The many facets of New York, from its sleepless capital city to its Hampton beaches and hidden getaways, have made this one of the most alluring places in the world. Since New York represents so many different lifestyles, the designation of "best" when it comes to hotels can be tricky. There are, however, a number of hotels hailed as the best for in categories like luxury, business, family and romance. While many of the most renowned hotels are located in New York City, rest assured that impressive accommodations abound across the greater state.
Book a stay at the St. Regis Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where Rockefeller Center is only three blocks away. This iconic hotel was built in 1904, and retains much of its original charm. 164 guest rooms and 65 suites feature custom furnishings, marble baths and Edwardian details. Accommodations range from Superior Guestrooms to the Presidential Suite. A devotion to personal attention and impeccable customer service raises the bar in the fitness center, business center and spa. A butler service is also available for the ultimate in comfort. Astor Court is majestic, but the dining experience is more casual than in the fine dining Adour restaurant with Chef Alain Ducasses at the helm. After a day in the city, unwind in the King Cole Bar, home to the first Bloody Mary in America.
The St. Regis Hotel
2 East 55th Street, at Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10022
212-753-4500
starwoodhotels.com
Whether it's the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park or the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park, this legendary hotel offers splendid views of the city. These locations are wonderful for those who appreciate the panoramas outside as much as the decor inside. Stay at Battery Park in lower Manhattan for views of Ellis Island and Lady Liberty. At night, the city shimmers over the water with striking effect. The hotel has 298 guest rooms, including 39 suites, which are beautifully appointed in a clean, modern and sophisticated style. Take your meals at 2 West, the award-winning hotel restaurant, or enjoy private or in-room dining. A state-of-the-art spa and fitness center are available, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Make a reservation with the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park if you want to find yourself steps away from Fifth Avenue, Broadway, Rockefeller Center and Lincoln Center. Book a guestroom overlooking Central Park, which looks like an extensive forest from the hotel windows. There 259 guestrooms, including 47 suites, distributed over 33 floors. The decor is old-world and luxurious; expect creams and whites and mahogany. Relish seasonal cuisine in Chef Laurent Tourondel's BLT Market, or have a cocktail in the Star Lounge. Stop by La Prairie Spa for pampering inspired by Swedish techniques. A fitness center is also offered.
The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park
Two West Street
New York, New York 10004
212-344-0800
ritz-carlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park
50 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
ritz-carlton.com
A favorite for diplomats, politicians, business travelers and dignitaries, the spectacular Millenium UN Plaza Hotel is on the East Side, directly across the street from the United Nations. Guestrooms include Superior Rooms, Junior Suites, 2-Bedroom Suites and Suites. All accommodations are detailed with a two-line telephone with dataport, printer, fax and copier in each guest room. Fax, computer and photocopy services are available as well. Above the 28th floor there are impressive views of the city skyline. The cosmopolitan Ambassador Grill serves great food and is an elegant meeting spot. Enjoy the multilingual concierge staff and take advantage of 7500 sq. ft of meeting and banquet space. A gift shop and fitness center are also in the building.
The Millenium UN Plaza Hotel
One United Nations Plaza
44th Street between First and Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-758-1234
milleniumhotels.com
For weary business travelers, the Affinia Gardens Hotel on the Upper East Side offers peace and quiet. Book one of 129 spacious suites, all with full kitchens, room service from four different restaurants 24 hours a day and a grocery delivery service. If you can, book a suite on the 1st floor where you can relax on a fully-furnished private terrace featuring gardens and fountains. The SPAffinia makes for a great place to unwind after work. Secretarial services, concierge, valet parking, and fitness center are some of the other amenities. Meeting rooms can host smaller high-tech and low-tech presentations. For larger conferences, consider staying at the Affinia Manhattan instead.
Affinia Gardens Hotel
215 East 64th Street
New York, NY 10065
212-355-1230
affinia.com
Famed for opulent beach accommodations, the Hamptons is a favorite among the rich and famous. This doesn't mean, however, that all hotels here are stuffy. Give the award-winning Mill House Inn a try, in East Hampton, New York. This luxury bed and breakfast has suites that evoke old-world manor houses. Rooms are unique, but all feature comfortable, elegant furnishings that emphasize comfort and relaxation. The Gray Barn Cottage is perfect for weddings, parties or exclusive retreats. This private estate cottage is surrounded by greenery, has a sparkling pool and outdoor seating and outdoor dining areas.
The Mill House Inn
31 North Main Street, East Hampton
Long Island, New York 11937
631-324-9766
millhouseinn.com
The 1770 House in East Hampton is an incredibly beautiful hotel which, as its name reflects, has been an institution for 235 years. Original colonial details include exposed wooden beams, old staircases, antique fireplaces and built-in book shelves. There are six rooms from which to choose, along with a private white-clapboard carriage house shrouded in vines. Guestrooms are wall-papered and furnished with lovely modern and antique pieces. In the way of dining, Chef Kevin Penner runs a contemporary American restaurant upstairs and a casual pub downstairs. Brick terraces, patio tables, hydrangea gardens all add to the charm and grace of this inn.
The 1770 House
143 Main Street
East Hampton, NY 11937
631-324-1770
1770house.com
Although many NYC hotels are wonderfully family-friendly, consider skipping the city in favor of the country. Mohonk Mountain House was constructed in 1869 and is one of America's oldest family-owned resorts. Towering over Lake Mohonk, the grand 267 room Victorian castle is like something out of a fairytale. Families will enjoy the 85 miles of trails, rock-climbing and an 18,000 sq. ft. ice skating rink. Rooms range from the traditional suites to the lavish Mountain View Tower Suite. Be aware that while TV lounges are on the property, there are no TVs in the any of the rooms. A full-service spa, swimming pools and beach by the lake are supplemented by kid-friendly activities including but not limited to: nature walks, carriage rides, fly-fishing, boating and snow tubing. Cost includes three daily meals with afternoon tea, and additional specials are often offered.
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Rest Road
New Paltz, New York 12561
845.255.1000
mohonk.com
Take the family to the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. Situated on Lake Otswega (the "glimmerglass" from James Fenimore Cooper's books), this impressive establishment has federal architecture (think 30 ft. columns on the front portico). Cooperstown is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Fenimore Museum and a running Farmers' Museum. Accommodations are elegant and include, among other amenities, cable TV, HBO and wireless Internet. Recreational venues include the Leatherstocking Golf Course, jogging and biking trails, pool and lake (with canoe rentals and fishing) and the Clarks Sports Center (with bowling, adventure climbing and family swimming).
Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326-1042
607-547-9931
otesaga.com
Escape to the Morgan Samuels Inn and discover romance. This 1810, Victorian mansion offers a tranquil retreat ideal for couples. Six spacious rooms feature ornate antiques and vintage wallpaper. A well-stocked library, Victorian porch and game room all feature exposed beams, wood floors and Oriental rugs. A candle-lit breakfast is brought to rooms and additional candles flicker throughout the house. Soft, classical music plays in common rooms. If you want to explore the area, there are a number of scenic vineyards and gardens nearby.
Morgan Samuels Inn
2920 Smith Road
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-394-9232
morgansamuelsinn.com
Castle on the Hudson offers a grand, medieval backdrop for romance. Popular among celebrities, this 100 year old castle is a 30 minute drive north of Manhattan. First known as Carrollcliffe and then Axe Castle, Castle on the Hudson is reminiscent of castles in Wales or Scotland. Book one of 45 guestrooms and roam the 11 glamorous acres of hilltop upon with the hotel is located. A 75 ft. tower is home to suites with four poster beds, wood-burning fireplaces, marble bathrooms, turret alcoves and breathtaking views of the hillside, the Hudson River and Manhattan. The 5-star Equus Restaurant offers world-class cuisine in three dining rooms. The Tapestry Room is hung over with embroidery work and finished off with paintings and an intricate ceiling. Look out over othe Castle's gardens, Hudson River Valley and Manhattan skyline from the bright and airy Garden Room. Finally, the Oak Room was transported, intact, from France 100 years ago; the room was once owned by Louis XIV. A casual bar and extensive wine cellars are also contained in the castle. A spa, fitness center, brilliant swimming pool and other lush amenities are available.
Castle on the Hudson
400 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, NY 10591-4330
914-631-1980
castleonthehudson.com
