This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

For being the city that never sleeps, New York has plenty of hotels where you can get some seriously luxurious rest. And after all the shopping, museum-going, eating and drinking, and park-strolling you’re bound to do, you’ll need a respite. Whether you crave an intimate boutique-style hotel, where you can slip in and out unnoticed, or a bustling place, where people come to see and be seen, you will find it.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Out of the 15 best New York City hotels, as ranked by T+L readers, three are in Manhattan’s elegant and residential Upper East Side and nine are in midtown, close to many of the city’s most beloved cultural institutions. Proximity to institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or prime retail hubs like Fifth Avenue may be key for some visitors, but several hotels south of Central Park have also cultivated a dedicated following, including the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca (No. 10) and the Beekman in the Financial District (No. 3 this year, up from No. 12 last year).

Courtesy of The Lowell/The Leading Hotels of the World

This year’s World’s Best Awards list sees returning favorites, such as the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel (No. 4), which multiple readers stated is “an icon” and “a must-see for anyone visiting New York.” One newcomer: the TWA Hotel, a repurposed landmark terminal at JFK Airport. Originally designed by Eero Saarinen, it pays homage to the golden age of air travel in the 1960s.

Whatever your travel style, you’re sure to find the perfect property for your next trip with this list, starting with this year’s No. 1, the Lowell, which continues to enchant T+L readers year after year. Find out why — and see this year’s full list — below.

  1. The Lowell

Courtesy of The Lowell/The Leading Hotels of the World

Several readers noted the standout food at the hotel’s French-Mediterranean restaurant, Majorelle, plus the small bites and cocktails at Jacques Bar. But what really makes the Lowell a standout among the other Upper East Side hotels is that it’s the perfect place for a quiet stay where you’ll have great service, but also be left alone. “It is impeccably decorated with really thoughtful details while being cozy at the same time,” says one reader. “It’s low-key and private.” Another noted that the staff went above and beyond to bring a cake and champagne to their (upgraded) room to celebrate a birthday. It’s this kind of discreet personal touch that makes the Lowell a perennial favorite among T+L readers.

Score: 96.24More information: lowellhotel.com

  1. The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Courtesy of The Chatwal

Score: 94.12More information: thechatwalny.com

  1. The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

Courtesy of The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

Score: 93.44More information: thebeekman.com

  1. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel

Justin Bare/Courtesy of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Score: 92.67More information: rosewoodhotels.com

  1. Baccarat Hotel

Courtesy of Baccarat Hotel

Score: 92.54More information: baccarathotels.com

  1. The Plaza Hotel

Courtesy of The Plaza Hotel

Score 92.00More information theplazany.com

  1. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Score: 91.58More information: ritzcarlton.com

  1. The Mark

Courtesy of The Mark

Score: 91.41More information: themarkhotel.com

  1. Andaz 5th Avenue

Courtesy of Andaz 5th Avenue

Score: 91.41More information: hyatt.com

  1. The Roxy Hotel

Courtesy of The Roxy

Score: 91.20More information: roxyhotelnyc.com

  1. Lotte New York Palace

Courtesy of Lotte New York Palace

Score: 91.17More information: lottenypalace.com

  1. The Peninsula New York

Courtesy of The Peninsula New York

Score: 90.57More information: peninsula.com

  1. TWA Hotel

Courtesy of TWA Hotel

Score: 90.26More information: twahotel.com

  1. Park Hyatt New York

Courtesy of Park Hyatt New York

Score: 90.24More information: hyatt.com

  1. The Langham, New York

Courtesy of The Langham, New York

Score: 90.00More information: langhamhotels.com

See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2021.

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

For being the city that never sleeps, New York has plenty of hotels where you can get some seriously luxurious rest. And after all the shopping, museum-going, eating and drinking, and park-strolling you’re bound to do, you’ll need a respite. Whether you crave an intimate boutique-style hotel, where you can slip in and out unnoticed, or a bustling place, where people come to see and be seen, you will find it.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Out of the 15 best New York City hotels, as ranked by T+L readers, three are in Manhattan’s elegant and residential Upper East Side and nine are in midtown, close to many of the city’s most beloved cultural institutions. Proximity to institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or prime retail hubs like Fifth Avenue may be key for some visitors, but several hotels south of Central Park have also cultivated a dedicated following, including the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca (No. 10) and the Beekman in the Financial District (No. 3 this year, up from No. 12 last year).

This year’s World’s Best Awards list sees returning favorites, such as the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel (No. 4), which multiple readers stated is “an icon” and “a must-see for anyone visiting New York.” One newcomer: the TWA Hotel, a repurposed landmark terminal at JFK Airport. Originally designed by Eero Saarinen, it pays homage to the golden age of air travel in the 1960s.

Whatever your travel style, you’re sure to find the perfect property for your next trip with this list, starting with this year’s No. 1, the Lowell, which continues to enchant T+L readers year after year. Find out why — and see this year’s full list — below.

1. The Lowell

Several readers noted the standout food at the hotel’s French-Mediterranean restaurant, Majorelle, plus the small bites and cocktails at Jacques Bar. But what really makes the Lowell a standout among the other Upper East Side hotels is that it’s the perfect place for a quiet stay where you’ll have great service, but also be left alone. “It is impeccably decorated with really thoughtful details while being cozy at the same time,” says one reader. “It’s low-key and private.” Another noted that the staff went above and beyond to bring a cake and champagne to their (upgraded) room to celebrate a birthday. It’s this kind of discreet personal touch that makes the Lowell a perennial favorite among T+L readers.

Score: 96.24More information: lowellhotel.com

2. The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Score: 94.12More information: thechatwalny.com

3. The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

Score: 93.44More information: thebeekman.com

4. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel

Score: 92.67More information: rosewoodhotels.com

5. Baccarat Hotel

Score: 92.54More information: baccarathotels.com

6. The Plaza Hotel

Score 92.00More information theplazany.com

7. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Score: 91.58More information: ritzcarlton.com

8. The Mark

Score: 91.41More information: themarkhotel.com

9. Andaz 5th Avenue

Score: 91.41More information: hyatt.com

10. The Roxy Hotel

Score: 91.20More information: roxyhotelnyc.com

11. Lotte New York Palace

Score: 91.17More information: lottenypalace.com

12. The Peninsula New York

Score: 90.57More information: peninsula.com

13. TWA Hotel

Score: 90.26More information: twahotel.com

14. Park Hyatt New York

Score: 90.24More information: hyatt.com

15. The Langham, New York

Score: 90.00More information: langhamhotels.com

See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2021.