Best Midtown and Uptown Manhattan Hotels

The world's most vibrant and exciting city, 'the city that never sleeps' according to the famous song, New York has become popular as a short-break destination from the UK and other European cities, made possible by the range of cheap flights now available. Apart from interesting sights and excellent museums, the shops are powerful magnets. Shopping expeditions are particularly attractive when the dollar is depressed and the sales are on, although that's almost year-round now. There are lively restaurants specializing in every type of cuisine you can think of, and a raft of stylish hotels to choose from.

Decide which part of the city you'd prefer to be based in, and if you think Midtown or Uptown might be the patch for you, these are our recommendations. Midtown stretches north from about 24th Street to 59th Street and contains some of New York's most iconic sights, including the Empire State Building, the Public Library, Grand Central Station, MOMA and bustling Times Square. Uptown is the area that flanks Central Park, tranquil and aristocratic to the east and fashionably residential to the west, continuing north towards Inwood, passing up-and-coming Harlem on the way. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.


  • The Carlyle Hotel

    New York

    Luxurious Upper East Side landmark hotel. The Carlyle is a timeless classic and a unique place to stay discover New York Upper East Side style.

    190 rooms from $450
    Outstanding location  -  A stone's throw from Central Park and Madison Avenue.
    Sights nearby  -  Central Park is your backyard.
    Spa  -  Top-of-the-line spa
    Hairdresser/Beauty Salon
  • The Algonquin Hotel

    New York

    Historic New York hotel and host to the city's artistic and cultural elite. Old-world charm and contemporary comforts to suit anyone on business or leisure.

    156 rooms from $287
    Sights nearby  -  Broadway, Times Square and multiple museums are within walking distance.
    Literary  -  A well-known literary history.
    Historic  -  Oldest-running hotel in NYC.\
    Business Hotel
    Recommended by  -  Travel Intelligence
  • Casablanca Hotel

    New York

    A unique hotel decorated in Moroccan style just steps from Times Square. A warm and welcoming spot in an enviable location - perfect for a charming city stay.

    48 rooms from $231
    City Style
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Travel Intelligence
  • Hotel Elysee

    New York

    The Elysee, formerly a host to Manhattan's literary elite, has retained its iconic old world charm. Elegant and intimate - set back from the bustle of the central Manhattan.

    100 rooms from $212
    Foodies  -  Quality restaurants in the area.
    Bar  -  Very stylish bar.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Recommended by  -  Frommers
  • Hotel Giraffe

    New York

    Luxurious boutique hotel with outstanding service. Rooms in neutral tones ooze understated elegance - chocolate leather headboards and pearlized platinum walls. Complimentary breakfasts and complimentary wine and cheese every evening except Sunday. A hotel with sophistication and urban style.

    from $263
    Roof terrace  -  Rooftop restaurant.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
  • The Harlem Flophouse

    New York

    Lovingly restored B&B in Harlem. Cosy room with wooden floor boards and fireplaces. A beautiful brownstone building in one of the city’s most culturally vibrant areas. An arty city spot for the young traveller.

    5 rooms from $125
    Child friendly  -  Children under 12 years of age are free.
    Historic  -  Fully renovated prewar building.
    City Style
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
  • Dream Hotel

    New York

    A modern hotel with quirky touches - perfectly located for a Manhattan getaway. Stunning AVA night club spot on the roof top terrace with panoramic views of Times Square. A lively destination.

    210 rooms from $239
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Spa
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Recommended by  -  Travel Intelligence
  • Hotel Wales

    New York

    An aristocratic and elegant Upper East Side hotel on New York's famous Madison Avenue. Beautifully furnished rooms with white linens and rich mahogany beds. A classically elegant spot.

    43 rooms from $333
    Roof terrace  -  Rooftop garden overlooking Central Park
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Recommended by  -  Travel Intelligence
  • Lowell Hotel

    New York

    A finely crafted and charmingly intimate Upper East Side hotel. Classically decorated - marble bathrooms, neutral tones, paintings, and elegant furnishings. A luxurious destination.

    72 rooms from $675
    Restaurant  -  Multiple high quality in-house restaurants.
    City Style
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
  • Library Hotel

    New York

    A book-lovers' paradise between Grand Central and Bryant Park. Literary themed rooms, poetry garden, and writer's den. A truly unique place to stay and absorb art and culture.

    60 rooms from $254
    Theme hotel  -  Floors are themed around a category of the Dewey Decimal system.
    Literary  -  The free public library is within walking distance.
    Library  -  Each room features an assortment of books.
    Writing a novel
    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Travel Intelligence
  • Inn New York City

    New York

    Charming and intimate Upper West Side townhouse hotel. Old-world charm - fine paintings, sculptures, and elegant wooden furnishings. A genteel atmosphere in a residential area.

    Elegant
    Restrictions on children  -  Only one room allows children of all ages.
    Full of character
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Recommended by  -  Frommers
  • The Mark

    New York

    Spectacular neo-deco Jacques Granges interiors in the heart of Upper East Side: old style elegance combined with modern chic. The award-winning restaurant is reason enough to visit. A super stylish way to experience New York.

    150 rooms from $495
    Bicycles available  -  The Mark provides specially curated maps of Central Park with their bicycles.
    Hairdresser/Beauty Salon  -  World-renowned hairdresser
    Elegant
    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Johansens, Kiwi Collection
  • Chambers Hotel

    New York

    A successful blend of cool and luxury in this dynamic, contemporary-style hotel

    Lively  -  Hip and happening.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.

Written by  Darren Taffinder, posted Friday, 12th February 2010
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