New York is packed with must-see sights, from the blaring marquees of Broadway to the Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, and even Coney Island. However, there are few landmarks in the city that have captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors like the Empire State Building. In fact, the legendary skyscraper just might be one of the things that tourists and locals both agree on as something that makes New York City a truly special place. However, getting a great view of the tower is not as easy as it might sound in New York's densely packed cityscape. Luckily, we've visited hundreds of NYC hotels and found 10 that not only offer great Empire State Building views from rooftop terraces, restaurants, bars, and even some rooms, but also provide some pretty nice places to spend your hard-earned vacation days in the city that never sleeps.
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1. The Archer
Sharp and sophisticated, The Archer is one of our favorite upscale hotels in Midtown Manhattan. It has plenty of boutique-inspired style, with fresh and bright interiors that help make the tiny rooms feel just a bit larger. Charlie Palmer Steak slings well-liked grill fare, while the rooftop bar — Spyglass — draws hotel visitors, locals, and tourists alike. That’s because the city skyline views here — with the Empire State Building as the centerpiece — cannot be beat. All in all, this hotel is a chic place to bed down, with just the right amount of thoughtful extras, like free gym passes and seasonal treats during nightly turndown service.
2. Hotel Metro
This mid-range option also happens to be one of our favorite picks when it comes to scoring a bargain in Manhattan. Will you find yourself pampered with luxe bath products and surrounded by cutting-edge local art? No. But this hotel’s classic, slightly old-school style certainly doesn’t offend. And when you add its prime location and neck-breaking Empire State Building views to the mix, there’s a lot to like about the Hotel Metro. To get those picture-perfect snapshots of New York’s most famous landmark, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar. Just be sure that you’re in town during the summer, as the bar is only open seasonally.
3. Gansevoort Park Avenue
While party-hard types have flocked to this hotel’s sister property in the boozy Meatpacking District for years, the Gansevoort Park Avenue is a tad more mannered. Rooms here have a fresh and trendy look that’s 100 percent on brand for the Gansevoort properties. The Park Avenue outpost is also packed with some surprising features for a Midtown hotel. These include a buzzy rooftop terrace and multiple other in-hotel dining and drinking venues, plus a spa and salon. It still has some of the same party vibe for which the original Gansevoort is known, but the pool is the real jewel in this hotel’s crown. The views of the Empire State Building on a sunny, hot day from a poolside lounger can’t be beat.
4. Broadway Plaza Hotel
Reasonable prices and modern style aren’t frequently found in one package in New York City, but the Broadway Plaza Hotel has some of the freshest rooms that we’ve seen at a palatable price point. You’ll also score a free breakfast with nightly rates, which doesn’t hurt in uber-expensive New York. Those pluses aside, it’s the view of the Empire State Building that’s the big draw here. Unlike many hotels in the city, where you have to head up to the rooftop bar for great vistas, this property offers stellar views from most of its rooms. Just be sure to check ahead about your room’s view before committing, as not all have the same privileged perch.
5. Z Hotel
Why just seek out the Empire State Building when you can have views of the building plus the entire Manhattan skyline as well? The Z Hotel, in Queens’ Long Island City neighborhood, makes almost any list of jaw-dropping New York City views. That’s because almost all of the hotel’s rooms and public spaces share envy-inducing panoramas of the city. That, of course, includes the famous Empire State Building. While some travelers might prefer an up-close-and-personal encounter with the famed skyscraper, take some sound advice from native New Yorkers. Even when the city is beating you up, snagging a glimpse of the iconic landmark lit up at night amid Manhattan’s dazzling cityscape will make you never want to leave.
6. The William Vale
The William Vale has been one of our favorite luxury hotels in New York since it opened in 2016. It’s located in trendy Williamsburg, and the interiors are tricked out with a blend of hyper-modern and retro elements. The local art and chic abundance of white details give it a look that’s timeless. In fact, the breezy architecture exudes a bit of a South Beach vibe. The property includes a stunning pool plus destination dining and drinking. The views are also unparalleled, displaying Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. The Empire State Building features largely in those views, which are especially striking from the rooftop bar, the Penthouse, and many of the hotel’s other rooms. You’ll want to be on the building’s east side for the best vantages, but keep in mind that ongoing construction in Williamsburg means the foreground won’t always be picture perfect.
7. The Standard High Line
Since it opened its doors directly over one of New York’s most Instagrammable parks — the High Line — The Standard has been luring travelers, celebrities, and happy hour-loving locals in droves. It’s a popular staycation spot for New York residents, it throws amazing parties at its two rooftop venues, and its ground-floor dining and drinking scene is always bustling. Oh, and the Whitney Museum of American Art is only a block away. Cultural and culinary pursuits aside, you’ll want to brush off your hangover or sightseeing fatigue to take in the epic views, which include the Empire State Building. Just be sure to request a room on the north side of the building to snag a glimpse of it. The alternative view is of Lower Manhattan, which is also stunning.
8. Innside New York NoMad
Sharp, simple, and savvy, the Innside New York is a deceptive three-pearl option. That’s because there’s more here than meets the eye. Rooms are compact (nothing new in space-starved NYC), but the chic style and bright decor makes them more than pleasant for a night or two. Even better, the hotel is home to upmarket dining by celebrity chef Scott Conant. The trendy location in the burgeoning NoMad neighborhood puts it near venues like the hipster-heavy Ace Hotel and boutiques like Opening Ceremony and Maison Kitsune. It’s also just far enough from the Empire State Building to have great views of it from the Terrace Suites. Or, walk about 15 minutes for a closer look at the landmark.
9. Kimpton Hotel Eventi
We love a Kimpton property. They’re sexy, chic, and stylish, and make for understated yet elegant places to get away from real life for a few days. The Eventi is no exception, and includes everything from sharp marble bathrooms to subtle artsy details. Many rooms have views of the Empire State Building (though partially obstructed by other Midtown towers), and the rooftop terrace offers a vertigo-inducing glimpse at the building’s glimmering spire.
10. Henry Norman Hotel
Once again, jumping the East River pays dividends in views. Distant views of the Empire State Building and the skyline are available from many of the rooms and lofts at the Henry Normal Hotel. The property is located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and has a calm, locals-only vibe. Interiors are sharp and simple, blending punches of bright art with homey details to create a design-conscious boutique hotel experience. Plus, extras like a simple fitness room and a sauna only sweeten the deal.
You’ll Also Like:
- New York City Travel Guide
- NYC Hotels With Amazing Rooftop Pools
- 10 Hotels With Amazing City Skyline Views
- The 12 Best Hotels Near Central Park
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