Inside New York’s Most Expensive Hotels for Luxury Travelers

New York City is home to some of the world’s most extravagant hotels where luxury knows no bounds. These high-end establishments offer much more than just a place to sleep; they provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences with impeccable service, breathtaking views, and amenities fit for royalty.

From historic landmarks to modern architectural marvels, let’s explore eight of the most expensive hotels in the Big Apple that cater to travelers with discerning tastes.

1. The St. Regis New York: Butler Service and Timeless Elegance

Opened in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV, The St. Regis New York is credited with setting a new standard for hospitality in the early 20th century. The Beaux-Arts exterior still dominates East 55th Street, while inside, marble staircases and chandeliers reflect its original grandeur.

The property pioneered the “St. Regis Butler Service,” which continues today, offering personalized assistance such as garment pressing, shoe care, and beverage preparation.

The King Cole Bar inside the hotel is closely associated with the Bloody Mary cocktail, known here as the “Red Snapper,” and its mural by artist Maxfield Parrish remains one of the city’s most recognized bar artworks.

The St. Regis also curates a significant art collection throughout its common spaces, emphasizing its ties to culture as much as to lodging. Afternoon tea in the Astor Court remains a hallmark experience, recalling the elegance of turn-of-the-century New York.

2. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: Rooms With Million-Dollar Views

Steps from Central Park South, The Ritz-Carlton blends townhouse-inspired interiors with the service standards that have long defined the brand. Guest rooms and suites often frame direct views of the park, giving visitors a sense of escape within the heart of Manhattan. Interiors were refreshed in recent years with custom furnishings that reference New York brownstones and Central Park’s seasonal color palette.

The hotel includes a spa with La Prairie treatments, a fitness center, and Contour, its gastro-lounge designed for both casual and fine dining. Its club lounge offers curated culinary presentations throughout the day and personalized concierge service. For many travelers, the proximity to the park, museums, and shopping along Fifth Avenue positions this property as both urban retreat and gateway to cultural exploration.

3. The Plaza Hotel: Iconic Luxury on Fifth Avenue

The Plaza opened in 1907 and quickly became a symbol of high society. Designed in French Renaissance style, its white marble façade and copper mansard roof make it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark. After a major renovation in the early 2000s, The Plaza today houses both hotel rooms and private residences.

The Palm Court, with its stained-glass dome and lush greenery, remains one of the city’s signature afternoon tea venues. The Plaza has appeared in numerous films, from North by Northwest to Home Alone 2, and in children’s literature through the character Eloise. Guests encounter interiors decorated with crystal chandeliers, gilded moldings, and marble corridors that reflect more than a century of luxury tradition.

4. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown: Modern Sophistication in Lower Manhattan

Located in Lower Manhattan’s 30 Park Place, the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown opened in 2016. Architect Robert A.M. Stern designed the limestone tower, which combines private residences on upper floors with hotel operations below.

The result is a modern addition to the Financial District skyline. Interiors by Yabu Pushelberg emphasize muted tones, natural materials, and clean lines that contrast with the district’s historic architecture.

Amenities include a spa with a 75-foot swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and Wolfgang Puck’s CUT steakhouse, his first restaurant in New York. Many suites overlook landmarks such as the World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge.

The hotel has become a symbol of Downtown’s transformation into a hub not only for business but also for leisure travelers seeking cultural and culinary access in the city’s southern neighborhoods.

5. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel: Art Deco Glamour on the Upper East Side

Since 1930, The Carlyle has anchored Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side. The art deco tower houses both guest rooms and private cooperative apartments, giving it a reputation as both hotel and residence. The Carlyle has long been associated with U.S. presidents, European royalty, and celebrities seeking discretion.

Bemelmans Bar, decorated with whimsical murals painted by Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelmans in the 1940s, remains one of the city’s most atmospheric lounges. Café Carlyle, an intimate supper club, has hosted cabaret and jazz legends for decades, including Bobby Short and Woody Allen’s small-ensemble jazz performances.

Today, Dowling’s at The Carlyle continues the tradition of fine dining, while the spa and Yves Durif salon offer wellness and grooming in line with the hotel’s reputation for refinement. Its combination of privacy and cultural presence makes it one of the city’s most storied properties.

6. Mandarin Oriental, New York: Skyline Views Above Columbus Circle

Occupying the upper floors of the Time Warner Center, the Mandarin Oriental rises above Columbus Circle and offers sweeping views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and Midtown. Guest rooms and suites span the 35th to 54th floors, with floor-to-ceiling windows that transform the city into a living backdrop.

The 14,500-square-foot spa incorporates Eastern traditions with New York sensibilities, offering specialized treatments and private spa suites. The lobby on the 36th floor features a dramatic wall of windows overlooking Central Park and décor inspired by traditional Asian lacquerwork.

Dining at MO Lounge emphasizes Asian-influenced menus and creative cocktails set against panoramic views that shift dramatically from day to night. For many travelers, the property combines location, service, and design in a way few hotels in the city can replicate.

7. Park Hyatt New York: Contemporary Luxury Steps From Carnegie Hall

Opened in 2014, Park Hyatt New York occupies the lower floors of One57, one of Manhattan’s most notable “supertall” residential towers. Its location across from Carnegie Hall places it at the center of Midtown’s cultural life.

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, interiors use natural stone, warm woods, and neutral palettes to create a serene contrast with the bustle of Midtown.

Rooms are unusually spacious by New York standards and feature high ceilings and large windows. The hotel’s spa and fitness center are complemented by a swimming pool that plays underwater recordings of live Carnegie Hall performances, directly connecting the hotel to its neighbor.

Park Hyatt New York also maintains a substantial contemporary art collection displayed throughout its public spaces, making the property as much cultural venue as luxury hotel.

8. Baccarat Hotel New York: Crystal-Inspired Opulence

Opened in 2015 across from the Museum of Modern Art, Baccarat Hotel New York extends the French crystal house’s 250-year heritage into hospitality. The interiors display over 17,000 pieces of Baccarat crystal, from chandeliers to glassware, making design the central narrative of the hotel experience.

The Grand Salon, with its mirrored walls and crimson seating, evokes a Parisian atmosphere, while the bar showcases rare crystal from Baccarat’s archives. Guest rooms incorporate Baccarat sconces, fine linens, and marble bathrooms, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on artistry. A spa, pool, and curated dining venues create a retreat that feels distinctively French in style while fully integrated into Manhattan’s cultural core.