Best Hotels on the Upper West Side, NYC

Stay at The Lucerne if you’re looking for a classic, timeless hotel experience with European-inspired style! The hotel is in a landmarked building that’s eye candy for anyone who appreciates architecture, and its restaurant Nice Matin was named one of the best on the Upper West Side by NY Magazine for its delicious French Mediterranean cuisine (that you can also get as room service!). As comfortable and spacious as the rooms are, you won’t want to stay inside long with everything available right outside the hotel's doors. Be sure to take a quick trip across the street to Zabar’s, the iconic specialty grocery store known for its bagels, coffee, and smoked fish. When you’ve eaten your fill, walk about 5 minutes east and visit the blue whale at the Museum of Natural History!

Heading a couple of blocks south, the Arthouse Hotel is one of the best Upper West Side hotels around for its colorful, industrial, apartment-inspired design. Their bar hosts events several times per week, including live music and stand-up comedy. but if that’s not enough culture for you, it’s just two blocks to the Beacon Theater, and a 15-minute walk to Lincoln Center, home to the Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, Lincoln Center Theater, the NY Philharmonic, and more. While you’re exploring the area, take in the gorgeous classic architecture of the brownstone apartments mixed with the more modern high-rise buildings—I truly love the contrast.

The final hotel on the Upper West Side that I recommend isn’t quite on the Upper West Side. As a predominately residential area, hotels are few and far between! But down at the southern end of Central Park is Columbus Circle, a hub for shopping, dining, transportation and of course, the park itself. At the Thompson Central Park, you’ll be within easy walking distance of Broadway theaters, the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, and more than ten subway lines that can take you anywhere else you want to go!

Thompson Central Park is a Fora partner, meaning if you book with me, you’ll be able to get perks including a $100 property credit to use during your stay! Its sleek mid-century design will let you live out your most luxurious and sophisticated New York City fantasies, complete with a craft cocktail at hotel restaurant Parker, inspired by Charlie Parker and other famous NYC musicians.

This selection of the best Upper West Side hotels offers a range of experiences for different travelers, with something for families (Arthouse has connecting rooms!), culture vultures and anyone who wants the quintessential New York City experience! Reach out to me to plan your dream NYC getaway and give you a local's touch!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York City. In need of further inspiration? Check out Henley Vazquez‘s article, The 10 Best Hotels in NYC.