How to find a hotel in New York City with the best view?

For some, the view from the hotel window is a key element of a successful stay, while for others it is a completely secondary detail. If you are looking to save money, you may want to choose the cheapest hotel that meets your basic requirements. But if you dream of waking up with a breathtaking view of Central Park, the Manhattan Skyline or iconic Times Square, choosing the right place takes on great importance.

New York City is a city that never sleeps and offers magical panoramas at every turn. There are many observation decks from which you can enjoy the view of the city from above, but if you dream to have such a view from your hotel window you have to go to some trouble or pay dearly, but it is doable.

So how do you find the hotel with the best view of New York City? We succeeded, although it was not easy! The title photo is the view from our room. Yes, the one below too :)

Here is a practical guide to help you choose the perfect place for your stay in New York.

Think about what you care about – hotels in New York City

To begin with, before you start looking for accommodation consider what is important to you? Do you want to spend more time inside the hotel or outside? For some people, close proximity to tourist attractions such as Grand Central Station or Times Square may be key, while others may prefer proximity to subway stations for easier movement around the city. Does the view of the city from your hotel room matter to you at all?

If the view of the city from the hotel is completely irrelevant to you, you can forgive further reading of this post :) Further on we will focus mainly on aspects related precisely to the selection of such a hotel, although there will also be a handful of general, practical information.

New York City and each of its neighborhoods offer different sights that may attract travelers for different reasons.

A view of Central Park

Ideal for lovers of greenery and quiet mornings. A great choice for those looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A view of Manhattan

An excellent choice if you dream of photos with skyscrapers in the background. The night lights of the city will create an unforgettable sight.

A view of the Empire State Building

A perfect choice for those who want to admire one of the city’s greatest icons every day.

View of the Hudson River

A great option for those looking for relaxation and more spacious landscapes.

Choose the right neighborhood – where to stay overnight in New York?

The neighborhood matters! Both in terms of distances to attractions in New York, connectivity to the rest of the city, or at least safety. Choosing the right neighborhood is a key part of planning your stay, as each offers a unique perspective on New York City. The hotel’s location near major attractions can make sightseeing much easier.

Remember that, as a rule, these cheapest accommodation options are more remote, or simply in less interesting neighborhoods.

What sights await in each district?

Midtown Manhattan: Here you’ll find most hotels with views of the Empire State Building, and from some you’ll even spot Times Square. It is also the central point of the city, and may be the best location for tourists who want to be close to everywhere. Here we recommend our hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan Chelsea.

Upper West Side: This neighborhood offers a quieter environment and you can find hotels overlooking Central Park. Mandarin Oriental or The Ritz-Carlton are excellent choices for those who appreciate luxury and quiet in this neighborhood. Hotels located near Central Park not only offer great views, but also access to one of the largest green spaces in New York City, perfect for a morning walk or picnic. It will be an ideal choice for those who value proximity to nature.

Brooklyn: If you dream of incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge Park area should be on your list. Brooklyn Bridge Park is where you can enjoy the view of the city from the boardwalk while walking along the river. From here you will be able to cover Lower Manhattan with your eyes, although it will take longer to get there. Featured Wythe Hotel i The William Vale.

Downtown Manhattan: Choose this location if you want to enjoy One World Trade Center and views of the Hudson River, for example. The Cloud One.

Each neighborhood in NYC has its own unique character, so consider what is most important to you during your stay, even aside from the view itself. Midtown Manhattan is the heart of the city, ideal for those who value proximity to attractions such as Times Square and the Empire State Building. For lovers of greenery and quiet, the Upper West Side is recommended, offering views of Central Park and a quieter atmosphere. Brooklyn, on the other hand, delights with amazing Manhattan skylines and a creative, artistic atmosphere. If you’re after historic views and modern character, Downtown Manhattan, with its skyscrapers and views of the Hudson River, may be the best choice.

Safety is also an important consideration – neighborhoods such as the Upper East Side and Tribeca are considered extremely safe, while some areas of the Bronx or Queens may require more caution. When choosing a neighborhood, consider whether you value more access to attractions, proximity to a subway station, or perhaps a quiet neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle.

Look for hotels with terraces and panoramic windows

If you’re after spectacular views and price isn’t your only determinant, choosing a hotel with a terrace or large windows may be a good option. Some hotels offer a view of the city from a balcony or rooftop terrace, making it possible to see the city from even higher floors.

Terraces and panoramic windows allow you to enjoy spectacular daytime views of the city, when New York’s skyscrapers and bridges are on full display.

Here are some recommendations:

• The Standard, High Line: the hotel offers a rooftop terrace overlooking the Hudson River and the Meatpacking District. It’s a place you’re sure to remember.
• 1 Brooklyn Bridge Hotel: Terraces overlooking Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge are some of the most picturesque landscapes you can find in New York. It is the perfect place to enjoy the view from the terrace of the bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
• The Dominick: Rooms with large panoramic windows offer amazing views of the city from above. The daytime view of the city offered by The Dominick allows you to admire the skyscrapers in the sunshine.
• The Langham: provides a view of the city from a skyscraper that emphasizes the modern character of New York.

Choosing a hotel with such amenities can greatly enhance your experience during your stay. Hotels such as the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge will delight you with views of the city from the terrace, which combines comfort and amazing scenery.

Take advantage of Google Maps – practical tips

Google Maps will be your ally in your search for the perfect hotel.

When searching for hotels on Google Maps, you have the ability to visually check the location of the building and its surroundings. With 3D views and satellite imagery, you can assess how tall a building is and what views it offers, and even evaluate what views will be available from your chosen room.

It’s also worth using Street View to see exactly what the immediate area looks like. With this tool, you can better plan your stay and choose a hotel that meets your expectations.

And that’s exactly what we did when looking for our hotel. We made sure exactly this way that nothing would obscure our view.

Make good use of hotel search engines and appropriate filters

When booking a hotel, it’s a good idea to use the advanced filtering options that popular sites offer:

• At Booking.com select “city view” or “river view” in the amenities section, which will greatly narrow down the list of results.
• On Airbnb you’ll find options with a room overlooking the city – perfect for those looking for a unique experience. Airbnb offers options with a balcony or terrace, where you can enjoy the view of the city from the balcony, perfect for your morning coffee.
• Tripadvisor allows you to browse reviews about the views from the rooms. Guests often share photos that can help you decide.
• Expedia or Hotels.com offer detailed filters for views and locations, making it easy to choose a hotel that meets specific expectations.
• Trivago and Hotwire can additionally help you find the best prices on hotels with exceptional views.

Keep in mind that photos from other travelers are often more realistic than promotional ones, so it’s worth looking at them as well.

Read reviews from other guests and check out photos

Feedback from other travelers is an indispensable source of information. They will help you find out which rooms offer the best views and avoid disappointments.

Important points to pay attention to:

• Room direction: rooms facing the back of the building may not offer any interesting views (it will be to the courtyard, townhouse, etc.).
• Floor: The higher up, the better the panorama – rooms on higher floors are often more expensive, however.
• Guest Photos: This is the best way to see what the views from the windows actually look like. Photos posted by guests show the actual view of the city from room windows, which will help avoid disappointment.

Ask for details when booking

Once you’ve chosen a hotel, it’s a good idea to contact the front desk (by email or phone) and ask about the availability of rooms with a view. You can also ask to reserve a specific floor or side of the building.

Some hotels charge extra for rooms with the best view, so it’s worth factoring this into your budget.

Invest in luxury – the most expensive hotels in New York City

If you want a unique experience, luxury hotels are often the best choice. The best hotels in New York not only provide the highest standard of service, but also offer spectacular views of the city.

Here are some suggestions:

• The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: Unforgettable views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. For the most discerning, there is a penthouse offering a bird’s-eye view of the city that delights every guest.
• Park Hyatt New York: rooms on upper floors with views of Manhattan – perfect for a romantic getaway. Suites at the Park Hyatt New York offer city views from a suite that perfectly combines comfort with aesthetics.
• Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown: panoramic views of Downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River.
• Mandarin Oriental, New York: a luxury hotel overlooking Central Park and Columbus Circle. Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental offer an unforgettable view of the city from the window, which is sure to make every morning and evening enjoyable.
• The St. Regis New York: An iconic luxury property with excellent views of Midtown Manhattan.

These hotels are a guarantee of luxury and unforgettable moments in the heart of New York. Hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental are often considered to offer the best location for those wishing to enjoy views of Central Park or Manhattan.

Don’t forget about rooftops

Even if your budget doesn’t allow you to stay in a luxury hotel, you can always visit rooftop bars, which often offer spectacular views of skyscrapers. Such a restaurant, bar or cafe is not only to relax, but also to enjoy the city skyline. Rooftops in New York offer a unique view of the city from the rooftop, allowing you to feel the unique atmosphere of the bustling city.

The view of the city from the terrace may not be for your entire stay, but it will certainly be a nice addition to your stay.

Here are some places to visit:

• 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: iconic view of the Empire State Building – the perfect place for an evening cocktail. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar offers a view of the city from the restaurant and is the perfect place for a romantic evening.
• The Crown Rooftop: Beautiful panoramas of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
• Le Bain at The Standard Hotel: a restaurant and bar overlooking the Hudson River that delights both day and night.
• Westlight: a Rooftop bar in Brooklyn overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
• Bar SixtyFive in Rockefeller Center: An exclusive cocktail spot overlooking downtown. The place offers a view of the city from the restaurant that makes every drink and meal unforgettable.

Rooftops is a great way to experience the magic of New York without spending a fortune on lodging. It will also be an ideal place to enjoy the view of the city at night, when the lights of skyscrapers create an unforgettable atmosphere.

The observation decks, such as at The Standard, High Line, offer city views from an observation deck that will delight any guest.

The best observation decks in New York

If you don’t manage to book a hotel with a view then you can still go to one of the many viewpoints in New York.

The most beautiful panorama of the city – Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is a classic among New York’s observation decks, delighting locals and tourists alike. Located on three levels, including the highest, 70. floor of Rockefeller Center, offers some of the best views of Central Park, the Empire State Building and the vast Manhattan skyline. With several viewing levels, including a space without glass, it’s the perfect place to take perfect photos that capture the magic of the city.

The newest observation deck – Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt is one of the newest attractions in New York City, attracting lovers of modern experiences since it opened in 2021. This innovative observation deck offers not only breathtaking views of the city, but also interactive art installations. Particularly spectacular is the infinity effect created by the mirrors, which reflect the image of the city into an infinite space.

The highest observation deck – Edge

The Edge, located in the Hudson Yards neighborhood, is the highest open observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Its futuristic design is distinguished by an overhanging balcony with a transparent floor that provides a thrill. The Edge offers spectacular views of Manhattan, the Hudson River and New Jersey. For those seeking additional thrills, there is the option of climbing over the edge of the building under the guidance of instructors – an experience that will live long in the memory.

The most popular observation deck – Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a symbol of New York City and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Its observation deck at 86. The first floor offers classic city views that every movie and TV series lover knows. In addition, for an additional fee, you can visit the observatory at 102. floor, from where the panorama of the city is even more impressive.

One World Observatory

Located on top of One World Trade Center, One World Observatory is a place that combines breathtaking views with an educational experience. From this point you can admire Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Staten Island, Governors Island or the Brooklyn Bridge. Thanks to modern technology, including virtual presentations of the city’s history, a visit here becomes more than just admiring the sights. One World Trade Center is located at the site known as Ground Zero, where the WTC towers formerly stood.

Our opinion – how to choose a hotel in New York?

Finding a hotel with the best view in New York City takes a bit of planning, but the results are worth it. The right choice of hotel will allow you to enjoy unforgettable views and make the most of the magic of this unique city. Remember to consider your priorities – whether you want a view of Central Park, the Manhattan skyline, or perhaps the city’s iconic Empire State Building. Whatever your choice, New York will certainly not disappoint you.