New York’s Hippest Hotels

New York is hip. So hip that it probably invented hip. So it's fairly safe to assume that a visit to New York will require a certain level of hipness on your part. Well, what better way to achiever this than to book into one of New York’s 20 hippest hotels. Our gurus have scoured the city and here is their short list; from stunning design-led properties and chic industrial conversions, to luxury stays frequented by those in the know!

For a design hotel

MADE Hotel is super cool, from its leafy, coffee shop/cocktail bar lobby to its reclaimed walnut floors, brushed concrete walls, and rooftop bar and terrace with show-stopping views of New York and superb food — and check out this bathroom with the window bricks overlooking the cityscape!
The Hotel 50 Bowery is new and chic, with exposed brick and brushed concrete walls, fantastic hanging lights and trendy colours — the kind you’d see in a Scandinavian film, or an Art Nouveau era factory. There are also Chinatown inspired splashes of red and lantern-esque lights. The views are excellent, from both the 229 rooms and suites and from the incredible rooftop bar.
The Crosby Street Hotel is a chic SoHo hotel with chic interiors by Kit Kemp, which attracts celebrities and design fans alike. There are 86 rooms and suites, with large windows, comfy beds, impeccable lighting and well appointed bathrooms — and all featuring chic colours and fabrics. There’s also a relaxed guests’ drawing room with an honesty bar, and a residents’ terrace too. The dining room and bar are popular with locals, and the hotel has a 160 seat private cinema with regular Sunday screenings.

For Cool Views

The William Vale is a cool pick in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood. The building itself is super contemporary, and the interiors are borderline futuristic, with floor to ceiling windows and white on white decor. The rooftop bar and 5,000 square foot pool is a big draw on a Saturday night, and its views of the city skyline are incredible. The menu is created by two of New York’s top chefs, and there’s a gym.
The Hoxton Williamsburg is a Hoxton hotel, but also in trendy Williamsburg. Converted from a watch factory and definitely fulfilling the brand’s industrial chic style, there’s lots of clever fixtures and fittings, and excellent use of space, with vast, well set up lounges and communal spaces. There are bars, a restaurant and roof terrace with incredible views of the skyline.
The Hotel on Rivington is well positioned on the trendy Lower East Side, close to Wall Street and the World Trade Centre, a position which means that its floor-to-ceiling windows have spectacular views of the city. The sleek, minimal details and furnishings give the feeling of a cool loft space. And the restaurant is a fusion of American brasserie cuisine and sushi.

For a top location

Freehand is a hip and affordable hotel in the heart of Manhattan, with almost 400 rooms and suites, and fantastically decorated communal spaces which include three restaurants, two bars and a 24 hour gym. Rooms have a mid-century vibe, with hand painted murals by local artists, making them interesting and memorable. Some rooms are triples or quadruple.
In a great spot in the trendy East Village, The Bowery is hip, chic and young, with 153 comfortable, loft-style rooms with vast windows and incredible views. The bars and restaurants are done in a vintage style with lots of old world charm, but of course you’ll find all the mod. cons..

For Romance

The Maritime Hotel is, as the name suggests, a nautical themed affair, with porthole windows and compact cabin-style rooms overlooking the Hudson River in the Meatpacking District between Chelsea and the West Village. There are two restaurants, both scaled to suit one of those elegant cruise liners from yesteryear, and the largest outdoor space of any New York hotel. Cool cats come from far and wide to eat in the restaurant. It’s family friendly, but we also think super romantic.
The Standard is tall, thin and covered in windows, so you have views from every room — even from the comfort of your bath. The decor is chic, and a bit edgy to suit the neighbourhood, and the bar and restaurant are places to be seen in, as well as to enjoy hip all-American food. The 18th floor lounge has 360 degree views, and becomes a nightclub after 9pm.

For SoHo Style

Sixty SoHo is in a near perfect SoHo location, surrounded by desirable restaurants, bars and boutiques. It’s chic through and through, starting in the lobby and ending on the rooftop bar and terrace, passing though 97 rooms and suites, littered with individual details, such as artworks by Harland Miller. The bar and restaurant are lively places in which to see and be seen.

For Hip Luxe

The Refinery Hotel is not a luxury hotel converted from an oil refinery, but a hat factory. The 197 plush rooms have high ceilings, hardwood floors, contemporary artworks and some offer views of the Empire State Building. The industrial conversion vibe is mixed with a suave contemporary flare to great effect.
The Andaz 5th Ave has an irreproachable address in the heart of Midtown. Its large glass windows make the most of the location, and the minimalist interiors are sleekly chic, with lots of space. Many rooms have private balconies overlooking Fifth Avenue. There’s a trendy bar downstairs serving tapas and cocktails.

For Families

HGU New York is an eco-conscious design hotel in the NoMad district, where you’re surrounded by hip restaurants and bars, and New York landmarks. Its 90 rooms and suites house a rather impressive collection of contemporary art and Turkish rugs, and the white-on-white bathrooms are a spacious pleasure. The terrace cocktail bar and ground floor bistro are also point-winners for cool. You can bring your pets as well as your kids, and the hotel will organise sitting of either.
The Nolitan is in a prime spot in Nolita, the charming predominantly shopping area north of Little Italy. It has 57 rooms and suites, with contemporary decor: think minimal, architectural styles against white walls and polished concrete. Bike hire is complimentary, as is skateboard hire. The decor, location and smaller size make it a good pick for families, we think, and the corner suites have incredible views.
Arlo Nomad is a cleverly designed hotel in the NoMad district, which manages to fit 248 rooms and suites into a small footprint, and still have expansive feeling communal spaces. The floor-to-ceiling windows help give a feeling of space, and the bespoke wood furnishings are smart and clever. There are two bars, a chic Sixties-style cocktail lounge and the glittering roof terrace, and there’s a Middle Eastern restaurant. Twelve of the bedrooms come with bunk beds for kids and all ages are welcome.

For great value

The Moxy NYC East Village is big and affordable, but beautifully designed with it. The 280+ rooms and suites are cosy and stylish, with spacious bathrooms featuring rain showers. The best have incredible city views. Because of the hotel’s size there’s plenty of lounging space, including three bars and a chic French restaurant, a roof terrace and cafe.
The Boro Hotel in Queens is just one subway stop from Manhattan, and that’s why it’s so affordable, but still so impeccably designed. The industrial chic decor featuring plenty of glass, concrete and wood flooring is pleasingly minimal in the 108 rooms and suites, and communal areas, which include a rooftop cocktail bar and a superb pizzeria.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our recommendaitons for all the best places to stay in New York
Or consider our Guru’s recommendations for 40 of Manhattan's Best Hotels, the Best Midtown Manhattan Hotels, the Best Uptown Manhattan Hotels, the Best Hotels for 5th Avenue,12 of Times Square’s Best Hotels or the best pet friendly hotels in New York
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

New York’s 20 Hippest Hotels

The Bowery Hotel

New York (East Village)

A young, hip and delightfully atmospheric hotel in the trendy East Village. Chic and comfortable rooms with large windows providing plenty of light and splendid views. The vintage bars and restaurants are full of old world charm. A fun and lively destination in an up and coming district.

Close to nightlife - Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge are just 800m away, as well as a whole range of hip bars and clubs.
Local exploring - This trendy district is full of exciting sites and areas to explore by foot or by bike.
Lively - More for revelry than for pampering.
Great walks - The hip and trendy East Village is best explored on foot, wander the streets or ask at reception for a good route!

from AU$608 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

New York’s 20 Hippest Hotels

For a design hotel

For Cool Views

For a top location

For Romance

For SoHo Style

For Hip Luxe

For Families

For great value

Still not sure where to book?

New York’s 20 Hippest Hotels

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