Christmas in New York is a dream time to visit!
If you love all things festive like I do, then NYC at Christmas checks all the boxes. You’ve got decorations hanging from every building and street lamp, installations everywhere, the exquisite department store windows that could take a whole day to fully explore, the music all around you and the chestnuts roasting on street corners, plus the skating and the mulled wine… I could go on.
New York City is magical during the holidays, and there are several hotels that go all out to make the experience even more special. In this post I’ve listed them in two categories (read, price point!)
And if you get all the way to the end of this post, you’ll find the Number One Best Value Hotel in New York, as voted by 1,200 reviewers!
Following on from my post on How to Have a Gorgeous Christmas in New York, where I have picked out my top suggestions for things to do and see here in the holidays, this post rounds up where to stay to walk to everything!
We’ll start with the “money is no object” hotel category and move to affordable, and end with the best value NYC hotel at Christmas, so here are the absolute best swoony hotels for Christmas in New York City:
New York’s best, posh 5-star hotels for Christmas
1. The Plaza Hotel
- Location: Central Park South
- Why It’s Great: The Plaza is iconic, known as much for its Christmas decor as its luxurious spot next to Central Park. Once the sun has gone down on Thanksgiving night, guests wake up to Christmas decorations throughout the hotel. Santa is here, afternoon tea is decadent, and it’s a great spot for movie buffs – especially those who love the classic film Home Alone 2, which was filmed here.
- The Plaza is also doggie friendly (you can buy the Pampered Pup Package and your fur baby gets a Plaza Robe and treats!)
- Many will also know the story (and movie), Eloise at the Plaza, and throughout the year you can enjoy an Eloise afternoon tea here, so if your budget doesn’t extend to staying, book this.
- Nearest Subway: Lexington Av/59 St.
Check rates for The Plaza Hotel
2. The Peninsula New York
- Location: Fifth Avenue and 55th Street
- Why It’s Great: The Peninsula New York is another super sophisticated holiday hotel with festive decorations, including a beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby. It’s also conveniently located near Rockefeller Center for your iconic skating photos (or even braving the crowds and having a go), and the Fifth Avenue shopping district with all the windows.
- In winter the Peninsula rooftop is transformed into a winter wonderland with a cosy igloo, complete with fireplace and blankets while you enjoy being surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city.
- Nearest Subway: you are just yards from 3 Subway stations; 5th Av/W 55 St, 5th Av/W 54 St, and 5th Av/W 56 St.
3. The St. Regis New York
- Location: East 55th Street and Fifth Avenue
- Why It’s Great: The St. Regis is the Marriott Bonvoy’s top shelf brand, and they are known for their gorgeously opulent holiday decorations. The New York St Regis is in Midtown East, and in the holiday season the entrance is flanked by two giant Nutcrackers, standing sentinel.
- Step inside and you’ll find an elaborate Christmas tree and festive displays throughout the hotel, including in the rooms and suites.
- The proximity to high-end shopping and holiday attractions also makes it a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in the New York’s holiday atmosphere.
- Nearest Subway: 5th Av/53 St
Check rates for The St. Regis New York
4. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
- Location: Central Park South – not to be confused with Ritz-Carlton NoMad.
- Why It’s Great: The Ritz-Carlton New York is a luxurious hotel with stunning views of Central Park, and during Christmas it is beautifully adorned with holiday lights, garlands and decorations.
- The location is ideal for a carriage ride and skating in Central Park but also great for those who want to experience the holiday season in a more serene setting.
- Walk to the city’s best Christmas attractions like the 5th Avenue windows, Bryant Park’s Winter Village and the Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes.
- It’s part of Marriott Bonvoy, so if you’re a member you will earn points – and might even be able to redeem some on an upgrade.
- Nearest Subway: there are 6 Subway Stations within a 10-minute walk. Closest is W 58th St & 5th Ave and 5 Av/W 58 St.
Check rates for The Ritz-Carlton
5. The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
- Location: Fifth Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets
- Why It’s Great: The Langham is another New York luxury hotel known for its exquisite attention to detail and lovely large rooms and suites.
- The hotel is in the heart of Manhattan, and gets the full Christmas treatment for the holidays.
- Being centrally located, it is easy to access holiday attractions like the Empire State Building, Bryant Park’s Winter Village, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and of course strolling Fifth Avenue for the Christmas windows.
- Head to the Executive Lounge for views down Fifth Avenue.
- Nearest Subway: 34th Street-Herald Square.
See rates for The Langham New York, Fifth Avenue
6. The Mark Hotel
- Location: 25 East 77th Street, Upper East Side
- Why It’s Great: The Mark is housed in a beautiful 1927 building at the corner of 77th Street and Madison Avenue, one block from Central Park and 400m from MOMA. But step inside and you’ll find luxurious avant-garde design and top technology to create a wonderful 5-star hotel.
- Use the hotel’s bikes for a ride through Central Park.
- Nearest Subway: 77th St
Check out prices for The Mark Hotel here
7. Lotte New York Palace
- Location: Madison Avenue and 50th Street
- Why It’s Great: The Lotte New York Palace on Madison Avenue is famous for its grand holiday displays, including a massive Christmas tree in the courtyard, but peep around the corner and you have the famous Rockefeller tree just a block away.
- The hotel’s central location makes it an excellent choice for all the Christmas festivities, strolling past incredible window displays like Saks.
- It’s across the street from St Patrick’s Cathedral (for Christmas midnight mass), and also just a block from MOMA.
- Nearest Subway: 5th Avenue/53rd Street.
Check out the rates for Lotte New York Palace – a little more affordable than the hotels above.
8. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
- Location: Barclay Street in Tribeca
- Why It’s Great: For those looking for a quieter, more relaxed holiday experience, the Four Seasons Downtown offers a luxurious stay with elegant holiday decorations.
- It’s close to attractions like the Oculus, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the One World Observatory. If you want to see the Bull of Wall Street, that’s down here, as is the Defiant Girl statue – hands on hips in front of the Stock Exchange with tourists lining up for selfies. Plus you’re in the heart of the urban chic neighborhood of Tribeca.
- Nearest subway: World Trade Center
Check out rates at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
New York’s best mid-priced hotels for Christmas
Here are my top picks for the best mid-priced hotels in New York City that offer a great experience during Christmas, balancing comfort, location, and affordability:
1. The Knickerbocker Hotel
- Location: Times Square
- Why It’s Great: Located right in Times Square, The Knickerbocker offers a lively holiday experience with easy access to Broadway shows, holiday markets, and the New Year’s Eve ball drop from Number One Times Square.
- The rooftop offers WOW views of Times Square and is one of the most popular hotels for NYE in NYC.
- Nearest Subway: Times Square & 42nd St.
Check out rates for The Knickerbocker Hotel
The Knickerbocker is also on my list of the best New York hotels to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
2. The Bryant Park Hotel
- Location: 40 W 40th St
- Why It’s Great: This boutique hotel is perfectly located at Bryant Park so you can get there early to shop at the pop-up Winter Village and go skating before the crowds.
- You’re 5 minute’s walk to Times Square.
- They offer complimentary muffins and coffee in the lobby each morning.
- Nearest Subway: Times Square/42nd Street
Check out the room rates for The Bryant Park Hotel
3. The Ned NoMad Hotel
- Location: 1170 Broadway and 28th Street
- Why It’s Great: The Ned NoMad (formerly the NoMad) offers a cozy, boutique experience with a Parisian flair situated in a turn of the century Beaux-Arts building.
- The hotel is known for its warm and inviting holiday decorations and its excellent dining options, perfect for a festive stay in the city.
- It’s a great central location, is pet friendly and has a lovely Italian restaurant onsite.
- Nearest Subway: 28th Street
Check out the rates for a stay at The Ned Hotel
I have some great yet simple tips for taking awesome travel photos in this post – and yes, reflections are amazing and easy to capture if you know one simple technique!
4. Arlo NoMad
- Location: 11 East 31st Street and Madison Avenue
- Why It’s Great: This super chic, boutique hotel is adorned with great art and offers compact but stylish rooms, each with a refrigerator and modern amenities.
- It’s 200m from the Empire State Building and other midtown attractions.
- ART (Arlo Rooftop) Bar is a great spot for a cocktail and some awesome selfie views.
- Nearest Subway: 33rd St
Check rates for Arlo NoMad here
5. Hotel Edison
- Location: 228 West 47th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues
- Why It’s Great: Located in the heart of the Theater District between Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown, Hotel Edison is perfect for visitors wanting to see Broadway shows during the holiday season. It can be a little noisy, being so close to Times Square, so pack your earplugs in case your room is road front!
- Hotel Edison is an Art Deco hotel oozing 1930s charm, since its opening in 1931 when Thomas Edison himself turned the lights on!
- Nearest Subway: 49th St.
Check out room rates for Hotel Edison
6. The Evelyn
- Location: East 27th Street and Fifth Avenue
- Why It’s Great: Formerly The Gershwin, this is another fab boutique Art Deco hotel, with a blend of classic and modern decor. Located in the NoMad neighborhood, one block from Madison Square Garden, it’s close to the Flatiron District and holiday markets, offering a cozy atmosphere during the Christmas season.
- Rooms include vintage and antique furnishings and there are three dining spaces, including a champagne and oyster bar.
- Nearest Subway: 28th St
7. Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South
- Location: West 54th Street and Broadway
- Why It’s Great: This Hilton property in upper Midtown west is about four blocks south of Central Park, on Broadway.
- It’s a great choice with comfortable rooms for such a prime location, easy walking to Times Square and Bryant Park, Radio City etc, without breaking the bank.
- Nearest Subway: 57th St/7th Av
Check out room rates for Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South
The Number 1 best value hotel in New York City is…
Motto by Hilton in Chelsea, as judged by over 1,200 reviewers on Tripadvisor!
People rave about the stylish vibe and the location: two blocks from Madison Square Park, a mile from the High Line and Chelsea Market (which I feature in my list of the best flea markets in New York). You’re also surrounded by lots of great restaurants, bars, museums and shopping nearby.
Some of the rooms are tiny (it is New York after all!), but look for the clever drawer space under the bed. But what’s also very cool are the family rooms or girls’/guys’ weekend rooms with four bunk beds. It’s also pet-friendly.
I have also created this list of Best Affordable New York City Hotels, that I keep updated, so scan your eyes over this list too for some gems.
Want more of New York?
I have more New York posts you might like to read next:
If you’re staying on for a few days, New Year’s Eve in NYC is another huge excuse for celebrating and this post lists lots of great places to party including ticketed events with live music, rooftop restaurants you should book early, and where to stand to see the ball drop in Times Square.
Where to have Thanksgiving Day at one of these NYC restaurants.
Best, dreamy rooftop restaurants in New York
Where to go for the best brunch spots in New York
Awesome flea markets in New York to get your bargain hunting on
Where to find great shopping in NYC from malls to vintage neighborhoods
And if you didn’t read it already, this one is my top post on how to have a gorgeous Christmas in New York with 18 great things to do.
Quick Resources:
- Booking.com for hotels
- Get Your Guide for tours
- Skyscanner for flights across multiple airlines
- Expedia for flights and hotels
- Discover Cars for car rentals across multiple companies
- RentalCars.com for more car rentals and to compare above
- Amazon for my curated list of best travel items (or anything else!)
- Vegas.com for discounted tickets in Las Vegas
- CityPass for discounts on attractions in several US cities