Fitness
The Best Hotels in New York City for Every Budget
There are infinite ways to experience New York City, and your perspective is largely influenced by the nature of your stay: A business traveler will have a vastly different experience than the art lover, the theatre buff, the budget traveler, and so forth. And this is precisely what gives the city its pulse. In a single subway car, you have 100 different perspectives on life. It’s dynamic, frenetic, and stimulating—none of which makes it any easier to find the best hotels in New York City.
That’s because the hotel can also greatly influence your perspective on the city—and a bad hotel will sour the entire trip. In a city as densely packed as New York, finding a hotel that actually cares about your wellbeing (and not just cashing in on your dollars) is a tall order. Not to mention finding a decent place in a good location on a budget is a fine art.
Allow us to help you narrow the search, based on the nature of your stay. Below are our picks for the best hotels in NYC, based on things like location, objective, budget, comfort, travel plans, and more. There’s surely something for you—or maybe multiple options, for the various ways you want to devour the Big Apple.
The Best Hotels in New York City for Every Budget
A spacious and luxurious hotel that puts you right in the heart of the city Courtesy Image
1. To Live Like a Local: The High Line Hotel
“Sanctuary” is the word used most often to describe The High Line Hotel for its 60 spacious, beautifully appointed rooms in a brick-laid, Collegiate Gothic building. Between its cloistered gardens and location in the heart of Chelsea on Manhattan’s east side, this hotel makes you feel like you’re a bona fide New Yorker. It puts you steps away from your new favorite bagel shop (we love Murray’s), a running path on the West Side Highway, and Chelsea Piers Fitness (being a High Line guest gives you complimentary access to the 150,000-sq.-ft gym)—not to mention you’re walking distance to Union Square, West Village, Meatpacking District, and more. The High Line Hotel hosts the borough’s only Intelligentsia Coffee outpost and is, of course, primely positioned for access to the High Line Park walking path itself—a tourist attraction even the locals love to savor.
One of the best hotels with breathtaking views from the top floors, great location, and a luxurious stay Courtesy Image
2. For Ultimate Luxury: The Mandarin Oriental New York
Breathtaking Central Park views would be the top amenity for any other hotel, yet they’re midway down a list of sumptuous perks at The Mandarin Oriental New York. It’s got a lot going for it: a bustling Columbus Circle location, five-star spa, signature world-class hospitality, and luxurious rooms, Mandarin Oriental remains a favorite among business and leisure travelers alike for its marriage of convenience and class. Marinate with a cocktail at The Aviary’s “open-drink kitchen,” where cocktails are crafted by chefs and mixologists alike; enjoy a panoramic Manhattan skyline dinner at Asiate with cuisine from Mandarin Oriental’s executive chef, Cyril Renaud; and get a nightcap at The Office speakeasy.
Perfect for artistic visitors searching for the spots to match their creativity Stephen Kent Johnson
3. To See and Be Seen in Brooklyn: Ace Hotel Brooklyn
The Ace Hotel was already the most bustling spot among the creative class in Manhattan, and now its greatest competition is…itself. The newly opened hotel in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill (at the brink of downtown BK) has an incredible location, accessible price point, art installations, southern Manhattan and Lady Liberty views, as well as vibrant public spaces (anchored by As You Are, the hotel’s bakery-resto-bar). You’ll be surrounded by the city’s most eclectic makers and doers—and walking distance to all your friends who packed up and moved to Brooklyn. (If your main haunts are in Manhattan, don’t fret; it’s a 15-minute subway ride into the heart of the city.)
With a great view and dining spots, this hotel is perfect for vacations Courtesy Image
4. The Best of Williamsburg: Wythe Hotel
Speaking of Brooklyn…central/downtown BK isn’t the borough’s only hot spot. Williamsburg is famously robust, serving as Brooklyn’s longtime destination for nightlife, coffee culture, and boutiques. And, if you stay at the Wythe Hotel, you also get Manhattan’s eastern skyline view. But that’s not the hotel’s only draw: The factory-turned-hotel has been Williamsburg’s favorite boutique stay for nearly a decade, with its brick walls and floor-to-ceiling guestroom windows. It’s a common staycation spot for locals and a modern wedding venue, what with its range of rooms (everything from bunk beds to expansive lofts. The Wythe’s latest draw is the rooftop Bar Blondeau, with a European seafood-centric menu and unencumbered views of that beautiful Manhattan skyline. Bathe yourself in city lights as you watch NYC wind down for the night.
Optimal for those traveling for business or wanting a luxurious getaway Courtesy Image
5. For Business Travelers and Lavish Leisure: The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
The Financial District, or FiDi, as it’s come to be called, is a bit sleepy on weekends, though the neighborhood keeps a bustle with the nine to eight crowd (no, nine to five isn’t a thing here). Both scenarios are optimal for a Beekman sojourn, be it a buttoned-up workweek or luxuriously lazy respite. For business travelers, you can rent one of the 300- to 475-sq.-foot office spaces (with ensuite bathrooms, no less), with in-office dining from Tom Colicchio. (Day rates are available, too.) Colicchio’s wisteria-wrapped rooftop restaurant Temple Court is the best FiDi spot for a business dinner or sky-lined date. The Beekman’s rooms are outfitted in oak and leather, with Carrara marble running through the bathrooms. The facade of the hotel—5 Beekman, to be precise—is an official NYC landmark, having been one of the city’s first skyscrapers (it’s as old as the Brooklyn Bridge, birthed in 1883). FiDi is also grossly underrated in terms of location, giving you quick access to midtown Manhattan and the heart of central/downtown Brooklyn. Promise us you’ll do a late-night BK Bridge stroll, too.
A great hotel for anyone looking for reasonable prices with quality amenities. Courtesy Image
6. The Best Bang for Your Buck: Freehand New York
You already know a trip to NYC can break the bank. Thankfully hotels like Freehand exist, offering 4-star amenities at extremely competitive rates. It’s no wonder they attract a young, creative crowd, which is only fitting since the building used to house the George Washington Hotel, home to storied creatives like Keith Haring and Christopher Isherwood. The 398-key hotel has 36 bunk rooms for groups of four, three bars, two restaurants, a co-working space, 24-hour fitness center, and features art from local artists (they even operate an artist-in-residency program). Its Gramercy location couldn’t be more perfect for visitors who wish to sprawl across Manhattan and Brooklyn alike, and who want to take advantage of the city’s limitless potential.
In the heart of Times Square and near Broadway, citizenM is everything modern yet cozy. Courtesy Image
7. To Stay in the Heart of Times Square: citizenM Times Square
Staying right in Times Square seems like a fairytale to the uninitiated—wow, bright lights, big city!—but it really is chaotic without a good hotel to come home to. citizenM answers the call for anyone who wants to be near Broadway and big-name retail, within walking distance to Central Park, and plopped above Manhattan’s most connected subway station. The hotel promises “affordable luxury for the people…everything [travelers] need, and nothing they don’t.” That includes a one-minute check in and cozy, modern bedroom (with XL beds!), plus an app for in-room functions (from lights to temp control) as well as on-demand hospitality. Its affordable price point means you can budget more for the Great White Way or world-class dining, and its bustling atmosphere makes for terrific satellite office hours—they’ve even got a 24-hour gym to round out everything you demand in a home away from home.
Hotel Hugo represents all that is chic and sophisticated in NYC without the expense. Courtesy Image
8. For a Sophisticated, Simple Sojourn: Hotel Hugo
SoHo, Tribeca, and West Village have a reputation for being chic, sophisticated, and everything you might associate with a quintessential NYC visit. But they also have a reputation for being over-the-top expensive when it comes to hotels and BnBs. Hotel Hugo gives you an affordable key to these neighborhoods, tucked into Hudson Square (bordering SoHo, TriBeCa, and the West Village). Location aside, the hotel’s main draw is its rooms, decked out with mid-century modern furnishings, giving you a sumptuous, soothing place to rest your head. This is 4-star hospitality at its most pure: You’re in New York to experience New York, and when you retire for the day, you want a room that matches the metropolis’ sophistication.
If you’re looking for a lavish and luxurious stay, this may be the hotel for you. Courtesy Image
9. For Upper East Side Regality: The Mark Hotel
The Mark, one of our picks for The Best Luxury Hotels in the World, offers a very particular (read: lavish) look at New York City. The Upper East Sider POV means the Met Gala is in your backyard, which may as well be Central Park; there’s personal shopping at Bergdorf Goodman; an onsite Frédéric Fekkai hair salon; top-tier, 1,400-square-foot fitness center; avant-garde furnishings and decor; as well as fine dining at The Mark Restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges. This is the poshest way to experience the city, but a grounded one at that, thanks to The Mark’s affinity for cheek. (Lest we forget its famed hot dog stand, Haute Dogs.)
The best stay for those traveling in and out of NYC late into the night or early in the morning. Courtesy Image
10. For Late Arrivals and Early Departures: TWA Hotel at JFK Airport
Once you land in New York City, you can probably add an hour or more to get to your destination. And, depending on which airport you fly into, and the neighborhood you stay in, it could cost you upwards of $100 for a taxi at rush hour. That’s why the newly opened TWA Hotel at JFK airport is a blessing, but a clear cut above the standard-fare airport hotel. It’s directly attached to the airport, for one, but it’s also a visual throwback to the 1960s, the heydays of air travel. It has a whopping 512 rooms, some of them with runway views. There’s a rooftop infinity pool, the world’s biggest hotel gym (10,000-square feet), museum exhibits to attract guests and long layovers alike, a fully restored Connie airplane-turned cocktail bar, a wall-to-wall Twister game room, and an outdoor roller skating/ice-skating rink (seriously), which alternate based on the season. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges (whose name you saw above, at The Mark Hotel, too) has crafted a menu for TWA’s Paris Café, rounding out the best airport hotel stay you ever imagined. You might even add it to your city attractions list, checking in a full day early to enjoy it all. In the very least, it’s a picturesque and memorable place to crash before you relocate to the city the following morning, or to cap your stay before an early morning blast off.
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The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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