The Best Hotels in Downtown NYC
August, 2021
I often travelled to New York as a kid, and I have made my first trip as an agent visiting hotels in the area. My grandmother lived on 89th and Broadway, and I experienced many special occasions, such as walking in Riverside Park with her dog, visiting the World Trade Center Memorial, going to the Museum of Natural History, and most importantly, going to Zabar’s grocery store for rugelach. All in all, New York City has a special place in my heart because, in addition to the many activities, it also has great restaurants and bakers such as Grammercy Tavern and Levain Bakery, as well as exciting bars such as Dante.
Here you will find my favorite hotels for each type of traveler in Downtown New York.
For a Bar That has More Locals Than Visitors: The Ludlow New York
Rates: from $220
Description: The Ludlow hotel in New York is a very funky, old-school/hipster hotel that has a terrific atmosphere. This is the perfect hotel for those in their 20s and 30s who love to socialize. It is the first hotel bar I’ve ever been to that has more locals at the bar than it does guests from the hotel. This bar doesn’t serve the best cocktails in the city, but the design of the lounge, which incorporates beautiful wooden furniture and a fireplace, as well as the fun locals, makes this a fun place to meet new people. The hotel also has a rooftop from which to stargaze as well as a gym for those who like to work out. While the Ludlow is a fun hotel, it is also located on a street that can be loud at night. As with all New York hotels, be sure to book a room on a high floor because the street noise can make sleeping difficult at night.
For Business Meetings and Celebrity Spotting: The Bowery Hotel
Rates: from $325
Description: The Bowery Hotel is a more upscale version of the Ludlow hotel. The bar area is nicer, the lounge area is larger, and the bathrooms in each room are of much higher quality with good water pressure from the shower heads. The hotel is also known for several celebrity sightings, including pop stars such as Miley Cyrus. With that being said, the Ludlow still has a superior atmosphere compared to the Bowery if your objective is to be social. The quality of the cocktails at both hotels is underwhelming, but they each have a friendly staff and function well for short weekend stays or business trips.
For the Best Location in SoHo: Crosby Street Hotel
Rates: from $665
Description: Located on a cobblestone street in SoHo, the Crosby Street hotel feels more residential than most hotels do. The Crosby Bar is a colorful spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, while the adjacent sculpture garden is a great spot for a drink. The cozy Drawing Room’s honor bar holds tea, snacks and buckets of wine on ice. Guest rooms are uniquely decorated, with no two rooms alike, and they include luxurious beds loaded with Frette linens and plush pillows that are almost too pretty to disturb. Bathrooms feature white marble, Miller Harris for Crosby Street amenities, and towel warmers. The Meadow Suite includes its own private terrace and garden. On Sunday nights, enjoy the Film Club, which takes place in the state-of-the-art theater with leather seats and a high-definition screen. (from Forbes)