The Best Hotels on Manhattan's Upper East Side

Manhattan’s Upper East Side is one of the most desirable and affluent collection of addresses in New York, between Central Park and Fifth Avenue, 59th Street, the East River and 96th Street. But you’ll probably recognise the north/south avenue names better: Park Avenue, Lexington, York Avenue, and then First, Second and Third. It follows that one of the most desirable areas of New York would also be where you’d find some of the best hotels in New York. And our recommendations for 4 of the best hotels on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is certainly a list of extremely nice hotels.

By Flickr user David Leo Veksl

As well as being elegant, comfortable and beautiful, the Upper East Side is also where you’ll find the National Design Museum, in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion, the Frick Collection in the Henry Clay Frick House, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of New York City, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Grace Kelly’s former apartment block, the gorgeous Manhattan House, and numerous other galleries and embassies. And of course you’re very close to Central Park. And Fifth Avenue. Or possibly adjacent to one or the other. And you’re served by two subway lines, the four track Lexington Avenue Line with the 4,5,6 and <6> trains, and the Second Avenue Subway with the M, N, Q and R trains.

For a City Break

• The Mark is right in the heart of the Upper East Side, and offers an old fashioned elegance, despite a recent refurbishment by French designer Jacques Grange, who put in a fantastic, Esher-esque restaurant which has become extremely popular with celebrities and New York royalty.

For an intimate stay

• The Lowell is a charmingly crafted Upper East Side Hotel, just a block to the east of Central Park. The decor is very classical, think marble bathrooms, neutral tones, elegant furnishings and art and even proper wood-burning fireplaces. The location is residential, a quiet, tree-lined street off Madison Avenue, and the overall feels is of staying in a gorgeous, 70 room townhouse.

For a classic hotel

• The Carlyle Hotel is a timeless, classic, luxurious, Upper East Side landmark hotel with 190 rooms and opulent suites. As well as park views, the best rooms also have grand pianos. And before you book into The Carlyle Hotel you should check out the newly revamped cafe’s performance schedule, you might get a chance to see Eartha Kitt or Woody Allen’s New Orleans Jazz Band.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include our list of the best places to stay in New York? Or our recommendations for 40 of the Best Hotels in Manhattan?
• Or you could try our Guru's recommendations for 7 of the Best Midtown Manhattan Hotels? or 5 of the Best Uptown Manhattan Hotels? or 4 of the Best Hotels for Wall Street and the Financial District? or 12 of Times Square’s Best Hotels?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • The Mark, New York New York (Upper East Side) 152 rooms from CA$1178

    
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    City Style  -  Upper East Side glamour in all its old-moneyed glory with a clean cut and suave injection of style from designer Jacques Grange.

    Foodies  -  The phenomenal Jean Georges heads the kitchen here, be prepared for some of the best food in NY- and that's saying something!

    Great walks  -  New York was made for walking, this hotels central location makes it ideal for exploring on foot.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection

    An old favourite with spectacular neo-deco Jacques Granges interiors. Right in the heart of Upper East Side, old style elegance meets modern chic. The award-winning restaurant is reason enough to visit. A super stylish way to experience New York. Popular with celebs and New York royalty! See More

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  • Lowell Hotel New York (Upper East Side) 74 rooms from CA$888

    
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    City Style  -  Sleek accommodations in the heart of the city

    Great walks  -  Just one block from Central Park

    Traditional

    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection

    A finely crafted and charmingly intimate Upper East Side hotel, one block from Central Park. Classically decorated - marble bathrooms, neutral tones, paintings, and elegant furnishings. Some rooms have real wood burning fireplaces. A luxurious destination, reminiscent of a private townhouse. See More

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  • The Carlyle Hotel New York (Upper East Side) 190 rooms from CA$1974

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Romantic suites, chic in-house restaurants and bars and proximity to Central Park make this a perfect getaway for two

    Hotel Entertainment  -  Swing to jazz at Bemelmans Bar, a gem for an iconic New York stay with whimsical murals and classic cocktails

    Designer Shopping  -  Madison Avenue is just a few minutes away with Cartier, Gucci, Hermès, Prada and Chanel all nearby

    Sights nearby  -  Experience the charm of Afternoon Tea in The Gallery, inspired by Turkey's Topkapi Palace

    

    This iconic 5 star hotel boasts a legacy of unmatched sophistication and privacy in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Art Deco elegance with a modern flair - reminiscent of New York's golden era. Highlights include the storied Bemelmans Bar & Café Carlyle. Classic New York luxury in spades. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Wednesday, 21st June 2023