Manhattan's best-kept secrets are often hiding in plain sight inside the city's best hotels. Here's how to hit the town like a local.
New York, New York
Some of the finest hotels in the world call New York City home: The St. Regis, The Plaza, The Carlyle, Four Seasons and so many other icons. Add to that cachet recent arrivals from Aman, The Ritz-Carlton, Cipriani, Corinthia and others, and visitors to the Big Apple are absolutely spoiled for choice.
The luxury-suite wars are definitely on, with options ranging from the timeless elegance of the woodburning fireplaces tended by butlers at The Lowell to the insanely opulent Vanderbilt Penthouse suite, with its sprawling terrace overlooking the city from atop the InterContinental New York Barclay. For those who prefer bold interiors, dive headfirst into maximalism at Hotel Barri?re Fouquet's or any of Kit Kemp's whimsical wonderlands, including the new Warren Street Hotel.
But just because you're staying in a hotel doesn't mean you have to feel like a tourist. Manhattanites know that many of the city's best-kept secrets are hidden inside these very walls. You'll find some of the world's most decorated chefs downstairs from your room. Think Alfred Portale's triumphant comeback at The Mercer or Andrew Carmellini at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, plus John Fraser at the Wall Street Hotel and Daniel Boulud at The Beekman, and you're barely scratching the surface. And that's to say nothing of the bars: legendary names like Bemelmans, the King Cole Bar or The Roxy, and must-see newcomers like Little Ned at The Ned NoMad.
You'll also find most of Manhattan's top spas inside hotels. The last few years have brought an incredible boost to the wellness scene. There's the massive, multi-floor Aman Spa, where you can reserve a private "spa house" with a fireplace lounge, hammam, sauna, plunge pool and terrace with a soaking tub. And have you seen the newly added penthouse spa at the revitalized Hotel Chelsea, complete with a brick terrace, wooden sauna, and massive treatment rooms with outstanding views? How about the 27,000-square-foot oasis at the Equinox Hotel?
When it's time to leave your suite, we've curated a list of under-the-radar restaurants, bars and quiet spaces favored by locals. But first, find a place to stay. Your travel advisor can secure Internova SELECT perks, including a $100 USD hotel credit and more, at these 52 best hotels in the city.
