Remember me
New York has a renowned passion for creativity, and I found that many of its places to stay were nothing short of spectacular. During my time living in this high-octane city, I discovered everything from quirky boutique hideaways to fun party hotels – here are my favorite unique spots…
1. Hotel on Rivington
Outside, this boutique hotel was housed in a very photogenic sleek glass tower and inside I gawped at wraparound windows, and seriously epic Manhattan skyline views – I liked its clever fusion of Lower East Side grit and modern luxury.
My indulgent crash pad (a King Studio) came with a Tempur-Pedic bed in Frette linens, hardwood floors, and a spa-style bathroom complete with Davines toiletries — it was definitely quite an experience showering in the corner glass stall while I watched the city lights below (just not ideal for shy types)!
I sipped a Matcha-infused Green Kimono in the rooftop bar, grabbed Avocado & Tofu Breakfast Wraps each morning, and chowed down on Truffle Edamame Dumplings and daiginjo sake at Kin Gin restaurant. I liked its trendy Lower East Side as Katz’s Deli became my new favorite hang-out!
My personal highlights…
Alternating between heavenly strawberry oat milk pancakes at the onsite cafe and comforting Noodle Kugels at Katz Deli each morning!Address: 107 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
2. Moxy NYC Chelsea
I stayed at this budget-friendly 4-star boutique hotel in Manhattan’s Flower District and totally fell for its striking industrial-chic design, rooftop bar, and lobby that also doubled as a unique botanical oasis.
The slim 35-storey concrete-and-glass tower rose 420 ft above 28th Street, and when I walked inside I found lashings of whimsical floral touches — pressed flower art, kitsch wallpaper, and cheeky neon signs. It had a fun and energetic atmosphere but it wasn’t pretentious at all.
Floor-to-ceiling glass, Netflix, purified air, and a walk-in rain shower set the scene — but dialing that retro rotary phone for a wake-up call was the real fun experience for me! I gazed in awe at Empire State views, devoured Peach & Corn Panzanella, danced through drag bingo and DJ nights, and explored the cool cafés right outside, just expect weekends to be noisy!
Address: 105 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
My highlights…
3. YOTEL
My IG gallery photo of the New York skyline taken from the Empire State Building – it was just a 20 minute walk away from my Yotel base!
It was a blast staying at this tech-forward Midtown 4-star urban hotel. With its very modern, space-saving “cabins” and futuristic touches like the robotic luggage concierge, YOBOT — it was simple but fun, buzzy, and very tech-savvy too!
Opting for the Premium Queen Cabin was a good choice for a design geek like me – it was compact but had spaceship-style décor with glossy white panels, purple mood lighting, and modular furnishings. I played around with the adjustable SmartBed™, mood settings and enjoyed the glass-enclosed monsoon shower stocked with luxury Urban Jungle toiletries.
From speedy kiosk check-in to banana muffins on demand, a late-night Peloton ride, an earthy Roasted Beet Burritos at Green Fig, and skyline views from the rooftop — it was slick from start to finish!
To book, check prices or availability for YOTELAddress: 570 Tenth Avenue, W 42nd St At, New York, NY 10036
My favorite highlights…
4. Standard High Line
This was a trendy 4-star high-rise boutique hotel in NYC’s Meatpacking District! It stood out to me for its Insta-worthy design which straddled the High Line and its lively, party-ready atmosphere — this place seriously buzzed with energy.
Inside, I found sleek modern décor with a retro twist with lots of mid-century furnishings, glossy white brick walls, glam mirrored ceilings, and risqué art that felt all very edgy and fashionable.
My Standard Double kept things minimalist but fearless — think platform bed and a see-through shower by the window (not for everyone I know!). Throw in those river views, French Martinis at Le Bain, smoky pumpkin at The Standard Grill, crisp Downeast Apple Ciders in the biergarten, and I got a stay that was anything but dull (just not for wall flowers)!
Address: 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
My personal highlights…
Listening to the live chill vibe played by Marco Weibel & Spurge on a relaxed Sunday Sunset set at their popular rooftop nightclub Le Bain. 5. The Box Hotel
This stylish 4-star boutique hotel was actually one of the most endearing places I stayed in New York — it was a hidden gem set in a converted Brooklyn factory with loft-style suites and original local artwork galore.
The funky industrial-chic décor came with exposed brick and a cozy, creative Brooklyn vibe which made it feel even more special to me. My Loft Suite actually felt more like a cool city apartment with its high ceilings, hardwood floors, living area and even a private Swedish-style sauna and a cute vintage rotary phone (both stand-outs for me)!
I feasted on Pineapple Fried Rice and Spineless Cactus cocktails in the cozy Brooklyn Lantern restaurant, then hit the small gym before exploring Greenpoint’s artsy cafés and waterfront parks. The location was industrial but was quiet and had a local feel. I could take just a short ferry or subway ride to Manhattan very easily.
Address: 77 Box St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
My highlights…
Being driven to the decadent Peter Pan Donut Shop in the cool Checker cab – we were told by the smiley chauffeur we could go up to a 1½ miles of the hotel! 6. Hotel Hugo
This was a boutique hotel but I have to admit I thought it was a particularly striking one – its “wow” features were its intriguing industrial-meets-mid-century design and twin rooftop bars which came with superb Hudson River views. Tucked into Hudson Square between SoHo and the West Village, it felt quietly exclusive.
Design-wise, it was a clever kind of balance — industrial polished concrete and steel adorned with vertical greenery, statement mid-century pieces, and lots of contemporary art that gave it an artsy loft vibe (but without trying too hard)!
I eased into the evening with a Hugo Spritz overlooking the shining river, followed by decadent fig toast heavy on truffle in Café Hugo’s shadowy dining room. I thought the Superior King looked like a design shoot: walnut accents, leather trim, and a gleaming mosaic-clad rain shower (just not loads of storage space).
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel HugoAddress: 525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
My personal highlights…
Curing my hangover with a super-healthy Green Machine Smoothie and Multi Grain Avocado Toast from their onsite teal-hued cafe. 7. Arlo SoHo
I personally thought this four-star micro-hotel nestled between SoHo and Tribeca in Hudson Square nailed smart, space-savvy New York living. I saw creative types hanging in the lobby and warm walnut paneling, matte black steel, glass dividers, and art yet again!
Although compact, I thought the Terrace Queen which I stayed made good use of every inch – a large bed dominated the room (in a good way!) and drawers were built into the walls. I particularly enjoyed sitting on the industrial-style glass garage door (that rolled up onto my private terrace) while gazing at the NYC skyline with an Iced Blueberry Matcha in hand!
The rooftop bar was awesome and so was curling up with a copy of James Baldwin in the snug little library nook, and grazing on cute little Mini Alfajores from the 24-hour Bodega pantry. The staff also told me about its equally design-forward sister property, Arlo NoMad which was located in Manhattan’s creative NoMad district.
To book, check prices or availability for Arlo SoHoAddress: 231 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
My personal highlights…
Sipping on a rich bourbon ‘Spirited Fox’ cocktail whipped up by a talented in-house mixologist while listening to live Jazz in their glam speakeasy-style cocktail bar – I enjoyed its hidden-den vibe! 8. The Jane
Set in a landmark 1908 building, I have to admit it was a charming place and nothing like I’d ever seen before with a Titanic-era character, ship cabin–style rooms, and very Wes Anderson–esque décor complete with quirky features (the stuffed monkeys were soo cute but also a touch creepy!) everywhere I looked!
Inside it felt both very nostalgic yet very whimsical too — dark wood paneling, velvet-tufted couches, brass accents, and Edison-bulb chandeliers gave it a theatrical feel with downtown creative energy thrown in. Even my Captain’s Cabin with the porthole-style mirrors made it feel like an ocean liner suite!
I opted for New York Sours during the lively “Happy Hump Day” social in the chandelier-lit ballroom bar, enjoyed a hearty avocado toast brunch at Café Gitane, explored on creaky (but safe!) vintage-style bikes. I really liked being near the High Line and Meatpacking nightlife too!
Address: 113 Jane St, New York, NY 10014
My highlights…
The seriously unique decor – I found myself in the company of old-school bellhops, attentive maids dressed in black-and-white uniforms, carved moose heads, and stuffed monkeys adorned with fez hats! 9. M Social Hotel Times Square
Address: 226 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
My favorite highlights…
Sipping on a tangy Passionfruit Margarita made from Patrón Blanco, Chinola passionfruit, and Cointreau while gazing at the neon-lit Times Square from their rooftop bar! 10. Hotel Alameda, Highline
After my stay I developed a real soft spot for this stylish 61-room 4-star boutique hotel in Chelsea — it felt refreshingly unique with its boho-inspired social spaces, statement guest rooms, and superb urban views.
The atmosphere was effortlessly creative – a heady fusion of industrial-chic cool and South American flair — it was all sleek poured-concrete floors, quirky folk-art throws, and splashes of artistic warmth. The cloud-soft king bed beautifully positioned on a reclaimed wood platform in my Deluxe Room was another stand-out!
A Pimm’s on the terrace, soy-candle shopping in the lobby boutique, and the High Line and Chelsea’s creative pulse right outside the door – this was my stay (it just gets booked up very quickly)!
Address: 518 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
My highlights…
Listening to the classic Cuban rhythms of the Buena Vista Social Club on vinyl in their awesome record room! 11. Made Hotel
My photo of NYC skyline taken from 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar which was just a 5 minute walk from my Made Hotel base!
This place had that rare, smug little thrill of feeling like I really had “made” it — a NoMad boutique stay layered with concrete, timber, artisan ceramics, and cascading vines that brought an organic touch to the all that steel and concrete.
I thought the Standard King I booked into really nailed the minimalist luxury look – organic linens, a floating bed, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a rainfall shower — but it was the hand-carved stone sink that gave the room a real character.
Days started with a velvety Nitro Cold Brew, rolled into sunset tiki drinks at Good Behavior, and ended mingling in the lively lounge (so not for wallflowers!) — well placed in the heart of trendy NoMad.
To book, check prices or availability for Made HotelAddress: 44 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
My highlights…
Enjoying potent Ginger Pineapple Daiquiris and pineapple skewers in their rooftop tiki bar! 12. Henn na Hotel
My photo of Macy’s Herald Square – it was just a 2-minute walk from where I was staying in Henn na Hotel!
It was love at first beep — this fun, futuristic 4-star hotel charmed me! From robots to AI concierges, it was easily one of the most innovative stays I’ve ever had.
Beneath the novelty, the clean-lined, foliage-filled interiors actually felt unexpectedly zen and I kicked back in a functional but fun Deluxe Double where I fussed over the voice-activated controls, air purification, mood lighting and even the awesome robot assistant which was perched beside me!
I watched my luggage roll in via robot delivery and entered my room with facial recognition before devouring pan-fried gyozas in the Japanese restaurant.
Address: 235 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
My highlights…
Chatting to my AI concierge – he offered me nearby restaurant suggestions and made great choices in the popular Korean BBQ Antoya and the upscale Zoi Mediterranean Cuisine!
Comments (0)