The Best NYC Hotels for Foodies, Remote Workers, and View Chasers

I’ve lived in New York City for over 15 years, and once a month I treat myself to a staycation. While this might sound redundant in a city where rent is astronomical, I can’t help but feel the urge to explore some of the city’s hotels. I tend to forget that people travel all over the world to come visit what I’ve called home for the majority of my adult life, and as a travel writer, I chalk it up to field research.

After staying in a plethora of hotels over the past few years, I’ve learned not every hotel is for every type of traveler. So, if you’re planning a trip to New York City (which you should), let this long-time New Yorker be your guide when deciding where to stay.

If it’s your first visit to New York, this is the hotel you need to stay at. Located in the heart of Times Square, the New York Marriott Marquis would make anyone fall in love with this city based on the views alone. The spacious rooms offer a panoramic view of Manhattan’s most sought-after sight, and waking up to the bright lights of Times Square right outside your window feels like living in a movie. The New York Marriott Marquis is a quick walk to other popular Manhattan sights, such as Bryant Park, Columbus Circle, and Central Park, and is a convenient transportation hub with connections to most major subway lines.

As someone who works remotely, my surroundings can certainly affect my productivity. Out of all of the hotels I’ve stayed at in New York, not only did citizenM New York Bowery Hotel have the funkiest workspace I’ve seen, but the atmosphere was so inviting that it made me want to work. The hotel’s rooms are more like pods, so don’t expect a super spacious stay, but with a desk in each room, plus the lower level massive open room with ample seating, you’re bound to tick all of the tasks on your to-do list. And when you need a break, you’re in culinary heaven: swing over to Thai Diner for some Thai disco fries, Chef Marc Forgione’s Peasant, Katz’s Deli, Gotham Burger Social Club for one of the best burgers in New York, or Russ & Daughters for a classic NY bagel.

For the only hotel on this list that’s not in Manhattan, I give you The Penny Williamsburg. Williamsburg, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, is the epitome of hip and cool, and it’s a great area to base yourself in to get away from the corporate touristic feel of some of Manhattan’s busier areas. I lived in Williamsburg for ten years, and can confirm The Penny Williamsburg properly emulates the feel of its surroundings. The art deco rooms are designed in a suave, modern, yet youthful way. The rooftop, elNico, provides stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline, and is ideal for mezcal lovers.

New York is a culinary haven, and if you stay at the Arlo NoMad, you can get one of the city’s most inviting meals at NoMad Diner right inside the hotel. Their green shakshuka offered at brunch will certainly give you a pep in your step thanks to the addition of zhoug (a Yemeni spice), and their Parmigiano-Reggiano martini is arguably the most innovative drink in Manhattan. Don’t skip out on their killer poutine either. Food aside, this 31-floor hotel really drives the concrete-jungle feel, and is conveniently within walking distance to the Empire State Building, Macy’s, Herald Square, and Madison Square Park.

If you and your honey bunny are looking for a little romance in the Big Apple, look no further than the Sofitel New York. This iconic French hotel offers a little slice of the city of love in the city of chaos. The rooms are elegant, and the hotel’s chic yet clean design simply adds to the romantic aesthetic. Their in-house restaurant, Gaby Brasserie, makes a killer cocktail, and with the Sofitel’s prime location, you can stroll over to Times Square, Bryant Park, and Rockefeller Center in under 10 minutes.

New York is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the USA; I should know, because I’ve had a pup in NYC for over 10 years! While many hotels in New York are dog-friendly, for one of the best neighborhoods to hang with your pooch paired with one of the best hotels where you both can sleep comfortably, Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt is it. Located in the bustling Financial District, Gild Hall is a short walk to South Street Seaport where you and your fur baby can stroll along and sit outdoors at any of the area’s restaurants and bars. If you walk over to the Battery, a sprawling park on Manhattan’s lowest end, you and your doggo can catch sights of the Statue of Liberty. How’s that for a well-traveled pup? (Note that there’s a $75 pet fee per stay.)

I understand the desire to stay in a prime location, as that’s one of my biggest requirements when traveling. However, with that often comes a lot of noise and therefore, sacrificed sleep. This is not an issue at the Sanctuary Hotel New York, which is located directly in Times Square. I don’t know if there’s magic in the walls, but I slept like a baby when staying here. The Sanctuary offers a respite in pandemonium, giving you the best of both worlds. Breakfast is included in all stays, which can be delivered directly to your room, so start each day off on a peaceful note before hitting the ground running in Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhood. At night, let off some steam at Haven Rooftop, where you can sip a cocktail up high with the city’s brightest lights.

If you’re coming in from a trip and JFK happens to be your connecting hub, you’ll be glad to know TWA Hotel is putting all other hotel airports to shame. Not only is it located directly off of the Terminal 5 stop on the AirTrain (meaning it will take you a whole five minutes to get here from other terminals), but the hotel is a step back in time to the 1960s. TWA Hotel is one of the most uniquely-designed hotels I’ve seen, with red carpets galore, and you can even get a drink in an old but real airplane from the 1960s at Connie Cocktail Lounge. If you’re simply tired from a long flight or need to kill time comfortably on a long layover, take advantage of their Daytripper reservations, where you can book a slot of time (with a minimum of four hours) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.