New York is known for many things—the energy, the diversity, the entertainment, the food—but the hotel scene makes this city stand out amongst the rest of the world. Hotels in New York City are more than just places for travelers to rest their heads. Instead, thanks to the unmatched ambiance, high-profile chefs, and Instagram-worthy decor, they are considered the It spots for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Per usual, the hotels of the moment are constantly changing, but after my most recent trip, I was able to catch wind of the hotels everyone is talking about this season.
Some of the establishments listed below are basically institutions in this city while others are the newest on the scene. What unites them all is the fact that if someone were to ask you where they should go drink, eat, or stay in New York, you would appear insanely in the know if you mentioned any of the 5 hotels listed below. These hotels are specifically beloved amongst the celebrity and fashion crowd—two groups of people who love nothing more than being seen at the most talked about spots, period.
I’ve been a personal fan of The Beekman for quite some time. While living in New York, I would frequent Temple Court, convince my parents to stay there when they were in town, and jump at the chance to attend a work-related event at the hotel. The nine-story Victorian atrium is worth a visit on its own, but the mouth-watering menus by James Beard Award Winner, Chef Tom Colicchio, quaint yet modern rooms, and welcoming staff are why you keep coming back. The property was built in 1881 and is one of New York City’s last significant architectural treasures. Randolph Gerner restored the building and if you ask any of the staff, they will enthrall you with tales of great writers and historic figures who once graced these walls. . The fashion set frequents the new must-try French restaurant attached to the hotel, Le Gratin, where the walls are almost as talked about as the food and the Bar Room for chic drinks with colleagues. To many, the hotel is a home base during New York Fashion Week, including myself.
Nine Orchard is the cool new kid on the block everyone wants to brag about being friends with. Located in the buzzy Dimes Square on the Lower East Side, Nine Orchard has quickly made a case for the newest talked-about hotel in the city, period. This bank-turned-hotel underwent extensive renovations to get it in the pristine shape it’s in now, and it was certainly worth it. From the ceilings to the moldings, there is much to be admired, but the fashion crowd can’t stop talking about the Lobby Lounge which features an impressive cocktail menu and an even more impressive setting. The move is to have a couple of drinks, then mosey on over to Corner Bar for some proper sustenance.
Any local New Yorker knows the prestige that comes with the Cipriani name. The iconic Italian dinners shared amongst It crowds are just as talked about as they are posted on Instagram. As if the coveted restaurant reservations weren’t enough, once Casa Cipriani opened, exclusivity reached a new level. What was once the historic Battery Maritime Building located on the East River is now an upscale hotel and private members club filled with ample dining and drinking pockets around the property. The rooms and overall decor are just as luxe as you would imagine. The rooms are equipped with private terraces, rich linens, and decor that makes you want to immediately change into your chicest outfit and head down for a classic drink and some live music in the Jazz Café.
Everyone knows The Carlyle hotel for its Upper East Side charm, the famous Bemelmans Bar, and now, the newest fine dining addition, Dowling’s. This hotel has been an institution since its inception in 1930 and it is evident that the elegance and class have aged well. Travelers, locals, and industry insiders alike can’t resist an opportunity to sip on a martini while listening to live music at Bemelmans, and if you’re lucky enough to stay in one of the posh rooms, you’ll surely never want to leave. My personal favorite time to visit The Carlyle is during the holidays. The decor is unmatched and there is nothing better than walking into the twinkling lobby after a snowy stroll in Central Park. In case you were looking for a picturesque getaway this winter, look no further.
The Mercer Hotel is one of those places that is talked about a lot, but somehow in a way that still gives off an air of mystery. Located in the pinnacle of downtown Manhattan in SoHo, this hotel draws in the crème de la crème of the celebrity and fashion worlds. The building was built in 1890, but once inside, you are transported to a world of modern yet comforting decor that will make you want to redo your entire apartment. No New York hotel makes a name for itself without a bar or restaurant that is just as noteworthy, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Mercer Kitchen is that spot for The Mercer Hotel. Locals, tourists, and celebrities like this spot for quality food, drinks, and ambiance. and if you’re lucky enough to stay in the actual hotel, you’ll be welcomed home by a serene and fluffy bed at the end of the night.
