CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER – 31 BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN NYC

The best boutique hotels in New York City are not just any place to sleep—they’re stylish, small-scale stays with character. Unlike the standardization of mega-properties, boutique hotels—much like NYC’s most beloved hot spots—stand out through bold individuality and design. Whether it’s thoughtful small touches and top-tier amenities, or full-on maximalist flair and a fun lobby bar, each of these stays offers a unique lens into the city’s energy, as well as access to the neighborhood in which they reside.

Boutique hotels were practically invented in NYC in the 1980s—a movement widely credited to Studio 54’s Ian Schrager. His since-closed Morgans Hotel in Midtown is considered the world’s first boutique hotel—vibe-y, intimate, and nothing like what came before it. To be defined as a boutique hotel, properties typically have 120 rooms or fewer and a strong, focused design identity. That spirit lives on today, with independent hotels across all five boroughs—from Manhattan mainstays to stylish outposts in Brooklyn and beyond. On the forefront this year are The Surrey and The Mark Hotel, where heaps of celebrities recently checked in for their attendance at the Met Gala. (Not to mention, The Surrey was featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Hot List.)

For out-of-towners and staycationers alike, read on to see 31 of the best boutique hotels in New York City—where no two stays are ever the same.

The Wall Street Hotel

Location: Financial District
Top amenities: Rooftop bar with events, gym, in-room dining
Best for: Timeless elegance and business travelers

In a part of the city often overlooked by travelers—at least when it comes to choosing a home-base—The Wall Street Hotel is a unique boutique stay in downtown Manhattan whose interiors nod to the area’s history and beaux-arts buildings. The Wall Street Hotel is not only an addition to the existing landscape, but it also provides a great reason to reconsider Wall Street as your landing pad for a trip to the city. Nearly every train runs through the nearby Fulton center, meaning easy access to just about anywhere in Manhattan (Brooklyn is just a couple stops away, as is Jersey). The neighborhood is jam-packed with history dating back to the 17th century, and a little Googling or a great tour guide can help pull stories out of the landmark buildings in the neighborhood (George Washington hung out at nearby Fraunces Tavern, to give you an idea).