New York City offers world-class museums, Broadway shows and iconic landmarks—and it’s also home to some of the best hotels in the country. Whether you’re a first-timer eager for a view of Times Square’s neon glow or a regular visitor hoping to live like a local in a quieter neighbourhood, these hotels offer a range of jaw-dropping travel experiences.
This year, we asked T+L readers to weigh in on their travel experiences and help us determine the top hotels, resorts, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines and cities. Over 186,000 of you responded, and we’ve compiled this list to make your hotel search easier.
A big thank you to all who participated! We couldn’t have done it without you.
The best hotels in New York City are located throughout the city, from the quieter neighborhoods to the bustling Midtown area. If you’re looking for a calm and historic place to stay, check out Hilton Garden Inn New York in Downtown Manhattan or Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan in Midtown, both of which have rooms with city views. For a more glamorous experience, try the The Mark hotel in Upper East Side, which has been praised by Kim Kardashian and Meghan Markle for its elegant decor, oak finishings, curated art collection and incredible service. The Mercer is another luxury option in Soho, which has been praised by T+L readers for its modern decor, a bespoke art program and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
It’s important to read reviews before booking a hotel, but it’s equally important to know how to interpret them. Be sure to look for reviews that highlight positive aspects of a hotel, as well as those that address any negative feedback. Responding to negative feedback carefully can show potential guests that you’re committed to improving guest satisfaction, and can be an effective way to turn a negative review into a positive one.
In addition to its high customer satisfaction ratings, the Four Seasons is known for being an employer of choice in the hospitality industry, offering employees a variety of perks, including tuition reimbursement and fully paid sabbaticals. The luxury chain also prioritizes employee health and wellbeing by offering onsite gyms, free wellness programs and free breakfasts.
TripAdvisor is the 900-pound gorilla of hotel review sites, with over 661 million reviews for accommodations, restaurants and experiences. It’s an excellent resource for researching a destination before you book, and its “Certificate of Excellence” program is a great way to attract more business from travelers. The site does have some drawbacks, however, including the lack of verification required to post a review and the existence of bogus reviews.