Living near New York City, I’m often in town for work and events, and every now and then a conference that requires I spend a few days in town. I use those for an excuse to not return home, enjoying the splendors of staying in the city, including taking in a show and enjoying some wine, knowing a cab will get me safely back to my hotel. I am often asked by friends for my favorites, when they are heading into the city. Here are just a few great properties, and what makes them so wonderful.
Archer Hotel
One of my favorite boutique properties, the Archer Hotel is a midtown gem with one extra special treat: the best views of the Empire State Building from its rooftop Spyglass. I first discovered the hotel due to this bar, which features unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, as well as knowledgeable bartenders pouring large glasses of wine to not just hotel guests, but Manhattanites who want to enjoy the outdoors high enough to miss out on the sounds of sirens and car horns. You can find rooms with Empire State views, as well. While rooms can be snug, the oversized beds with high-quality linens makes them more comfortable, and the price tag for a stay here is rather reasonable. 45 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018; https://archerhotel.com/new-york
The Benjamin
Near Rockefeller Center, MoMA and St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the swanky Benjamin Hotel. Not only are the rooms beyond comfortable with kitchenettes and living areas in suites, you can enjoy a Rest and Renew program that features a selection of 10 pillows such as Anti-Snore pillows and Lullaby pillows with built-in speakers that connect to your iPod. The program also offers sound machines, nap kits, teas and bedtime snacks, and on-demand meditation. When you aren’t getting the best sleep of your life, head to the hotel’s James Beard Award-winning The National bistro for a delicious meal. (During the week, lunches are filled with business people, but it’s more social in the evenings and weekends.) 125 East 50th Street, New York NY 10022; https://www.thebenjamin.com
Casablanca Hotel
One of my favorite boutique hotel groups is the Library Collection. Near Bryant Park, my kids and I enjoyed a stay at its Hotel Giraffe, and I’ve also felt like I found a European-styled property at Hotel Elysee, in Midtown East. But one of my favorites is the Casablanca, which is mere steps from Times Square. You won’t know you’re in one of the most crowded areas in the country. Instead, you will be inside a Moroccan-themed property with nice touches that include a full wine and cheese reception every evening, breakfast, Wi-Fi and bottled water — all for free. (Again, it’s the amenities paired with boutique style that I find most attractive.) 147 W. 43rd St., New York, NY 10036; https://casablancahotel.com
The Conrad
For those wanting to stay in Lower Manhattan near the World Trade Center, the very modern Conrad New York wows you the moment you walk in. The lobby and atrium features a 10-story colorful work of art, Loopy Doopy, which changes hues and illuminates a similarly named 100×80-foot monument. All rooms in the hotel are full suites with separate sleeping and living rooms and provide an AirBnB vibe versus one of a hotel. The hotel is in a very quiet area that is more residential at night and weekends, and it will take time to get to the bigger attractions in New York, but I like the property for its quiet and river location. You can walk along the Hudson River and the hotel offers sailing packages to get you on the water. When not on the river, you can enjoy the views and fabulous sunsets from the Conrad’s rooftop bar. 102 North End Ave., New York City, NY 10282; http://www.conradnewyork.com
Kimpton Muse
There are a few Kimpton properties in Manhattan and this is a chain I enjoy in any city; I just love the amenities they offer. The pet-friendly hotels, including this Midtown location just steps from Broadway, offers free bike rentals and free wine receptions every evening to all guests. Sign up for the Rewards Club (also free) and you’ll also receive $10 bar credit for your minibar and free Wi-Fi. (How can you not love all the free stuff?!) The hotel aims to be hip in design and decor of black and white with splashes of color. Admittedly, friends stayed here in a room with two doubles and felt the room was a bit small for four, but I was extremely comfortable in a king executive suite with some extra space. 130 W. 46th St., New York, NY 10036; http://www.themusehotel.com
Mandarin Oriental
For supremely high end, the Mandarin tops my list. Enter a non-discerning door and ride the elevator up 35 floors to the hotel lobby. When you step out, you are immediately greeted by the most fabulous view of Central Park from floor-to-ceiling windows. Then, climb even higher when you get to a room that tops out at the 50th floor, providing more park views, as well as Hudson River views. Suites at the Mandarin are decorated in a color palette to match your views, such as sunset-hued rooms for those overlooking the Hudson. When paying the high price you will pay to stay here, you will get your money’s worth. Rooms are larger than most New York hotel rooms, with suites reaching more than 2,600 square feet. Restaurants continue to offer panoramic views with the Asiate serving up some of the best Asian food you’ll find in the city. And, since you are splurging, the spa will spoil you rotten — go, even just to take a dip in the pool with even more amazing Central Park views. 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street, New York, NY 10023; https://www.mandarinoriental.com
NoMad Hotel
Lured by its name, which isn’t actually “nomad” but means “North of Madison,” the NoMad is a scene — as in see and be seen scene. Attempting to meet someone at the NoMad bar can be a feat, as its restaurants and bars wind behind curtains and corners and the throes of people packing every square inch for happy hours that last well into the evening on weekdays. Rooms, which you’ll want to retire to have all of the old-fashioned cocktails served downstairs, feature a rustic yet modern loft look, with weathered leather chairs, crisp white linens and hardwood floors. This club-like hotel even features hard-to-come-by ticketed events, such as its annual black-tie Masquerade Ball near Halloween, and its unique adults-only special weekend performances of “The Magician.” Yes, this is a party scene property, which is sometimes just what you need when visiting the city that never sleeps. 1170 Broadway & 28th St., New York, NY 10001; https://www.thenomadhotel.com/new-york
Residence Inn Central Park/Times Square
For the best views of Times Square and Central Park, the Residence Inn has it perfected. The tallest hotel in the city is actually two hotels in one: a Courtyard by Marriott with budget prices, and the Residence Inn, which gets the advantage of higher floors, floor-to-ceiling windows for fantastic views, and a little more pizzazz. There are certain suites with windows that provide views of both Central Park and Times Square; just call the hotel to ask which of the rooms have the best views and reserve them specifically instead of booking blindly online. (These rooms go fast for New Year’s Eve.) Breakfast is included with your stay, and as its a Residence Inn, your room comes with kitchenettes so you can stock your fridge with wine or bring back leftovers from a great dinner out. 1717 Broadway Ave., New York NY 10019; https://www.marriott.com
Ritz-Carlton Battery Park
Rarely does my business have me in Lower Manhattan, and during the evenings, the area that crawls with Wall Street businessmen and tourists checking out the World Trade Center becomes quite quiet. I was surprised how much a weekend at the Ritz felt like a true getaway, as instead of streets swarming with taxis and tourists packing the sidewalks, I was able to stroll through parks and along the Hudson River, with fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and sailboats of all sizes enjoying the waterways. With five-star service, of course there isn’t going to be a complaint staying at the Ritz, but the Statue-view rooms are heavenly. Not only are the rooms larger than most New York hotels with plenty of room to spread out, they come with telescopes so you can get a closer view of Lady Liberty. 2 West St., New York, NY 10004; http://www.ritzcarlton.com