Finding a good place to stay in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart.
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New York City’s hustle starts even before you visit the city.
If you want to find a hotel that offers solid amenities and won’t break the bank, you need advice, some research skills, and plenty of patience.
That’s doubly true now that the city has changed the rules related to short-term rentals; platforms like Airbnb and VRB haven’t yet recalibrated since the change in policy.
What does that mean for your trip to NYC? You’re going to be shopping around primarily for hotels.
Unfortunately, most hotels aren’t nearly as affordable as vacation rentals. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, so long as you know which hotels are worth your money.
Along with location and amenities, you should be worried about getting a great view. For me, views are deceptively important. The bigger the city, the bigger the view should be.
Views will hold you over as you recover from a long day running around the city. If you’re too tired to go out, you can kick back with a drink in hand while you soak up the Manhattan skyline.
As one of the world’s most iconic urban landscapes, visitors around the city pay good money to visit cocktail lounges, restaurants, and other locations with views.
But if you play your cards right, you have them back at your hotel.
Looking for fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline? Start with these hotels. They’ve got top-tier views that let you get more out of your trip to New York City—even during your downtime.
Disclaimer: Visitors have two ways to see the Manhattan skyline, either from New Jersey or from Brooklyn and Queens. Both are great options, but I’m sticking to BK and Queens this time around.
- Looking for affordable rentals, instead? Start here.
- What about the coolest tours in the city? Go here.
Best Brooklyn hotels with a view of the Manhattan skyline
Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Downtown Brooklyn
This five-star selection is the dreamiest option for visitors who want total views of the Manhattan Skyline—and the Brooklyn Bridge.
It’s a five-star selection, so be prepared to fork over thousands. That being said, there are multiple high-level amenities that make this worth the price tag for those who can splurge. As in, a stylish rooftop pool and an on-site restaurant with panoramic views.
The Box House Hotel, Greenpoint
This trendy hotel is located in the hyper-cool neighborhood of Greenpoint, putting right you into Brooklyn’s hippest streets.
Along with art-filled rooms and suites, guests also have access to a rooftop with stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan Skyline. Some rooms also have views, so be sure to ask for one when booking.
And if you want my opinion, Greenpoint and Long Island City (below, in Queens) are the best places for that view.
The William Vale Hotel
If you’ve visited Brooklyn over the last decade, you’ve probably heard someone talking about the William Vale Hotel. It’s one of the starkest impressions in the Williamsburg skyline, commanding attention thanks to its modern, brutalist structure.
Inside is a luxury hotel—and it’s got great views. Once again, be sure to request rooms that showcase the Manhattan skyline, as not all have them. Or head to the rooftop bar and lounge to have a drink while soaking up the sunset.
(I’ve been up there before—it’s absolutely worth a visit, even if you don’t stay at the William Vale.)
The Hoxton
This is another Williamsburg selection, which puts you smack in the center of Brooklyn’s most famous neighborhood. The Hoxton is a seamless extension of the world you’ll find outside its doors.
It’s trendy, hyper-chic, and fresh in all the right ways. Once again, request rooms with a view of the skyline or pick a time to soak up the views at the on-site restaurant and bars.
Arlo Williamsburg
I’m rounding off my Brooklyn suggestions with another five-star hotel. The Arlo Williamsburg goes above and beyond to showcase its Manhattan skyline views, including from its suites, rooftop pool, lounge, and terraces. It’s not quite as chic as Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, in my opinion, but I think it leverages its views in a more consistent and commanding way.
Best Queens hotels with a view of the Manhattan skyline
Boro Hotel
Long Island City (in Queens) gives you the best of many worlds. It’s a transportation hub that can take you into Manhattan, Brooklyn, and deeper into Queens and Long Island.
That means you’ll be paying less to lodge in Long Island City without being stranded far away from the action. On top of that, Boro Hotel offers beautiful views of the skyline straight from many of its rooms—and its layout is designed to maximize the vistas.
LIC hotel
LIC takes its name from Long Island City, the same neighborhood discussed above. Again, it’s not central, but it won’t take you long to get where you want to go from here.
The LIC Hotel is a more basic three-star selection that lets you comfortably relax and recharge after a long day. Though it doesn’t look like many rooms have a skyline view, there’s a massive rooftop where you can hang out and soak up the sights.
Ravel Hotel Trademark Collection
This sleek and modern hotel offers all the necessary amenities that visitors need—with some extra flash and panache. Its bathrooms are particularly beautiful for anyone who enjoys high design.
Once more, request a room that features the Manhattan Skyline. That’s particularly important here as it doesn’t look like there’s a rooftop where you can kick back to soak up the views.
