Downtown:
Hotel Chelsea, Chelsea
The Chelsea is perhaps the most fabled hotel in New York, its corridors humming with history and the spirit of past guests who include Andy Warhol and Patti Smith. Its Victorian doors reopened last year after a sensitive refurb by the team behind The Ludlow and The Bowery, and now it’s perhaps the coolest hotel in town again. We also love its restaurant, Cafe Chelsea — grab a seat at the bar and order the steak frites.
The Bowery Hotel, Lower East Side
A Lower East Side classic, with one of the most beautiful lobbies that is complete with a roaring fire for winter. It’s always in vogue with the Hollywood crowd and is perfectly placed for restaurant hopping and shopping.
Nine Orchard, Lower East Side
A relative newcomer to the scene, the elegant Nine Orchard is located in the iconic Jarmulowsky Bank building with a team of historians, artisans and architects helping to restore it to its Neo-Renaissance glory. One for gourmets, Michelin-starred chef Ignacio Mattos of Estela, Altro Paradise, and Lodi is behind the food — and Corner Bar is our favorite spot with its bistro dishes and homegrown wines.
The Greenwich Hotel, Tribeca
Co-owned by Robert de Niro, The Greenwich combines exquisite craftsmanship — think antique Tibetan rugs and Italian tiles — with an Italian-American sensibility that makes you feel like family. It’s also home to Locanda Verde, the famed Italian restaurant.
The Crosby Street Hotel, SoHo
One of the best downtown hotels, and not just because of its perfect location. We love its Kit Kemp-designed interiors which are like a jolt of British whimsy in the middle of SoHo, and its lobby and bar are one of our favorite places to hang out.
The Mercer, SoHo
The quintessential downtown Manhattan hotel, The Mercer is set in one of the neighborhood's most iconic buildings from the late 19th century. Check out its new hotel restaurant, called Sartianos.
Midtown:
The Whitby, Midtown
It’s not our favorite area, but if you need to stay in Midtown, this is a great hotel with the usual Firmdale design and trimmings.
Uptown:
The Carlyle, Upper East Side
A stalwart of the Upper East Side since 19330, The Carlyle needs little introduction. Make sure to spend a little time at Bemelmans Bar, which draws in a good crowd for its top-notch cocktails and live jazz.
The Lowell, Upper East Side
There aren’t many hotels where most of the rooms have their own fireplace, but The Lowell is one. An iconic boutique hotel just off Madison, we love its air of quiet luxury and utter privacy — and the Frette sheets.
Brooklyn:
The Wythe, Williamsburg
If you stay in Williamsburg, it has to be The Wythe. Industrial-style with vast factory windows, its views back across to Manhattan are astonishing. Head up to the rooftop bar, Bar Blondeau, for the best one.
84 Rooms recommends: Our 10 Favourite Restaurants In New York City, and Yolanda Edwards And Matt Hranek’s Insider Guide To Upstate New York.