distance. That pink sky ( and great cocktails) will only add to the romance of it all.
Millenium Hilton
While the Millenium Hilton is a fairly runof- the- mill Hilton property inside, its views are anything but ordinary. Many of the hotel’s 569 rooms look directly onto the 9/ 11 Memorial and Museum, One World Trade Center, the Santiago Calatrava- designed Oculus and even the Hudson River from higher floors.
Z Hotel
There’s a whole lot more to the city if you’re willing to explore the outer boroughs. That’s especially true for Long Island City in Queens, which has amazing views of Manhattan’s spires across the East River. The Z Hotel is not only reasonably priced, but has those same views from many of its rooms and its terrace bar. What’s even better? Long Island City is one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods, home to foodie destinations and cultural hotspots like MoMA PS1.
Archer Hotel New York
Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable as the Empire State Building, and the Archer Hotel matches that premium view with equally attractive style. The upscale rooms here have a fresh, modern look plus extras like Malin + Goetz toiletries in the swish bathrooms. There are two prime dining spots, including Charlie Palmer Steak and a rooftop bar, the Spyglass, which offers memorable views of the city’s most famous skyscraper.
West Side YMCA
There isn’t much peace and quiet in New York City, which is why gorgeous Central Park remains such a popular destination. While the YMCA doesn’t top anyone’s list for chic digs, it does have bargain- basement rates that are a steal in this hyper- expensive city. You won’t get tons of amenities, but the prices at this budget property mean that great views of Central Park can be had on the cheap.
Bentley Hotel
The Queensboro Bridge in Midtown East was made famous after it made cameos in 2002’ s “Spider- Man” and 2012’ s “The Dark Knight Rises.” The bridge is on full display from many spots at Midtown East’s humble Bentley Hotel. A good amount of its sharp rooms have great views of the bridge, the East River, and the Queens skyline across the water ( yes, Queens has its own skyline — one that’s growing by the month). Sunrises over the river can be a particularly atmospheric sight, so opt for a room like a Junior Suite.