A hotel is an important part of a trip, but not all hotels are equal. In fact, the best hotel is often the one that surprises and delights with over-the-top service and all-star amenities. Luckily, our guide to the best hotels in New York City offers a curated list of options that will give you just that.
New York is one of the most coveted travel destinations in the world, thanks to its iconic shopping streets, world-class museums and plethora of Broadway shows. With so many neighborhoods and hotel choices, finding the best hotel can be overwhelming, but with our guide to the top hotels in NYC you’ll be able to find your perfect home away from home.
The Mark Hotel is a modern, luxurious hotel that seamlessly blends historic charm with all-star amenities. Designed by famed architect Jacques Grange, this beautiful 16-story building on Madison Avenue in Manhattan is a sight to behold and is the perfect place to stay during your visit. With everything from a stunning rooftop pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Mark is a must for anyone visiting the Big Apple.
In a recent survey by CivicScience, I was surprised to learn that, when it comes to trustworthiness of hotel review sites, most people don’t believe any of them at all. TripAdvisor, the 900-pound gorilla, is the most prominent of these sites with an estimated 661 million reviews for hotels, airlines and experiences. But the site is plagued by fake reviews, from both disgruntled employees and reputation management operatives hired by hotels to boost their ratings and undermine their competitors.
Another big player in the hotel search space is Google, which has a lot of clout because so many travelers start their research on its platforms. Its search engine has an advantage over other sites in that it does not allow users to submit reviews unless they have booked on the site, allowing it to avoid the problem of bogus and false hotel reviews.
While the Big Three get the lion’s share of traffic, there are several other hotel search sites that have value and can help drive bookings. For example, Pod 51 has an extensive database of shared rooms and private suites in a variety of locations across New York City. With prices starting at under $80, this site is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want to see all that New York has to offer without breaking the bank.
Other lesser-known hotel search engines, like Trivago, also have an edge over their competition because they provide hotel photos and reviews along with price information, all in one place. This allows consumers to quickly narrow down their search and save time. With the rise of mobile phone use, the ability to compare hotel rates on the go has become easier than ever. This means that, as a hotel owner, you can’t afford to ignore these less-heralded search sites. By making sure you’re visible on these platforms, you’ll be able to attract more guests and maximize your revenue.