Per

• Great attention to design and details for a hip ambience
• The Empire State Building, Eataly, Times Square and Madison Square Garden are within walking distance
• A selection of carefully considered spaces with a fun grunge meets vintage vibe
• Cool touches like SMEG refrigerators, Pendleton blankets, Music Hall record players, and Gibson guitars in some rooms
• Here you will find iconic restaurants, the Breslin Bar & Grill and the John Dory Oyster Bar. 24 hour room service
• A lively and cozy lobby bar popular with New Yorkers
• Sub shop and Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the lobby
• Modern fitness center
• Free WiFi in all areas
• Fun events like DJs in the lobby

Cons

• A dark (but completely safe) mood
• Some rooms are rather small even for New York City
• The eclectic grunge look is not for everyone

Conclusion

The upper-middle-range Ace Hotel showcases a carefully curated, vintage-inspired design stamped as hallmark. The 258 rooms have a hyper-cool design, but vary greatly in size. Some (like great rooms and lofts) are wonderfully spacious, while others (minis and bunks) are more youthful and sometimes dark. The atmospheric library-style lobby and lively lobby bar attract an eclectic mix of locals and guests. Both restaurants are excellent, even one run by Michelin-starred Chef Breslin Bar & Grill. The Flatiron District location is a central business district that doesn't necessarily have a huge amount of sightseeing importance, although attractions like the Empire State Building and Eataly are within walking distance. Despite the comfort and welcoming atmosphere, the property's hipster vibe isn't for everyone. Travelers looking for something a little more upscale can try The Muse - Kimpton.

Per

• In the trendy NoMad area, home to luxury lifestyle brands and the Empire State Building
• A five-minute walk to multiple subway lines and Herald Square
• City-chic rooms with beautiful details and space-saving design
• Sky Rooms offer breathtaking views of the city, many of which include the Empire State Building
• You can dine at Massoni, which is run by celebrity chef Dale Talde
• Incredibly popular rooftop bar with breathtaking city views (seasonal)
• Quirky social events include everything from knitting nights to burlesque
• Massoni Bodega offers snacks and light bites throughout the day
• Cool, artsy vibe includes work by local artist Ryan Humphrey
• Tons of living room-like social and "hang out" spaces
• Free access to a nearby New York Sports Club Fintess Studio
• Free WiFi throughout the hotel

Cons

• The rooms are small
• Bathrooms with glass walls will not appeal to everyone
• Not surprisingly, premium views come with higher nightly prices

Conclusion

Great things can come in small packages - or rather small things can be great packages. And the Arlo NoMad is living proof. It's all about an informative stay with an emphasis on local style. Buzzy Social Rooms include a seasonal rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the Empire State Building and restaurants by celebrity chef Dale Talde. Alternatively, quiet common areas and quiet rooms offer an intimate atmosphere. The extensive events program includes burlesque and quirky seasonal offerings such as knitting clubs. Access to local fitness facilities is free. Rooms are small, but the sleek design, gorgeous finishes, and quality amenities (coupled with often dazzling city views) make them a delight. Travelers looking for a similar style with a downtown address should consider the Arlo SoHo instead.

Per

• Excellent location, walking distance to Bryant Park and Times Square
• Chic rooms with Nespresso machines, plus mini-fridges and minibars
• All rooms offer free local treats, bathrobes and slippers
• Two trendy bars and a rooftop offer wonderful views of the Empire State Building
• Impressive restaurant with a seasonally inspired menu and room service
• The Empire View rooms also offer a close-up view of NYC's famous building
• Business center with printer and free WiFi everywhere
• Free passes to New York Sports Clubs Fitness Center
• Dog friendly (for a fee)

Cons

• The rooms are compact
• No on-site fitness center or spa
• Breakfast is not included in the price

Conclusion

The Archer Hotel New York is a 180-room upper-middle-range hotel on a fairly quiet street, just two blocks from Bryant Park. The lobby and foyer bar on the ground floor are cozy, chic and inviting. The hip steakhouse on site ensures good food in the immediate vicinity. However, the hotel's crowning highlight might be its rooftop bar, which offers spectacular views of the Empire State Building. The rooms are stylish, but they are not spacious, especially in the entrance area. But there are free local treats. Prices are competitive for the great area, but the nearby refinery hotel has more square footage in terms of rooms.

Per

• Quiet location on the Upper West Side near some attractions
• High-design steel combines elements of industrial and art deco
• Renowned restaurant RedFarm for Dim Sum and Serafina for Italian cuisine
• The cool lobby bar Locl serves drinks and small snacks
• Outdoor patios with stunning views of the Hudson River, Central Park and the Midtown skyline
• Well-curated art collection throughout the hotel
• Small, 24-hour fitness center on-site

Cons

• Fee for in-room Wi-Fi access
• A bit far from many popular attractions

Conclusion

The NYLO New York City is a beautifully designed, upscale hotel on the Upper West Side. The décor combines elements of industrial steel with Art Deco details in both public areas and rooms. The hotel's three restaurants are each notable and there is a beautiful library in the lobby. Outdoor terraces on the 14th and 16th floors offer breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Central Park and the Midtown skyline. However, the on-site fitness center is small, and there is a fee for Wi-Fi in rooms (it's free in public areas). Free Wi-Fi is available at the same-priced Hotel Belleclaire across the street. However, the rooms are not that stylish.

Per

• Excellent Hell's Kitchen location near Times Square and Broadway theaters
• Convenient to subways, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station
• Chic, modern rooms with 48-inch flat-screen TVs, iPads, and minibars
• Rooftop deck with hot tub and neighborhood views
• Spacious fitness center with a good selection of modern equipment
• Room service provided by local restaurant
• Continental breakfast included in the price
• Free WiFi throughout the hotel
• Meeting rooms available
• Pets allowed in the rooms upon request

Cons

• The hotel is located in a fairly noisy and busy area near the Lincoln Tunnel
• There is street noise in some rooms

Conclusion

The Cassa Hotel Times Square is an upper-middle-range hotel with 86 rooms. Featuring a fresh, contemporary style, it is conveniently located in New York's vibrant Hell's Kitchen with restaurants and bars. The property is a 10-minute walk from Times Square and Broadway, as well as the Port Authority subway and bus station. The new High Line Park and Hudson Yard area is just a stone's throw away. Rooms are elegant and minimalist with iPads and 48-inch flat-screen TVs. The rooftop terrace and hot tub are outstanding, and there's also a spacious fitness center with modern equipment. For a little more style and an on-site bar, travelers should explore The Refinery Hotel in a former hat factory near Bryant Park.

Per

• Convenient location in the theater district, near Times Square
• Attractive prices for a stylish boutique hotel in Manhattan
• Compact, functional and original rooms with mini-fridges and rainfall showers
• The fun "moodpad" controls everything in the rooms, including the mood lighting
• Rooftop bar with covered outdoor seating for guests
• The 24-hour lobby restaurant and bar serves breakfast all day
• The fitness center and outdoor yoga terrace offer views of the city skyline
• Several iMacs in the lobby are available for guests to use
• Free WiFi in all areas
• Reduced parking fees in the garage directly behind the hotel

Cons

• Small rooms without coffee makers or irons
• No extra bed or baby cot

Conclusion

The upper-middle-priced New York Times Square is an ultra-modern, funky building in the Theater District, about a five-minute walk from Times Square. From its airport-style self-check-in kiosk to its spacious, living room-like lobby with colorful knick-knacks and whimsical art, CitizenM rejects typical hotel trappings or other tired old hotel clichés. The lobby restaurant/bar is open 24 hours and serves barista coffee. The rooftop bar on the 21st floor offers spectacular skyline views and covered outdoor seating. Rooms with under-bed storage are compact and functional yet quirky and colorful, equipped with mini-fridges, but bathrooms are cramped. Those looking for a more traditional option can try the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, which offers spacious rooms with microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges at comparable prices.

Per

• Excellent central location, close to Times Square and other popular attractions
• Surrounded by restaurants, bars, Broadway theaters and subway stations
• Modern rooms with iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs
• You get a discount at a boutique gourmet restaurant
• Fitness center with modern cardio and strength equipment
• Internet lounge as well as free Wi-Fi and free international calls
• Free luggage storage

Cons

• Busy lobby and outdoor areas can seem crowded and overwhelming
• The cleanliness of the rooms could be improved
• Many rooms lack light and/or views
• Check-in lines can take forever
• No coffee maker in the room
• Wi-Fi can be unreliable

Conclusion

This massive, modern tourist magnet a block from Times Square was renamed Row NYC in 2014 after a complete renovation. With 1,331 rooms, this hotel feels crowded—check-in lines are the norm—but the on-site amenities add a special local feel and are ideal for travelers on the go. The rooms are fresh and contemporary, but could be cleaned more thoroughly. Between the gourmet food court and the cafe-by-day/lounge bar by night, several elegantly appointed spaces offer delicacies from NYC's most hyped food brands. Past guests rave about the location - a central base from which to explore the city. Those looking for a similar location in a less large hotel can try the nearby Cambria Hotel & Suites Times Square.

Per

• Colorful rooms with 34-inch flat-screen HDTVs and Argan toiletries
• Double windows help dampen noise from the busy Flower District
• Mediterranean restaurant and lounge
• The rooftop bar offers views of the city center
• Small but sufficient 24 hour gym
• Free WiFi in all areas

Cons

• The rooms could use an upgrade
• Small lobby

Conclusion

A full-service mini-hotel in Midtown Manhattan, this 122-room hotel offers brightly decorated rooms, a tiny gym and business center, a stylish restaurant and lounge, and a 19th-floor rooftop bar. Many guests find that the colorful and well-appointed rooms could use an update, but ultimately they're well-suited for the price (and excellent central location). Travelers could also check out the Hilton Garden Inn Chelsea next door, which comes with all the freebies associated with the brand: Wi-Fi, coffee, and baked goods.

Per

• Popular Marta restaurant and bar on site
• Great Midtown location close to restaurants, transportation and shopping
• Stylish, contemporary public spaces
• Cozy lobby lounge with draft beer
• In-room dining from Marta, the lobby restaurant
• Free WiFi throughout (included in daily hotel fee)
• Free digital access to the New York Times and Financial Times (included in hotel fee)
• Free New York Sports Club tickets (any location in New York City; included in hotel fee)

Cons

• No spa or pool
• The lobby can be noisy and offers little space for lounging and meeting
• Some rooms have little space
• Some rooms receive street noise
• Some rooms have little storage space
• High hotel fee
• No gym (but the hotel offers free passes to every New York Sports Club location)

Conclusion

The Redbury Hotel (formerly the Martha Washington) is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel with a historic facade, a Danny Meyer restaurant and bar, and 265 elegant and stylish rooms. The hotel completed two separate multimillion-dollar renovations in 2015 and 2016. It offers a variety of room types, a cozy lounge, an outdoor terrace, and perks (covered by a nightly hotel fee). The free fitness center is located near the Empire State Building, Macy's, Grand Central Terminal and Times Square. While the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city, it lacks many amenities such as a spa. The lobby can be noisy during peak restaurant hours. Those looking for a quieter atmosphere can try the Roger or the more expensive Hotel Giraffe.

Per

• Classic yet chic boutique hotel with a fascinating backstory
• The convenient location in Herald Square is suitable for both business and leisure travelers
• Unique spaces with original architectural elements and individual works of art
• Rooms have personal Wi-Fi hotspots and TVs with Google Chromecast
• The lobby bistro is run by chef Michael Vignola and serves all meals
• The cozy lobby bar invites you to work, read and socialize
• Gibson + Luce speakeasy-style bar in the basement
• roof garden space; Can be booked for private parties and events
• Basement “Micro” gym
• Public computer and free WiFi throughout

Cons

• Breakfast is not always included in the price
• The fitness center is tiny and the business center is a computer
• No spa or in-room treatments

Conclusion

Opened in 2017, the upper-middle-range Life Hotel is the latest incarnation of the 19th-century building that once housed Life magazine's offices and staff apartments. The hotel's design shows that special attention has been paid to the building's past, from the parquet marble floors in the lobby to the wrought iron beds (with luxury mattresses) in the 98 rooms. Room details like copper grilles, restored wall moldings, and glass door knobs are complemented with modern amenities like 60-inch flat-screen TVs, Google Chromecasts, and Wi-Fi hotspots. The Life Hotel's boutique feel makes it a welcome alternative to the many characterless hotel options in this part of Midtown. However, those looking for a more affordable boutique hotel with more features can try the trendy Arlo NoMad, which has a rooftop bar and several co-working spaces.