the Hotel Plaza Athenee, one of New York's 5 star hotels, viewed from the pond in central park
An Autumn view of the Hotel Plaza Athenee from Central Park

5 Star Hotels in New York – a Handpicked Selection of the 15 Best Affordable Luxury Hotels

While the cost of accommodation on any holiday can eat-up a large part of your budget, if you’re not careful booking 5-star hotels in New York can consume it entirely!

Although we all dream of gazing longingly at the New York skyline from a plush, upper-floor, Manhattan hotel room, for the majority of us, sadly it’ll remain just that – a dream.

With some rooms costing a small fortune, unfortunately, most luxury properties in New York are simply out-of-reach for the vast majority of us mere mortals.

Or are they? While it’s true that even just a few nights staying at one of the most exclusive places in the city can run into the thousands, if you look hard enough there are also some hidden gems which offer both luxury and affordability just waiting to be unearthed.

We did some rigorous searching and picked out 10 of the best 5-star hotels you can get for under $400 per night.

the beautiful lobby in the nomad hotel one of the best 5 star Hotels in new york

The NoMad Hotel New York Set on Broadway and 28th Street, not many affordable, 5-star hotels have a better location than the NoMad Hotel New York.

The fully restored turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building has the classic style of a grand European hotel with a modern New York twist. Each room has been designed with impeccable style, with original artwork and a timeless decor complimenting the beauty of the building perfectly.

The hotel also features a gym/fitness centre, concierge, dry cleaning and a restaurant & bar, meaning if it wasn’t for the fact you’re in one of the most interesting cities in the world you might be tempted to stay indoors!

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Living in the lap of luxury: the Beekman A Thompson hotel is as sophisticated as it comes

The Beekman A Thompson Hotel With its 9-story atrium and pyramidal skylight, The Beekman A Thompson Hotel is set in one of the most impressive buildings in Manhattan.

Lovingly restored to its former glory, the architectural marvel has been received the ultimate face-lift, with award-winning designer Martin Brudnizki employing some of the most luxurious furnishings and decoration imaginable, including marble floors, Persian rugs and antique ornaments.

The opulent hotel also features a range of amenities including a bar/lounge, restaurant, meeting rooms and a business centre with internet access.

Perhaps surprisingly for such an upmarket establishment, pets are allowed too, meaning your pooch can also get in on the luxury – just remember the doggie bags!

Perfect for lounging around: the Athenee’s chill-out area is beautifully decorated

Hotel Plaza Athenee The Hotel Plaza Athenee, located in the Upper East Side area, is a luxury boutique hotel which has become popular with celebrities, foreign dignitaries and even the occasional member of royalty over the years.

The hotel is one of the most well-known 5-star hotels in New York, with luxury decor and furnishings throughout. However, despite the upper-end interior and prestigious list of former guests, renting a room for a few nights won’t set you back as much as you might think, with a 3-night stay in August costing less than $400 per night on Expedia.

Okay, so it’s not exactly the bargain of the century, but what do you expect when you could be rubbing shoulders with some of Tinseltown’s best-known stars!?

The Kimpton Eventi has a great bar/lounge area perfect for meeting other guests

Kimpton Hotel Eventi Located in the popular Chelsea neighbourhood, the Kimpton Hotel Eventi is close to the New York Theater District and within walking distance of a number of the city’s iconic attractions such as the Empire State Building, Macy’s and some of the best art galleries in the world.

Occupying an entire block to itself, this mighty hotel, which provides almost 300 rooms for its guests, features two lively bars and a pair of restaurants, led by an award-winning chef.

Amenities include an on-site 24-hour fitness centre, full-service spa and a hosted evening wine hour, where you can relax after a tiring day of sightseeing with a quality glass of rouge, on the house. Make the most of it!

Empire view: the Refinery’s rooftop bar in the shadow of the iconic New York landmark

The Refinery Situated in the heart of Midtown on the doorstep of Times Square and just a few blocks from Bryant Park, this hotel occupies one of the most storied buildings in the area.

A former hat factory, the Refinery is now a luxury hotel that offers stylish loft rooms, an award-winning restaurant, Jazz lounge and a rooftop terrace that provides a meeting place for guests and locals alike.

Services at the hotel include a concierge to assist with all your tour requirements, 24-hour fitness centre and even an in-room hair and make-up service provided by NOMI BEAUTY – perfect for prepping yourself for the buzzing night-life that awaits nearby.

Mr S Seaport: bridging the gap between luxury and affordability

Mr C SeaportThis intimate and contemporary hotel is located within the cobbled streets of Downtown’s historic South Street Seaport.

Set just off the banks of the East River, the hotel offers enchanting views of both the Manhattan Bridge and the New York City skyline.

Each of the 66 rooms is decorated with modern European-style decor, and the hotel features a range of amenities including concierge, meeting rooms and a restaurant & bar.

Binoculars not required: the Marmara Park Avenue offers breath-taking views of Manhattan

The Marmara Park AvenueThe Marmara Park Avenue, located in the Nomad neighbourhood just a short distance from New York’s main attractions, symbolizes the rich history and unique international style of the city it calls home.

Each of the 128 rooms the property offers is equipped with a kitchenette, custom furniture and marble bathrooms and the hotel also features a variety of high-end amenities including in-room i-Pads, a subterranean lap pool, spa services and a Turkish Hammam.

Additionally, for the art aficionados out there the hotel is home to a curated selection of paintings, with numerous original pieces appointed throughout the building adding to its undeniable stylish aesthetic.

Standing tall: the Quin Central Park by Hilton Club towers above the late-night Manhattan traffic

The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club – Once the meeting point for artists and designers in the city, the Quin Central Park by Hilton Club – recently named a top-5 hotel in New York by Travel + Leisure – has a rich creative history that the hotel has retained until today.

Set in Manhattan’s vibrant midtown neighbourhood, the hotel is just minutes from the city’s premier attractions, providing an excellent and convenient base for guests hoping to be in the thick of the action.

No visit to New York would be complete without visiting the world-famous Central Park, and as the name suggests this hotel is just around the corner, making it accessible for guests looking to take a stroll through its storied grounds.

Entrance to the Michelangelo: where luxury awaits

The Michelangelo HotelSet in the heart of Manhattan, the Michelangelo Hotel is ideally located for visitors looking to see the city’s top tourist attractions.

The hotel is also close to Times Square and New York’s Theater District, making it a perfect choice for those travelling to see some of the city’s famous shows.

The hotel’s unique blend of stylish decor and authentic Italian hospitality embodies the very essence of New York – and sitting at the lower end of the list, cost-wise, the Michelangelo is an ideal place for guests in search of a 5-star stay at 4-star prices.

Royalton Park Avenue – The Royalton Park Avenue is a posh, 5-star hotel in the trendy, upmarket NoMad village.

Each of the rooms in the 249-room property has been designed with chic and contemporary decor, and the hotel offers a range of options starting from 350sq ft deluxe room, right up to its most exclusive offering – a top-floor, duplex penthouse suite that looks like something out of a romantic movie!

One of the hotel’s best features is the rooftop bar/cafe, where guests can grab a cocktail or a bite to eat while taking in some magnificent panoramic views of the city. There’s also live music during the summer with jazz bands and live DJs keeping guests entertained.

The hotel comes with a generous offering of amenities including an indoor and outdoor pool, gym/fitness centre and spa. There is also an on-site concierge to assist with excursions and other enquiries, and the hotel employees bilingual staff to assist those whose first language isn’t English.

Image result for the wagner at the battery

The Wagner at the Battery – This stylish and contemporary hotel is located right in the heart of Downtown in the trendy Battery neighbourhood, just a few short steps from the area’s luscious parks.

Unlike some of its rivals, the Wagner at the Battery is an independent hotel, ensuring a unique and individual feel that’s sometimes absent in chain properties.

On its website, the Wagner labels itself the ‘definitive Statue of Liberty hotel’ which is a fair assessment considering the views each room has of the New York icon. Each room is equipped with a telescope that guests can use to gaze across the Hudson for a glimpse of the world-famed landmark.

View from Hotel

InterContinental New York Times Square – This 36-story, 607 goliath of a hotel offers luxury accommodation to guests looking to stay in the heart of Manhattan.

The floor-to-ceiling windows give guests a great view of Times Square and beyond, and the rooms have been designed to evoke the feeling of a chic Manhattan residence.

For travellers looking to be in the hustle and bustle of Midtown, the location of the Intercontinental is unbeatable, with Broadway, Times Square and a whole host of tourist attractions literally yards from the front door.

The hotel offers a range of amenities, including restaurant, bar/lounge and 24-hour room service, allowing you to sit back, relax and escape the mania for a while.

1 Hotel Central Park – Located just one block south of Central Park in an 18-story building, this urban oasis offers a tranquil retreat from the Manhattan madness.

As well as the on-site bar that serves up some of the best cocktails this side of Manhattan, the hotel also has a seasonal restaurant – called Jams – whose head chef Jonathan Waxman was recently voted “Best Chef in New York City” by the James Beard Foundation.

Not for nothing, either, as the restaurant continually pulls out all the stops when it comes to its menu, with a blend of traditional and contemporary flavours creating an exciting offering.

The rooms are individually decorated, some with a touch of rustic, and others with a more simple and understated touch. For those in search of the best views of Central Park, it’s advisable to book the Park King, as that room overlooks the gorgeous landscape of the world-famous attraction.

Image result for 11 howard new york

11 Howard – Located in the trendy SoHo neighbourhood, 11 Howard sits at the crossroads of Chinatown, Little Italy and the Bowery.

Its great location means not only does 11 Howard sit within touching distance of some great dining options but the hotel’s also ideally located for sightseers hoping to be close to the action.

Oh, and did we mention the property has its very own on-site Michelin-starred restaurant? Le Coucou, the hotel’s 5-star eatery, serves up some of the most sumptuous French food in the city. Just be sure to make a reservation as it can become busy.

Looking for something a little more budget-friendly? Check out our guide to the best affordable 4-star hotels in New York


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