Looking to plan a New York City vacation this summer or fall, but don’t know where to begin? While it is true that the Big Apple offers an over-abundance of hotel options (particularly in Manhattan), it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
In fact, if you approach New York City on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood level, you’ll find it is quite approachable — and if you are a member of Inspirato, you’ll find we have the right hotel for whatever part of the city you want to explore.
Below, we’ve outlined a few approaches to your New York City trip. See which one lines up with your interests, and you’ll find the right hotel for you.
NOTE: Our tour begins Downtown and steady works its way north to Uptown.
“I want my kids to see why New York City has a special place in the world.”
Best hotel for you: Trump SoHo
Because it is located … at Varick & Spring Streets in SoHo
Which makes it within walking distance of … SoHo and Tribeca
And a short cab-ride to … One World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge
Our closest hotel to the Financial District and the tip of Manhattan, the Trump Soho is ideal for families, with spacious suites, a rooftop pool overlooking Lower Manhattan, and quick access to some of New York City’s most historically significant attractions, like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the 9/11 Memorial.
“I’m going to New York City for the shopping.”
Best hotel for you: The Mercer
Because it is located … at Mercer & Prince Streets in SoHo
Which makes it within walking distance of … Shopping in Soho and NoLita; NYU
And a short cab-ride to … The Flatiron District and Midtown
With its understated elegance and boutique personality — as well as a great location in the heart of SoHo — The Mercer offers shoppers a comfortable and stylish basecamp for their fashion finding. It is also a great place to stay if you are visiting nearby NYU.
“My family and I want to see all the big sights of Midtown.”
Best hotel for you: Lotte New York Palace
Because it is located … at Madison Avenue & 50th Street
Which makes it within walking distance of … St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central, Times Square
And a short cab-ride to … Central Park, Empire State Building
You could argue that the Lotte New York Palace has the best location in New York City. Located across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, it is close to all of Midtown’s best attractions, but unlike many Midtown hotels, the rooms actually have views! Spacious and updated, the suites here are perfect for families.
“I want to dive into the arts and culture of New York City.”
Best hotel for you: Baccarat
Because it is located … at Fifth Avenue & 53rd Street
Which makes it within walking distance of … Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Broadway
And a short cab-ride to … Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The Baccarat not only feels like the highest of the high-end hotels in New York City, but it’s location is as good as it gets, especially for arts aficionados. Steps away from the Museum of Modern Art — as well as Broadway theaters, Carnegie Hall and Eric Ripert’s iconic restaurant Le Bernadin — the Baccarat is central to any arts endeavor you seek in Midtown.
“I want a quiet retreat in the heart of Manhattan (if that is even possible) …”
Best hotel for you: The Peninsula New York
Because it is located … at Fifth Avenue & 55th Street
Which makes it within walking distance of … Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Central Park
And a short cab-ride to … Guggenheim Museum, New York Public Library, Bryant Park
Oh, it’s possible alright. The Peninsula New York is regularly regarded as the crème de la crème of Manhattan luxury, with a three-story spa, rooftop pool and impeccable service. In fact, it is so relaxing you might be tempted to stay put at The Peninsula, but if you want to venture out for a walk in Central Park or explore the sculpture garden of the Museum of Modern Art, you are only steps away.
“I want the best of both worlds — cosmopolitan city, but a good dose of nature.”
Best hotel for you: One Hotel Central Park
Because it is located … at Sixth Avenue & 58th Street
Which makes it within walking distance of … Central Park
And a short cab-ride to … Guggenheim Museum, New York Public Library, Bryant Park
Decked in ivy and filled with natural elements, One Hotel Central Park is a bit unexpected in the “concrete jungle” of Manhattan — and that’s the point. Here, everything revolves around nature and what’s good for the body, whether that’s sleeping-in on their custom Keetsa king bed or dining on farm-stand fresh cuisine at Jonathan Waxman’s restaurant Jams. You are within close distance to Midtown’s top attractions, and as an added bonus, the hotel is a great value.
“I want to eat a meal to die for … or two or three.”
Best hotel for you: Trump International Central Park
Because it is located … at Broadway & Central Park West (Columbus Circle)
Which makes it within walking distance of … Columbus Circle, Central Park, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Upper West Side, Carnegie Hall
And a short cab-ride to … Broadway theaters, Times Square, Rockefeller Center
Every foodie has their bucket list of restaurants, and usually those restaurants are helmed by a small cadre of the world’s most elite chefs. Jean-George Vongerichten is one of them, and his signature restaurant — Jean-Georges — is located within the Trump International Central Park. On night two of your stay, you can dine at Thomas Keller’s Per Se (located next door) and on night three, cab over to the Upper East Side and dine at Daniel Boulud’s Daniel. There you go: three restaurants checked off your foodie bucket list in one long weekend.
“I want to experience New York City like a local.”
Best hotel for you: The Pierre
Because it is located … at Fifth Avenue & 61st Street
Which makes it within walking distance of … Central Park, Central Park Zoo, Upper East Side
And a short cab-ride to … Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum
To feel like a local, it helps to stay in a place that feels like a home. Iconic and historic, The Pierre is just the place. Recently renovated from top to bottom, the hotel offers a posh home for travelers in one of New York City’s most elegant neighborhoods, the Upper East Side. Go for a jog through Central Park, or stroll the quiet streets of the Upper East Side and discover its beloved boutiques, cafes, bakeries and restaurants. You’ll see a different side of New York City for sure.
