The best hotels in New York City

• New York has slowly started phased reopening following the lockdown due to the novel coronavirus. Many hotels that shuttered their doors at the start of the pandemic have reopened with enhanced cleaning procedures in place. 
• For those looking to plan a future trip, there are hundreds of hotels in New York City from Manhattan to Brooklyn and other boroughs in between, ranging from sparse, budget-friendly accommodations to ultra-indulgent suites.
• To help narrow the field and highlight the best affordable, high-end hotels in New York in 2020, the Insider Reviews travel team hit the New York City streets to stay at, tour, and research the city's top-rated hotels to determine which are worth your hard-earned money and time off.
• We also scoured reviews and guest feedback, to highlight what makes each place great, where some have room for improvement, and insider tips on special requests you should make to ensure the best stay possible. Pricing reflects many budgets, from micro rooms from $107 to five-star suites for $500.
• Read more: Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in

Following lockdowns due to the novel coronavirus, New York has begun slowly reopening and just entered Phase 3. Many hotels have reopened their doors to guests, but now with enhanced cleaning policies in place. If you're wondering if it's safe to travel right now, we talked to experts about the risks of travel and the necessary precautions you should take when flying, driving, and yes, staying at a hotel. 

Keep in mind that hotels have common spaces where you're likely to run into other guests and places like check-in desks can be potential problem areas. We've noted new cleaning policies where applicable below, but for any hotels you may be considering, it's worth reading up on their specific policies yourself to ensure they are enforcing social distancing, having staff wear masks, and offering self check-ins to minimize contact. You may also want to consider home rental companies where you can book an entire private home and minimize interactions with others.  

Of course, without a vaccine, there's no guarantee of safety even if you take the proper precautions. We always recommend following guidelines from organizations like the CDC and WHO, wearing a mask in public, using hand sanitizer, and practicing social distancing. Before making any travel plans you should also consider your own health risks, as well as those of others in the location you're traveling to.  

All that said, if you are planning a trip to New York now or in the future, there's no shortage of hotels to choose from. As a longtime New Yorker, when friends and family come to visit, I'm often asked, "where should I stay?"

It's a loaded question. The city is filled with so many great hotels throughout many neighborhoods and boroughs, from old-school luxury in Manhattan to contemporary boutiques in Brooklyn dripping in neighborhood charm. The big brand names all have flagships, and cheap (and some not-so-cheap) micro hotels are rapidly popping up in a bid to make bunk beds chic. 

Much like the city itself, there's something for everyone based on what you like and how much you're willing to spend. 

Need more New York hotel inspiration? Click on a link below to jump directly to all our coverage of the best hotels in New York City. 

• The best luxury hotels in New York City
• The best boutique hotels in New York City
• The best affordable hotels in New York City

To help narrow the field and highlight the best New York hotels to book in 2020, the Insider Reviews travel team hit the New York streets to stay at, tour, and research the city's top-rated hotels to determine which are not only worth your hard-earned money, but sacred PTO. Prices are based on the lowest rates available at the time of publishing.

Every hotel was personally reviewed, vetted, and selected based on the following criteria: 

• Hotels located in New York City, with a primary focus on Manhattan and Brooklyn, and are considered a four- or five-star hotel, for an elevated experience that won't disappoint, or a three-star that's a total standout.
• Holds a Trip Advisor rating of four or above, as many tourists check and use it.
• It is typically priced between $150 to $500 per night, a common range in New York depending on the time of year and advance booking. While that higher-end might seem, well, high, it's not uncommon in New York in popular seasons or for those seeking a luxury property.
• Boasts amenities and features that are visually interesting with unique design, architecture, food, or other experiential elements that add value. 
• Meet our high standard — we don't recommend hotels just because others have, but because we think they truly are the best. We're hard-to-impress New Yorkers, after all.

Keep reading to see why we were so impressed by these New York City hotels, sorted by price from low to high.

Ace Hotel New York

Book Ace Hotel New York starting at $109 per night

Ace Hotels have long established themselves as the cool kid, operating in hip cities like Portland, Palm Springs, Seattle and more. It's the hipster, in hotel form.

The New York location has moody lighting, minimal rooms, and decor inspired by art and rock music. But it's not all hype. We'd recommend Ace to anyone who wants to feel like one of the cool local kids spread out on the lobby's leather sofas to co-work. Except unlike most of them, you'll get to actually go upstairs and spend the night. Choose a small or bunk bed room and you might even land it for well under $200 per night.

Pros: The Ace brand cool factor, a NoMad location, and on-site stores and eateries that are so good, you might not want to leave the property.

Cons: Some rooms show wear and tear and the lobby can feel crowded.

COVID-19 procedures: The Ace Hotel has implemented new policies that include:

• All staff and guests must wear face coverings in public areas and masks are available for guests.
• Implementing deep cleaning and sanitation of public spaces on an hourly schedule.
• Guest rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and then sealed for your safety for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the next guest arrival to allow for proper deep cleaning.
•  Limiting the number of reservations and safely distancing occupied rooms.
• Read more here.

Read Business Insider's full hotel review of Ace New York

Arlo SoHo

Book Arlo SoHo starting at $115 per night

Arlo SoHo seeks to popularize the trend of micro hotels with sleek, tiny rooms measuring barely 150 square feet. And we mean tiny. You can likely reach the bathroom from your bed, and there's little by way of privacy.

But, what it lacks in size, Arlo makes up for with bustling common spaces including four bars, an on-site restaurant, co-working space, rooftop lounge, and a seasonal Instagrammable courtyard. It starts at just $115, which a great deal for typically expensive SoHo.

Pros: Cheap room prices and cool SoHo location.

Cons: The room sizes can feel shockingly small and bathrooms lack privacy.

COVID-19 procedures: All Arlo hotels have a Rest Assured policy that includes:

• Mobile check-in/check-out via the Arlo app.
• Housekeeping services will only be provided upon request in stay-over rooms.
• Guest rooms will remain vacant a minimum of 24 hours.
• Clorox360 Antimicrobial fogging sanitizing & cleaning system will be used in all guest rooms just prior to releasing the rooms for sale.
• Read more here. 

Read Business Insider's full hotel review of Arlo SoHo

Moxy East Village

Book Moxy East Village starting at $116 per night

Marriott's newer outpost in the East Village is a four-star boutique hotel themed after the neighborhood's vibrant local scene. There are clear nods to rock and roll, street art, and other East Village countercultures.

As part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, Moxy East Village is great if you want to earn or redeem points during your stay. Rooms are small, but with a starting price of $116 midweek, it's a great deal. Rooms are comfortable, common areas are fun, and the location is pretty great.

Pros: Marriott Bonvoy earning potential, cool Moxy brand clout, and East Village location.

Cons: Room rates can seem expensive considering many rooms are on the smaller side.

COVID-19 procedures: Moxy is part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand and will be following Marriott's new 'Global Cleanliness Council' policies that include:

• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes. 
• Surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning is done with increased frequency. 
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Added partitions at front desks provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates.
• More hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
• Read more here.

Read Business Insider's full review of Moxy East Village

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