Best Honeymoon Hotels in New York

Beautiful views over Central Park, white-glove butler service upon request, Guerlain Spa and Warren Tricomi hair salon on-site

If you’ve only heard of one hotel in New York City, chances are, it’s The Plaza. Since opening its doors over 100 years ago, this iconic building on the corner of Central Park has played host to royalty, heads of state, and major pop icons like The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. Its public spaces, especially The Palm Court, are also some of the most elegant and famed in NYC, making it an especially fun choice for those looking for a proper Big Apple honeymoon.

Apart from its storied history, this hotel wins our top award for a few reasons. First and perhaps most important, the service. The staff here is dedicated, friendly, and always willing to help make your trip to the city as memorable and easy as possible. We also love the classic and elegant rooms, with high-end touches like marble vanities, soaking tubs, and – even in the smallest room category – enough room for a sitting area. With its location on Central Park South, it’s also an easy trip to all the museums of the Upper East Side and the world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue.

Many comfortable common spaces, multiple in-house restaurants and bars, 24-hour fitness center

New York City is known for its superlatives — the best food, the best art museums, the best shopping — and unfortunately, one of these is most expensive hotel rooms. But luckily, there are still affordable options that aren’t located at the far reaches of the boroughs, and are charming enough for a honeymoon. Our favorite hotel that ticks these boxes is the centrally located Freehand Hotel, which boasts incredibly photogenic decor from design world powerhouse Roman and Williams.

In addition to its chic looks and stellar location in the Flatiron neighborhood, the hotel itself has so many bar and restaurant options, we wouldn’t blame you if you spent a whole day just exploring those. Latin American spot Comodo has quickly become one of the city’s buzziest tables, while rooftop bar Broken Shaker has been voted Best American Hotel Bar by Tales of the Cocktail. Considering all of this comes with a room price hundreds less than other hotels nearby, The Freehand is an absolute steal.

Indoor pool; large, wraparound terrace; three-story spa

After years of anticipation, Aman New York finally opened this summer, inside the completely redesigned Crown Building in Midtown. And while many New Yorkers are quite curious to see the stunning interiors, that is a pleasure reserved for the lucky few who can snag one of the 83 suites at the hotel. Those who don’t mind shelling out a considerable sum are treated to a soaring, double-height atrium; large, wraparound terrace high above the bustle of Fifth Avenue, and two restaurants reserved exclusively for those staying or living at the hotel. 

Perhaps the hotel’s biggest selling point are the rooms, though, which are enormous by New York standards. Each is equipped with a functioning fireplace (a first for an NYC hotel), large soaking tub, and washi paper and ink art murals on the walls. And while the rooms are pin-drop quiet and very zen, we also recommend a trip to the soothing three-floor Aman Spa, which boasts everything from New York’s most beautiful indoor hotel pool to private Spa Houses with double treatment rooms.

Indoor pool, famed Shibui Spa, Savoir beds in the guest rooms

Not only does this quietly elegant downtown hotel have one of the best hotel spas in New York, it boasts one of the best spas in the city, period. Both Greenwich Hotel guests and New Yorkers flock to Shibui Spa, a tranquil and elevated space that includes a heated, indoor pool, relaxation lounge, traditional Japanese soaking tubs, and steam and rain showers. Treatments include everything from oxygen facials to full body exfoliation to onsen bathing rituals.

And while we wouldn’t blame you if you spent your entire honeymoon in this superb spa, the whole of the hotel is worth exploring. Definitely don’t miss a meal (or three) at Locanda Verde, chef Andrew Carmellini’s hearty Italian restaurant, or a drink at the guests-only, relaxed Drawing Room bar. And we must give special props to the staff here, who are known throughout the city for their unobtrusive, yet rigorous dedication to guests.

On-site restaurant Perrine, traditional elevator operators, Suite Reyard on-site salon

Although just a few blocks from the frenzy of Midtown, The Pierre’s location at the southern end of the Upper East Side is calm, elegant, and so New York. And the only thing better than strolling along Central Park as you return to the hotel? The magnificent views of the Park and the city skyline from your room. For the most frame-worthy sights, book a Park Suite or The Charles Pierre; they have some of the best vantage points of the trees of Central Park or the city’s glittering skyscrapers.

Apart from the views, if you’re looking for that classic, old-school New York honeymoon, then there is no better spot to book than this grande dame, which has served as host to world-famous luminaries since opening in 1930. Known for its exceptionally on-the-ball and caring staff, The Pierre makes all guests feel pampered, regardless of if you’re a visiting dignitary or not.

Rooftop pool, Bamford Wellness Spa, large gym

If staying in the heart of Time Square or Midtown feels too overwhelming, but you’re still looking for that iconic New York City view, we recommend crossing the East River for a stay in Brooklyn. No hotel in the borough boasts a better sightline of the skyscrapers, water, and the Brooklyn Bridge than the aptly named 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Dumbo, this hotel is as chic as its surroundings, with features like a swank rooftop pool, farm-to-table food at The Osprey restaurant, and cocktail bar Harriet’s Lounge (which has incredible views of the bridge). 

75-foot lap pool, organic spa and bath amenities, gym

While not located in a traditional hotbed of high-end hotels, New York’s downtown Four Seasons is absolutely a destination hotel for any couple whose love of food rivals their love for each other. Apart from buzzy steakhouse Cut on the first floor of the hotel, the hotel's new restaurant-in-room service is a clever way to try some of the city’s top spots without ever having to leave the comfort of your king-sized bed. The program, which launched in June, features a selection of famed chefs and restaurants (think Danny Meyer, or Stefano Secchi of Rezdôra) who have created a special menu just for hotel guests.

Of course, being a Four Seasons, the hotel has more to offer than just great room service. The spa here is one of the best in the city, and the rooms are relatively big for their downtown location. We specially love the Gotham Terrace Suite, which comes with a lovely outdoor area, for honeymooners.

Yves Durif salon, 24-hour gym, Valmont Spa

Built in 1930, this quietly sophisticated hotel on Madison Avenue has long been the choice of understated travelers. It is a true neighborhood hotel, in the sense that many who patronize its restaurants and bars are locals who feel a real sense of pride in how well-respected the Carlyle is. It also lends a more laid-back and fun vibe to its famed venues: Dowling’s at the Carlyle restaurant, Bemelmans Bar, and Cafe Carlyle.

Bemelmans is one of the few New York establishments that has been perennially cool since its opening in 1947, but post-pandemic has seen an even bigger resurgence as one of the city’s most beloved watering holes. It’s an ideal place to toast to your new marriage, and we won’t lie, the people watching is also fantastic. For something a bit more out of the ordinary, make sure you book a night at Cafe Carlyle, a cabaret and supper club venue that often plays host to Broadway greats. Dowling’s, the newest addition to the hotel, has already developed legions of fans; we’re especially enamored of the lemon-ricotta pancakes at breakfast.

 Guest-only drawing room, screening room, private garden

While the majority of New York’s premier hotels are scattered in more northern neighborhoods, there are few areas more fun and lively than Crosby Street, where, naturally, Crosby Street Hotel is located. We’d recommend the hotel based on its excellent Soho address alone, but what makes this Firmdale Hotel stand out is the inventive and stunning interior design — courtesy of the hotel’s co-owner, creative director and interior designer Kit Kemp. The British designer brings a bit of London to New York with this project through her savvy use of printed wallpaper, bright color palettes, and an impressive art collection. And while many of the rooms and suites are unique and photogenic in their decor, we think the Meadow Suite, with its covetable outdoor garden, is the perfect pick for honeymooners.

Make sure to have a drink or two in The Crosby Bar, which also serves British-style tea all day long.