The Best New York City Boutique Hotels for Design Lovers

Stylish stays in The Big Apple.

In a destination marked by its seemingly boundless possibilities, choosing a hotel in New York City as your home base can elicit a good deal of decision paralysis. Do you skew classic and book a room at the St. Regis? Perhaps the trendy route with a stay at somewhere like Public or Nine Orchard? For a city with relatively few square miles, hospitality options are dense. If you find yourself in an endless search for the perfect accommodation, consider one of the best New York City boutique hotels for design lovers.

While amenities and signature services might be the priority for some travelers, if your preferences lie in the aesthetic traits of a property, head straight for NYC’s most design-forward hotels, each with its own unique backstory. From interiors by globally-recognized designers to restored historic buildings evoking stylish nostalgia, there’s much to be celebrated.

Ahead, eight ideas to kickstart your holiday to (arguably) the greatest city on earth.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel

The much-anticipated opening of The Fifth Avenue Hotel arrives this spring, located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 28th Street. This independent hotel will have interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and is located in a restored Gilded Age landmark building. The grand mansion was once the home and carriage house of Ms. Charlotte Goodridge and now, over 100 years later, visitors will have the opportunity to sleep in this iconic slice of history. Enjoy charming details like antique mirrors and chinoiserie accents from your new Manhattan pied-a-terre.

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The Marlton

The Marlton Hotel was originally built in 1900, once playing host to legends like Jack Kerouac and John Barrymore. Despite having existed in some iteration or another for over 100 years, it retains an intimate quality that makes it a perfect pick for those who prefer a boutique stay in the city. The highlight of the hotel is the dimly-lit (and always-busy) lobby, which features a fireplace, brass light fixtures, antique rugs, and plenty of dark wood to make the entire experience feel exquisitely cosy.

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The Bowery Hotel

A neighbourhood institution since its opening in 2007, The Bowery Hotel boasts the kind of effortless cool that’s tough to replicate. The vibe is an eclectic hodge-podge of design influences that feels akin to the home of a well-travelled friend (think: velvet furniture, lustrous textiles, and unique artwork). If you’re looking to splurge, the penthouse terrace suite on the 14th floor has unobstructed city views. plus a deep soaking tub that will feel all but impossible to leave.

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Wythe Hotel

Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg was once a Brooklyn factory originally opened in 1901. Now, it’s a beloved neighbourhood staple for locals and visitors alike that preserves the integrity of this historic building through features like high ceilings and original architectural detailing. The hotel houses an impressive collection of sketches and works by New York-based artists, which punctuates the creative quality of the entire property. Also not to be missed: Le Crocodile, Wythe Hotel’s all-day brasserie from Chef Partners Jake Leiber and Aidan O’Neal serving up much-lauded French fare.

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The High Line Hotel

Smack dab in the middle of Chelsea’s gallery district, The High Line Hotel has been a fixture in the trendy neighbourhood since the mid-1800s (originally as a seminary dormitory and before that, a 17th-century apple orchard). There are just 60 rooms to choose from, each featuring an elegant design that speaks to that of a bygone era thanks to one-of-a-kind pieces sourced from antique fairs and vintage markets. Enjoy hardwood floors and large windows that open out to the property’s Parisian-inspired courtyard and the striking exterior of this gothic-style brick building.

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The Greenwich Hotel

Robert De Niro’s treasured 88-room luxury accommodation – The Greenwich Hotel – was opened in 2008 and has since become an icon of the city. Each room is individually decorated, but each features an ultra-luxe Savoir bed handcrafted in the UK. Beyond the bedroom, guests can enjoy terra-cotta floor tiles, reclaimed Civil War-era wood, exposed oak beams, and a splashy playground of style references. While here, don’t miss the Shibui Spa which features a pool surrounded by a 250-year-old Japanese farmhouse.

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The Moore

A relative newcomer on the NYC hospitality scene, The Moore is a sophisticated boutique hotel in Chelsea located within walking distance of the High Line and situated within the former home of poet and scholar Clement Clarke Moore. Guests of the 81-key hotel can enjoy stylish details by designer Vanessa Guilford like glass shelving, mid-century modern furniture, thoughtfully-styled book stacks, and plenty of plants and unique light fixtures. In the mornings, enjoy a coffee at Cafe Moore and in the evenings, head for the property’s rooftop wine bar.

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