Checking in: New York City

Words: Dan Koday

A playground of excess filled with just about every cuisine and shop imaginable, in New York you’re never far from something extraordinary. A quick ride in a yellow cab can deliver you to The Met’s Temple of Dendur, a private gallery opening in Chelsea, SoHo’s packed streets where contemporary art meets high fashion, or to a slice at Rosa’s in Williamsburg, the chic Brooklyn enclave of understated cool. And when you need a moment of respite, Central Park’s tree-lined paths and hidden gardens offer a tranquil, movie-like escape in the heart of the city’s electric energy.

Gritty and glamorous, New York is also a city of contradictions, where an understanding of its distinct neighbourhoods is just as important as where you stay. With so many options and so little time in a New York minute, it’s important find both the right postcode for your travel itinerary and the right hotel. Luckily, the you’re in the right place for the latter.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

The snapshot: An impeccable, newer addition to the city’s five-star players, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad merges refined sophistication with world-class dining, an indulgent spa sanctuary and sweeping skyline views that extend from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty. Inspired by its proximity to the Flower District, its serene interior design elegantly weaves floral and nature motifs with contemporary urban flair.

The best bed: While the hotel has a variety of rooms and suites with luxe décor, varying views and Club Level access and perks, the NoMad Suite will cast a spell on you, thanks to its handsome corner position, dazzling freestanding soaking tub and giant, light-flooded windows.

The top dish: Head to Zaytinya, chef José Andrés’s ground-floor restaurant sitting on Broadway, for a bite of the crispy Brussels afelia. The dish is prepared with coriander seeds, barberries and garlic yogurt for the ultimate combination of crispy texture and Mediterranean flavours.

If you only do one thing: Don’t pass go until you visit Nubeluz, the property's sexy sky bar with its up-close 270° views of the skyline, where the Salt-Air margarita, Melon Cloud and Foggy Hill Negroni – the latter crafted with a show-stopping aromatic cloud –are all menu highlights.

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Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square

The snapshot: A sleek, tech-forward sanctuary in the heart of Times Square featuring smartly designed rooms with space-maximising layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of wellness-focused amenities. Some rooms at the pet-friendly hotel have terraces, while Wellness Rooms deliver dedicated Peloton bikes and Therabody recovery equipment. 

The best bed: While there are a staggering 661 rooms in total, the Presidential Suite is undoubtedly the Tempo by Hilton’s grandest, featuring 1,380sqft of space 36 storeys high, with a vantage point that can even calm Times Square’s dizzying energy below. The suite blends natural wood tones, crafted tiles and luxe leather and brass accents with a comfortable living area, modern dining space, kitchenette and cosy king-sized wrap-around headboard on your bed. The suite’s bathroom, complete with an oversized shower, is well stocked with Apotheke bath amenities.

The top dish: Highball, the hotel’s laidback restaurant, anchors its convivial, communal vibe and serves a mean spinach and artichoke dip, brick chicken and a best-selling cheeseburger. Meanwhile, the connected cocktail lounge offers spirit-led and spirit-free libations, many of which are a contemporary spin on classic cocktail recipes.

If you only do one thing: Witness sunrise or sunset in one of the high-floor rooms with expansive views of the Great White Way and Central Park. For something truly special, enquire about one of Tempo’s guest rooms with a front-row seat to the iconic Times Square Ball Drop.

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Freehand New York

The snapshot: A trendy, artistic hotel in the Flatiron District with beautifully restored original millwork, Freehand blends boutique charm with a vibrant social scene, featuring vintage-inspired décor and a creative hub that attracts travellers and locals alike.

The best bed: Venerable design firm Roman and Williams brought Freehand’s spacious, comfort-focused suites to life, including the Gallery Suite, complete with Argan products and the fluffiest bathrobes. Each suite boasts retro-inspired furnishings, custom artwork and beautiful windows, but the Gallery Suite is ideal for large groups or families since it offers one room with a king bed and another with two sets of bunk beds.

The top dish: That’ll be the crowd-pleasing lamb sliders, perfected with pāo de queijo and chipotle crema, at the Michelin-recognised Cómodo, Freehand New York’s pan-Latin restaurant helmed by husband-and-wife team Felipe Donnelly and Tamy Rofe.

If you only do one thing: Cruise the artwork displayed throughout the property – it includes custom-commissioned pieces by Bard College students and alumni. The ground-floor lobby and all 401 guest rooms have murals on the walls (and some even on the ceilings) hand-painted by emerging artists.

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Park Lane New York

The snapshot: Recently reimagined in a historic building just steps from Central Park, the hotel combines classic New York tradition with contemporary décor, offering refined accommodations that provide direct views of the park.

The best bed: Resembling the upscale apartments of those who call Billionaire’s Row – a collection of ultra-luxury skyscrapers – home, the Belvedere Suite, perched on the 45th floor, has spectacular picture windows that overlook Central Park and the instantly recognisable San Remo building. It is outfitted with smooth Bellino fine linens, a designer bathroom with a walk-in shower, a spacious walk-in closet and sitting area, and a media room with cinema-style TVs.

The top dish: The crispy chicken sliders, assembled with a potato bun, house-made pickle and chipotle mayo, rival many fine hot chicken joints around the city. Tuck in at Darling, the hotel’s lush, plant-filled rooftop lounge, which feels like a secret garden in the sky.

If you only do one thing: The hotel’s decadent Caviar Hotline, available in all guest rooms, provides 24/7 access to Petrossian caviar tins, Champagne, vodka and decadent caviar nachos.

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Moxy NYC Lower East Side

The snapshot: An immersive stay that reflects the creative energy of the artists and entrepreneurs who make up one of NYC’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Moxy NYC Lower East Side is playful and artfully designed, with compact yet smart rooms that nod to the absurd. Vibrant social spaces, a rooftop bar, and a thoughtful mix of on-site coworking and flexible meeting spaces add to its appeal, allowing for the ultimate blend of business and pleasure.

The best bed: Throw your feet up in The Factory Loft Suite, named after the studio where Warhol famously worked and partied. Doubling as a hospitality suite, its open floor plan and two separate king bedrooms, double-height windows and outdoor terrace put a contemporary spin on loft living, while eye-catching details include lip-shaped pillow cushions atop a navy blue velvet sofa, bronze accent mirrors and an expansive floral mural.

The top dish: Made with poached egg, truffle and uni, the on-site modern Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana’s Wafu Carbonara is a totally addictive Japanese twist on classic Italian carbonara – don’t sleep on its Temaki menu, either.

If you only do one thing: Pop into Silver Lining Lounge, a live music bar with barrelled ceilings and a beautifully lit Art Deco-style bar that comes alive with nightly performances on stage.

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British Airways Holidays provides great value package holidays and hotels in New York, offering flexible payment options, 24-hour customer support and a generous baggage allowance. Plus, if you’re a part of the British Airways Club, you’ll collect bonus Avios, too.