Discover our handpicked list of the most romantic hotels in New York City, from timeless icons and luxury retreats to intimate, quirky stays for couples.
Our curated picks bring romance, luxury and a little New York magic together. From iconic landmarks to intimate hideaways, these romantic hotels can make your honeymoon or romantic rendezvous in the city even more special.
The Plaza
Rich history, opulent décor, luxurious amenities and an unmistakably romantic atmosphere — this is how we would describe the iconic The Plaza, gracefully standing on Fifth Avenue since 1907.
Since its debut, The Plaza has welcomed world leaders, Broadway artists and musicians, dignitaries, business tycoons, wealthy elites and Hollywood celebrities. Its history is almost as fascinating as the hotel itself. The moment you walk through its iconic revolving doors, you feel as if you have stepped into another world.
The Plaza is a true epitome of luxury, with an interior that seems to drip with gold. From chair legs and mirror frames to bathroom faucets, 24-carat gold plating adds a lavish sparkle, while French-style furnishings and crystal chandeliers complete the grand look. The hotel has managed to preserve its timeless elegance while adding modern comforts and impeccable service.
The Grand Ballroom has hosted some spectacular weddings, including the 2000 wedding of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, and continues to attract couples planning lavish celebrations. The Beaux-Arts landmark underwent a massive $400-million renovation before reopening its 282 rooms in 2008.
And honestly, we won’t blame you if you decide not to venture out at all and simply hole up in your luxurious cave for the length of your stay.
Do make time for afternoon tea at the Palm Court, with its gorgeous garden-inspired décor, indoor palms and stained-glass dome. For something a little stronger, head to the Rose Club for cocktails and live jazz.
We won’t go into every amenity here — because you name it, and The Plaza probably has it. Its combination of old-world glamour, modern luxury and legendary service makes it a fabulous choice for couples looking for an opulent and unforgettable romantic escape in New York.
Library Hotel
“I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of Library.”
How perfectly Jorge Luis Borges captured the magic of a library. And if libraries remind you of those days when you desperately tried to catch a glimpse of your sweetheart between the bookshelves, this hotel might just speak your romantic language.
Remember peeping through gaps between books, brushing shoulders in a narrow aisle or slipping a little note into a random book for your beloved? If that still sounds like your idea of romance, Library Hotel is a place to tuck yourself away.
This bibliotheca-themed hotel feels like a magnificent library brought to life. Each of its floors represents one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal System, while its 60 intimate, residential-style rooms combine sophisticated comfort with their own mini libraries and cosy reading chairs.
The experience goes beyond the books. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning and a wine-and-cheese reception in the evening, while the Reading Room keeps coffee, tea, soft drinks, fruit, snacks and other refreshments available throughout the day.
Its Midtown Manhattan location puts you close to many of New York’s classic attractions, with several transportation hubs nearby. For beautiful city views, head up to the 14th-floor Writer’s Den and Poetry Garden.
Library Hotel brings back that wonderfully innocent kind of romance — the one that existed between books, secret glances and handwritten notes. If you are still in doubt, we say go with the old saying: “When in doubt, go to the library.”
The Greenwich Hotel
The Greenwich Hotel is an intimate romantic shelter in the heart of Tribeca, perfect for couples who want luxury without the usual New York bustle. This discreet retreat blends comfort, craftsmanship, nature and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
The hotel is popular with celebrities and has even become a second home for some of them. But its real obsession is comfort — especially a good night’s sleep. Considerable thought has gone into the beds, rooms and suites, making them wonderfully cosy places to retreat to after a day exploring New York.
The Drawing Room and open-air courtyard have the character of a beautifully decorated old-world residence, offering tranquil spaces to enjoy a drink or dine throughout the day. And then there is Shibui Spa, where couples can slow down with Japanese-inspired treatments, tea and even a morning yoga class.
But the hotel’s underground pool is perhaps its most intriguing feature. Lit by glowing lanterns, the luminous aqua-coloured pool sits beside a 250-year-old bamboo farmhouse, creating an almost otherworldly setting.
The Greenwich also takes privacy seriously. Photography is not permitted in certain open areas, including the courtyard and pool, which only adds to its discreet, intimate character.
For honeymooners looking for somewhere luxurious, private and a little mysterious, The Greenwich is a gem. And if you are still undecided, perhaps knowing that the hotel’s owner is none other than Robert De Niro might help. Are you still thinking?
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
The Beekman occupies a prestigious 1880s building that was once among New York City’s earliest skyscrapers. Today, this historic landmark has been transformed into an insanely luxurious 287-room hotel that could easily become a honeymoon destination in itself. You might even find enough reasons to stay inside all day.
Originally built as an office building in the Financial District, the property underwent a massive $500-million renovation before opening as The Beekman in 2016. Inside, vintage-inspired décor, jewel tones and aged oak floors create an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. Carrara marble bathrooms and D.S. & Durga toiletries add another layer of indulgence.
The moment you step inside, it is hard not to look around in awe. Almost every nook and corner has something beautiful to discover, but the hotel’s real architectural showstopper is its spectacular nine-storey, sky-lit atrium.
Honeymooners have plenty to enjoy without leaving the property — from cocktails on the wisteria-adorned terrace to exploring the art displayed throughout the public spaces. The Beekman feels like a little royal dreamland tucked into downtown Manhattan, where romance isn’t simply in the air; it is woven into the surroundings.
Splurge on this little slice of royal New York for an intimate and unforgettable post-nuptial escape.
The Lowell Hotel
The Lowell Hotel is a true “home away from home,” tucked away on a quiet block of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Family-owned and inspired by Parisian elegance, this intimate retreat blends old-world sophistication with the warmth and comfort of a private residence.
The 70 rooms and suites are filled with European charm, featuring silk drapes, oak floors, canopy or four-poster beds, beautiful wallpapers and marble bathrooms. Some even come with wood-burning fireplaces — perfect for creating that cosy, romantic mood.
The Lowell is approaching its centenary in 2027, and over the decades it has welcomed writers, musicians, movie stars and politicians. It has even found its way into novels and plays. But what makes the hotel particularly special is the personal attention given to its guests.
Once you book your stay, the hotel’s relationship team reaches out to get to know you before you arrive. The concierge team goes beyond the usual recommendations, helping guests discover hidden corners of the Big Apple and even assisting with shopping, restaurant plans and customised days around the city.
Art is everywhere too, from paintings and sculptural pieces to carefully chosen décor. Yet despite all the sophistication, The Lowell never feels cold or overly formal. It has managed to preserve the feeling of an intimate family home while offering the refined service of a luxury hotel.
For couples looking for a quieter, more personal honeymoon escape, The Lowell is a charming tour de force that has spent nearly a century perfecting the art of gracious hospitality.
The Whitby Hotel
Thanks to British hoteliers Tim and Kit Kemp, New York City has its own lively little slice of Britain at The Whitby Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. With 86 individually designed rooms and suites, this colourful boutique hotel is a playful choice for couples beginning their newly redefined life together.
Kit Kemp’s signature style is everywhere. Her belief that every space should feel alive turns the hotel into something more than a place to sleep. Vivid colours, quirky fabrics, striking artwork and unusual furniture make the interiors feel as though every room has its own little story to tell. Some of the furniture and fabrics were even designed by Kemp herself.
Staying here can feel a little like stepping into a whimsical British town — only with Manhattan outside your window. The lobby and bar feature eye-catching works of art, while carefully selected sculptures and textiles add to the hotel’s wonderfully eclectic personality.
Some rooms come with private balconies, offering couples a lovely spot to sip morning coffee while looking out over the Manhattan skyline. For breakfast, the light-filled Orangery has the relaxed charm of a French-style restaurant and makes a beautiful start to the day.
The Whitby isn’t about traditional, predictable romance. It is colourful, playful and wonderfully quirky — a place where art, design and personality come together to create an intimate setting for honeymooners.
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel
The Pierre has graced the corner of East 61st Street and Fifth Avenue for nearly nine decades, its distinctive dual entrances and separate lobbies adding to its grand presence. This 41-storey architectural marvel was inspired by the Royal Chapel at Versailles and designed by the renowned architectural firm Schultze and Weaver. Since opening its doors in the 1930s, The Pierre has welcomed movie stars, foreign dignitaries and some of New York’s most glamorous gatherings.
Its 189 meticulously appointed rooms maintain a majestic old-world character, with high ceilings, opening windows — a rare luxury in modern hotels — and independent heating and cooling systems. Nail-head trimmed headboards, Turkish marble bathrooms and elaborately patterned fabrics add sophisticated touches without taking away from the hotel’s timeless personality.
The Pierre’s neo-Georgian architecture makes it one of the most visually striking hotels in New York. Inside, you will find chequered marble floors, a magnificent ballroom with stately staircases and a beautiful rotunda decorated with ornate murals hand-painted by American artist Edward Melcarth.
The service is just as memorable. Staff are known for thoughtful touches, including the charming option of arranging a picnic complete with Champagne. Even after a $100-million renovation, The Pierre has carefully retained its signature architectural character. Its grey-and-white tower, topped by a steep copper roof, still stands proudly against the Manhattan skyline.
With its long history of spectacular parties, weddings and grand balls, The Pierre knows a thing or two about romance. Add elegant lounges, bars and private dining to the mix, and you have a palace-like retreat for couples who want to snuggle into a little piece of old New York.
Mandarin Oriental New York
If you and your honey dream of a honeymoon surrounded by sleek, contemporary luxury, Mandarin Oriental New York could be your perfect match. This ultra-urban oasis blends modern design with subtle Oriental touches, while its floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Hudson River and Central Park.
The 244 guest rooms are elegantly dressed with art, silk drapes, Italian linens and Diptyque bath products, creating a polished yet comfortable retreat high above the city. Couples can dine at MO Lounge or enjoy a more private meal in the intimacy of their room.
The hotel’s spa is a major attraction and was the city’s only Forbes Five-Star spa at the time of our research, offering signature massages and treatments designed to help you completely switch off. An Oriental tea lounge, fitness centre and serene pool provide even more ways to slow down between your New York adventures.
Silk-upholstered walls, circular sofas and rich gold tones add warmth to the contemporary interiors. And with the city spread out below you, it is easy to imagine lingering here a little longer than planned.
For couples who prefer modern romance over old-world grandeur, Mandarin Oriental offers plenty of opportunities to relax, reconnect and simply enjoy being together in the heart of Manhattan.
Knickerbocker Hotel, Times Square
Few New York hotels have a history quite as colourful as the Knickerbocker Hotel. This Beaux-Arts landmark opened in 1906 as a glamorous celebrity hotel but closed soon afterwards amid rumours of rather naughty behaviour. And if you choose to believe one of New York City’s favourite stories, the Knickerbocker is also where the famous Martini cocktail was born.
After almost 90 years away, the hotel reopened in 2015 and returned to one of the city’s most exciting addresses, between Broadway and Bryant Park and overlooking Times Square.
The meticulously renovated property combines its historic façade with contemporary interiors across 330 spacious rooms and suites. But the real showstopper is the 7,000-square-foot St. Cloud rooftop bar, sitting close to the New Year’s Eve Ball and offering spectacular views across the Manhattan skyline.
The red-brick and terra-cotta façade draws you in, while inside, the atmosphere feels stylish, lively and unmistakably New York. Celebrity chef Charlie Palmer brings his culinary expertise to Charlie Palmer at The Knick, adding another reason to stay in for dinner.
There is also a fitness centre, while in-room treatments offer a little relaxation even though the hotel does not have a full spa or pool.
For honeymooners who want their romance with a generous dose of New York energy, the Knickerbocker is a fun choice. Here, you can step outside and straight into the buzz of Times Square — or retreat upstairs for cocktails and skyline views.
The St. Regis New York
Our final addition to this list perfectly complements the idea of experiencing old New York charm on an indulgent honeymoon. The St. Regis New York has stood on Fifth Avenue since 1904, establishing itself as one of Manhattan’s grand luxury hotels and gracefully carrying its heritage into the modern era.
The French Beaux-Arts hotel features 171 rooms and 67 suites decorated with crystal and gold-toned chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, silk wall hangings and drapes, antique furniture and marble bathrooms. And what could feel more indulgent than having your own private butler throughout your stay?
The details are delightful. Enormous floral arrangements welcome guests in the lobby, textured fabric walls are decorated with art and photography, and a magnificent golden entrance leads towards elegant marble interiors. Every room and suite has its own colour palette, from understated neutrals to richer combinations of upholstery and silk.
The public spaces are equally regal, including the rooftop ballroom with sweeping views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline. Wherever you look, there is a little glimpse of another era.
Step through the grand golden doors of the St. Regis and you may feel as though you have been transported to a more glamorous New York. For dining, the King Cole Bar & Salon offers globally inspired cuisine, while the Remède Spa provides personalised treatments for a little pampering.
If your idea of romance involves European elegance, old-world glamour and being treated like royalty, The St. Regis knows exactly how to deliver it.
A Little New York Romance
New York has no shortage of beautiful hotels, but the ones on our list offer something beyond a luxurious room and a good address. Some take you back to the glamour of old New York, some surround you with art and design, while others give you the privacy and intimacy that couples crave.
So pick your favourite, pack your bags and let New York take care of the rest.
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