24 Cool and Unusual Hotels in New York 2023

Overflowing with architectural treasures, atmospheric neighborhoods, inventive restaurants, and hip boutiques – the city that never sleeps is easily one of the most exciting places to visit on the planet. It’s a place I’m constantly in awe of! 

With a diverse population of larger-than-life characters, a raw energy unlike I’ve ever experienced in other cities in the world, and an obvious intense passion for creativity, many hotels in the Big Apple are nothing short of spectacular and your jaw will drop in many of them! 

If you’re planning a trip and want to find a unique, trendy, and extraordinary place to stay, from intimate, quirky boutiques to modern shiny high rises, from my many stays here are my favorite cool and unusual hotels in New York (in no particular order, they’re all awesome).

Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
N1 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Instagrammable Decor
Hotel on Rivington
2.
N2 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Innovative Design
YOTEL
3.
N3 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Millennials and Gen Zs
Moxy NYC Chelsea
Best For Instagrammable Decor

Hotel on Rivington

Housed in a very striking 20-story glass tower near trendy SoHo in Lower East Manhattan (just one block from the subway and within walking distance of Tribeca, Nolita, Little Italy, and the East Village), this sleek, chic and ultra-cool hotel was once voted NYC’s sexiest hotel – which given the competition is quite an accolade!

A fun and fabulous Soho hotel perfect for couples, the spacious minimalist rooms at the 4-star highly rated Hotel on Rivington offers Tempur-Pedic beds adorned with Frette linens, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies and feature gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows which afford extraordinary views of the Manhattan skyline.

For upgraded rooms also expect to use balconies and sumptuous Japanese-style soaking tubs. The design throughout is ultra-modern and unique.

Don’t leave without checking out the hip Mediterranean restaurant with outdoor dining (and then try some delicious European-style dishes), the funky – and very healthy – juice bar, the very trendy tequila and mescal bar which also doubles as a late-night lounge with potent cocktails created by some of the city’s leading mixologists and fabulous DJs, and the beautiful, and very Instagrammable, sky-lit atrium which is just a dream, I loved this place! 

This striking abode is one of the best hotels in the city, offering a truly unforgettable stay! 

Pros

Floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views

Some rooms have Japanese-style soaking tubs

Mediterranean restaurant with outdoor dining

Funky Lower East Side location

Cons

Fitness center is a little small

No coffee machines in rooms

Seasonal opening times for rooftop area

Best For Innovative Design

YOTEL

So you’ve scoffed cucumber rolls at YO! Sushi, now you can stay at the YO! Hotel. Yes seriously. Fun, funky, and highly innovative, just like the Japanese culture that inspired it, the 4-star, highly-rated YOTEL Times Square is a great, unique NYC accommodation choice for fans of technology and design…and the young at heart.

Located in lively Times Square, the hip central hotel aims to offer a first-class hotel stay in the center of all the action without the designer price tag – think space-age minimalism combined with futuristic technology and a quirky hotel decor unlike you’ve ever seen before!

One of the most popular Midtown West hotels which is also affordable, funky cabins feature motorized beds (which transform into handy sofas), an innovative ‘techno wall’ with a flat-screen TV, a work desk with iPod connectivity, sublime city views, free WiFi, and local phone calls. As a tech fan, I couldn’t get enough of all this! 

Opt for an upgraded room and you’ll find private terraces, soaking tubs, and sofas. Some of the upgraded rooms come with incredible floor-to-ceiling windows and some seriously spectacular city views that could almost be from a movie! 

Other fun features include automated check-in kiosks, self-service amenity machines on each floor, and a fun rooftop terrace that functions as a restaurant and nightclub. Both gadget and style aficionados will equally love this unique hotel!

Pros

Floor-to-ceiling windows and great views

Fitness center and outdoor roof terrace

Plenty of tech including a Signature SmartBed

A Mediterranean fusion eatery and breakfast

Cons

Some rooms are a little compact

No parking

No fridges in the rooms

Best For Millennials and Gen Zs

Moxy NYC Chelsea

One of the best hotels to stay in the highly sought-after Chelsea District NYC, this hip botanical-themed hotel in Midtown Manhattan enjoys a fabulous central location in the beautiful and sought-after Flower District (the hub of the commercial floral business in Manhattan).

It’s just a short walk away from 28th St Station, Broadway, and Madison Square Gardens, so the 4-star highly rated Moxy NYC Chelsea is well-positioned for traveling all over the city as well as being close to trendy bars and more than 200 art galleries set in former factories in this hip and lively District. The artisan food hub, Chelsea Market is also close by.

The gorgeous one-of-a-kind hotel beautifully fits into the style of the neighborhood and features fabulous floral decor with a traditional twist and has quickly become one of the most popular accommodation options in the city.

I truly loved the superb design here. Modern elements and immaculate design details offset the classical botanical themes to give you a luxurious feel with subtle lighting. This is combined with upscale service which doesn’t feel too intimidating. 

The trendy bedrooms have a cool ‘New York Loft’ industrial style and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer truly incredible views of the city’s famously gasp-inducing skyline (which includes the neighboring Empire State Building)!

Pros

Funky youthful vibe and Chelsea location

Floor-to-ceiling windows with city views

A lounge and a trendy bar

Air purifier and cable channels in the rooms

Cons

No swimming pool

Some rooms may be a little small

No fridges in the rooms

Best For Partying

Standard High Line

Sleek, glossy, stylish, and attracting trendy types by the bucket load, the uber-glamorous 4-star and exceptionally rated Standard High Line offers both sexy minimalist interiors and spectacular cityscape and river views.

One of the stand-out Greenwich Village hotels, the striking 18-story tower rises above the High Line urban park (a former elevated train track) within a stone’s throw of the Meatpacking District nightspots, the West Village, Chelsea Market, and the subway.

Greenwich Village is a superb place to base yourself in the city, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by hip bars, funky cafes and creative restaurants as well as awesome cultural venues such as Jazz Clubs and Broadway Theaters. 

As well as being the place to be seen, other stand-out features at this ultra-modern party hotel include a roof terrace with a hot tub, floor-to-ceiling windows in the retro-modern rooms, a German beer garden, rooftop crêperie (which turns into a club at night, but in the day make sure you definitely sample a few of the delicious crepes which were my favorite!), free bicycles on loan, and even cheeky exhibitionist bathrooms…definitely a hotel that will impress, it definitely did me!

Alternatively, opt for their equally as hip sister hotel which is one of the trendiest East Village hotels.

Pros

Floor-to-ceiling windows and city or river views

Roof terrace with a hot tub

Several on-site bars and restaurants

Trendy rooftop bar and nightclub

Cons

Lively vibe might not suit everyone

Some noise at the weekends

No tea and coffee facilities in the rooms

Best For Unique Design

The Box Hotel

This is one of the most endearing and unique places to stay in New York and in a city like the Big Apple that’s saying something! Housed in a converted factory, the now very polished 4-star and exceptionally rated Box Hotel has suitably very creative industrial-chic interiors.

The unique hotel is adorned with artwork commissioned by local artists and other great design features such as hardwood floors and pendant lamps and is cute and unique – I was definitely a fan! 

Most of the rooms are actually more like apartments – just extremely visually striking ones – and the loft rooms and 1- to 2-bedroom apartments have fully equipped kitchens, cozy living rooms, and pull-out couches.

There are funky suite-like bedrooms also available and all benefit from free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee-making facilities, balconies offering some superb city views as well as a communal gym, a dry sauna, and a steam room.

As well as being a very hipster-friendly abode, its location is pretty funky too, it’s based just across the road from Pulaski Bridge in Brooklyn, only a 9-minute walk from the Greenpoint Avenue subway station and 6 miles from the Empire State Building.

If you locate yourself here, as well as easy access to Manhattan, expect to be surrounded by incredible waterfront views, fun brewhouses and plenty of hipster-friendly bars, clubs and restaurants. 

There’s even a shuttle service to the subway (which takes you easily into Manhattan) in a 1970s checker cab – nice!

Pros

Onsite sauna & steam room

Hip industrial-chic restaurant

Art by local artists

Funky apartment style accommodation

Cons

Not pet-friendly

Slightly small gym

Limited bar menu

Best For Rooftop Bar

Hotel Hugo

This is a gorgeous, highly rated and very popular 4-star boutique hotel which mixes “contemporary luxury with bohemian chic.”

Set in an art-industrial landmark hotel in the enterally popular SoHo district, I was a huge fan of their interiors were are very hip with hardwood floors, contemporary photography, glossy walnut accents, and Mid-century modern furnishings.

There is plenty of attention to detail in the guest rooms at Hotel Hugo too. High-end amenities such as flatscreen TVs, iPod docking stations, luxury bathrobes, and Argan bath toiletries compliment the custom mahogany details, hardwood floors and classic New York-style furnishings.

The SoHo District is an exceptionally sought-after district and highlights here include independent boutique shopping, trendy bars, upscale restaurants and scenery including atmospheric cobblestone streets and beautiful cast-iron facades. 

One of my favourite highlights included the incredible glass-enclosed rooftop bar which serves up tasty cocktails and tacos, with panoramic river and city views – this is a beautiful place to party in the city! 

Other great features include an exercise room, their onsite Italian restaurant where tables spill out onto Greenwich Street sidewalk, Café Hugo which serves seasonal farm-to-table fare, and its close proximity to many of the city’s most sought-after sights.

It’s a fun place for both singles and couples and take your camera with this one, the views are just outstanding! 

Pros

Trendy SoHo neighborhood location

Glass-enclosed rooftop bar

Farm-to-table cuisine

Hipster friendly vibe

Cons

Some rooms may be a little small

Some rooms have better views than others

Rooftop bar closed when events are on

Best For Boutique Accommodation

Arlo SoHo

We all know that the best things come in small packages and the 4-star exceptionally rated Arlo SoHo is a perfect example of this!

It’s billed as a micro-boutique hotel and set in one of the trendiest locations in town, just two blocks from the boutique stores and trendy bars and restaurants of SoHo, central Manhattan, and within easy walking distance of other fabulous hipster-friendly neighborhoods such as Tribeca and Greenwich Village.

One of the best hotels in Soho Manhattan, inside is seriously cute! The cabin-style rooms are thoughtfully – and uniquely – laid out and combine contemporary furniture such as solid-walnut alcove beds, with handy efficient storage spaces and a range of playful touches (including some great tech – make sure you try it out before leaving)! Upgraded rooms feature large outdoor terraces.

My other hotel highlights include supping on cocktail and craft beers on the very hip rooftop bar, sinking into a sheepskin-clad sofa or ergonomic armchair in the onsite library, or feasting on fine international fayre in the 24-hour artisan pantry Bodega.

Alternatively, Arlo has another fabulous boutique hotel located in the city that also has an equally funky design the NoMad neighborhood hotel version – so you’ve got a tough choice! 

Pros

Trendy vibe and great location

Cool Rooftop Bar

Hip onsite restaurant

Loaner bikes

Cons

Some rooms are a little small

Rooms don’t have microwaves

No onsite spa

Best For Budget-friendly Stay

The Jane

Friendly, and unique but with an edge, staying at the highly regarded and much-loved budget boutique The Jane is an experience in itself.

Located on the edge of the fun and hipster-friendly Meatpacking District‘s nightlife hub (and only six blocks from High Line Park and a subway stop) the vintage-style boutique hotel has a quirky, time-warp feel that features rooms endearingly inspired by old-fashioned train cabins.

One of the most popular Greenwich Village hotels, in 1912 the hotel sheltered survivors of the Titanic, in the 1920s it became a haven for sailors, and then it was lovingly restored on its centennial in 2008.

Each compact cabin/room comes with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and iPod docks and all rooms have either Hudson River views or terraces.

One of the stand-out West Village hotels, larger upgraded rooms are also available and there’s a popular onsite restaurant which is a local’s favorite for brunch, and – my personal favorite – an opulent Victorian-style lobby bar that also doubles as a hipster hotspot. 

The decor is exceptionally unique with authentic old-school bellhops, maids in black and white uniforms, carved moose heads, and stuffed monkeys adorned with fez hats! The result is easily one of the most intriguing and coolest hotels in the city, so expect an unforgettable stay! 

Pros

Lower priced room rates

Unique vintage-style decor

Hip Meatpacking District location

Onsite restaurant and a locally famous brunch

Cons

No spa or swimming pool

The lowest priced rooms have shared bathrooms

Some rooms are small

Best For Couples

The Ludlow Hotel

The 4-star exceptionally rated Ludlow Hotel is located on a lively street right in the heart of one of the trendiest neighborhoods in NYC.

The Lower East Side of Manhattan has risen over the years from a slum to an urban center of arts, boutique shopping, and dining and is only a minute’s walk from the subway and 2 miles from the Empire State Building. It’s a trendy place but with an edge.

Easily one of the hippest hotels in NYC and one of the best Lower East Side hotels, it reflects the hip urban environment that surrounds it and feels like a beat poet just left the room whenever you walk in!

Sophisticated artwork, vintage furnishings, four poster beds, dark woods and boutique details such as Moroccan Rose scented toiletries make it a cocoon-like haven to spend some time.

Other of my favorite hotel highlights include attentive service and the delicious French-inspired fare on offer at the in-house restaurant ‘Dirty French’ which is quite the popular spot in town.

Throw in lashings of faux fur, beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, rainfall showers, mosaic bathrooms, sublime city views, fabulous mod cons, and a trendy industrial chic design, and you have a one-of-a-kind New York experience…this place is a dream! 

Pros

Stylish Industrial-chic design

Hip upscale vibe

Trendy Lower East Side location

On-site restaurant

Cons

Limited storage space in rooms

Food is a little pricey

Some rooms are a little dark

Best For Fun Vibe

Margaritaville Resort Times Square

One of the best hotels to stay in Times Square, this is a seriously fun but new stylish hotel that features a colorful but relaxed island-inspired design but with a location in the heart of the city.

Times Square is one of the most sought-after centrally located spots in the city and with good reason – it’s crammed full of theaters, lively bars, restaurants and other great attractions, it’s not called the ‘The Crossroads of the World’ for nothing! 

Expect plenty of whimsical touches at this outstanding hotel and decor at the wonderful 4-star highly rated Margaritaville Resort includes fun surfboards, palm trees, parasols, and – my personal favorite – an outdoor heated swimming pool which offers great views over Times Square, so quite the perfect party place!

You may expect the hotel to be perhaps located on a beach and not in the middle of the city, but that just adds to the fun and their tongue-in-cheek ethos.

Other onsite amenities include no less than five restaurants and bars, a retail store, a handy fitness center (to get yourself beach, or pool, ready of course!) a laundry/valet service, and all that coupled with a ‘no worries’ vibe which makes the Margaritaville a truly unique place to stay in the city! 

Pros

Five bars and a fun upbeat vibe

Insta-worthy outdoor swimming pool

Fitness center and tropical decor

Great Times Square location

Cons

Elevators are slow

Some noise

Rooftop bar sometimes gets crowded

Best For Times Square Location

M Social Hotel Times Square

A hotel perfect for Gen Zs and Millennials, this upbeat and colorful hotel epitomizes its buzzy Times Square surroundings.

Of course, its Times Square location is a huge draw in itself, here you’ll be at the center of all the action and surrounded by incredible bars, restaurants, theaters and blingy bright lights galore.

The style at the 4-star highly rated M Social Hotel Times Square is contemporary with creative, quirky details, and the lobby and other shared spaces offer some wow-inducing modern design and features floor-to-ceiling glass windows for some of the best views in Times Square. 

Guest rooms are bright, modern with fabulous city views (and a choice of direction) and modern amenities. 

Other of my favorite highlights include the cutely named Beast & Butterflies restaurant and bar which serves up world cuisine, wine and signature drinks (make sure you try the Butterfly Kisses cocktail!) all while offering fabulous city views and the impressive heated outdoor terrace where you can dine alfresco or again sip on cocktails.

Just like its name suggests, there’s definitely an emphasis on being social here so not only will you have instant access to centrally located attractions and gorgeous ultra-modern surroundings…you may just make some new friends too!

Pros

Cool contemporary vibe

Lively central location

Onsite restaurant and coffee shop

Hip bar and Instagrammable views

Cons

No microwaves in rooms

No coffee maker in rooms

Limited breakfast menu

Best For Scenic Views

Selina Chelsea

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s buzzing restaurant and art gallery-strewn Chelsea district (a 6-minute walk from High Line Park and a 10-minute walk from a subway station), the ultra-chic and highly rated 4-star trendy hotel rocks a modern minimalist style.

With more than a nod to Japanese culture, all 56 rooms at the 4-star highly rated Selina Chelsea are very zen-like and feature wooden platform beds, an ultra-modern design you won’t see elsewhere in the city, trendy bean bag chairs, iPads (which are loaded with handy recommendations for the best local galleries, restaurants, and shops), fabulous city views and even great design details like handmade denim bathrobes. I seriously didn’t want to leave! 

Opt for a more expensive room in this gorgeous hip hotel and you’ll even find a sumptuous Japanese-style soaking tub. On the rooftop, the trendy outdoor pool with incredible views is a real treat in summer.

During the winter months this transitions into the concept restaurant Arriba – genius!

Easily one of the best hotels to lay your head in Chelsea, this is a sleek, chic and wonderfully unique urban oasis. Instagrammers and fans of very unique interior design will love this place.

Pros

Unique Japanese-style beds

Insta-worthy city views

Trendy rooftop eatery and rooftop pool

Japanese-style soaking tubs

Cons

Limited storage space in rooms

Limited breakfast menu

No fridges in rooms

Best For Digital Nomads

CitizenM Hotel

This hugely popular Dutch hotel group brings its own brand of affordable, luxury cool to the city. Funky and edgy with a liberal use of color in the decor, you’ll find this fabulous 4-star and exceptionally rated Manhattan hotel to be anything but boring.

CitizenM‘s location is equally superb too and is based on the corner of Broadway just an 8-minute walk to Times Square and an 11-minute walk to Central Park, so you’ll be at the centre of all the action. 

All of the bright, stylish and modern guest rooms feature free movies, Wi-Fi, a rain shower, huge windows, a comfy king-sized bed, and – my favorite – a fun MoodPad gadget – a touch-screen device that allows guests to control the room’s impressive array of electronics!

I love that Citizen M’s have a funky but laid-back and friendly vibe and this hotel is no different, I think you won’t regret basing yourself here.

Just make sure you don’t leave without grabbing a cocktail or two while drooling over the gorgeous cityscape views from their wonderful rooftop bar or trying out their breathtaking 20th-floor gym – this is easily one of the coolest – and most colorful – places to stay in New York!

Pros

Friendly funky vibe and great views

Free high-speed Wi-Fi

Rooftop bar

Fitness center and yoga facilities

Lots of innovative tech

Cons

Drinks are a little pricey

Limited breakfast menu

Some rooms are a bit small

Best For Great Location

Made Hotel

With a clever play on words, this is a place where you will really feel ‘made’ if you stay! Nestled amongst all the fabulous bars and eateries of the ultra-hip NoMad neighborhood, Manhattan – only a 2-minute walk to the nearest subway station and a 7-minute walk from the Empire State Building – is this ultra-hip hotel.

I loved the decor at the highly-rated 4-star Made Hotel and it’s definitely suitably fabulous for this part of town and features raw-material interiors including industrial-chic concrete ceilings and lashings of real wood embellished with oversized floor-to-ceiling windows (offering superb views of either the NoMad neighborhood or the Empire State Building), bohemian fabrics and striking bronze fixtures.

The gorgeous and ultra-chic rooms feature free Wi-Fi, smart radios, flat-screen TVs, and oak platform beds that provide hidden storage.

This is a hotel chock full of delectable highlights including a basement restaurant serving up seasonal food and an onsite coffee shop which also doubles as a hangout for NoMad’s creative set.

Arguably though, the biggest stand-out feature is the killer rooftop cocktail bar which serves up tiki-style drinks with a large helping of panoramic city views which includes the Empire State Building – pure trendsetting bliss!

Pros

Rooftop cocktail bar serving tiki-style drinks

Floor-to-ceiling windows and in-room tech

600 meters from Empire State Building

Cons

Lack of storage space in the rooms

No fridges in rooms

No fitness center

Best For Outdoor Swimming Pool

Dream Downtown

The 4-star, highly rated, and very fashionable Dream Hotel Downtown is nothing short of spectacular. Located in a fabulous location between the Meatpacking District and Chelsea in Downtown Manhattan (close to a subway and a 4-minute walk from The High Line).

It’s a sort of luxury liner/maritime-themed haven in the middle of all the action with amazing amenities, spectacular views and a glass-bottomed infinity pool that floats above the hotel lobby – which gives both swimmers and arriving guests utterly unique views! 

With fantasy-themed hotel rooms, the upscale loft-style rooms are spacious and luxurious with very cute porthole windows offering amazing views out over the city (one of my favorite design details), and they also feature huge flat-screen TVs, luxurious linens, and free WiFi. Upgraded rooms offer HDTV projectors and surround-sound systems, and suites have landscaped terraces with hot tubs – pure bliss!

Other ‘dreamy’ hotel highlights include a rooftop lounge, a fusion restaurant serving Japanese and French cuisines, boutique shopping in the lobby, a 24-hour fitness center, and a beach (and even a beach club!) surrounding that amazing pool.

Staying at this trendy hotel was a wonderful immersive treat of an experience that truly was very dreamlike! Easily one of the stand-out and very Instagrammable hotels in the lively Meatpacking District.

Pros

Funky upbeat party vibe

Roof-top lounge with club and great views

Glass-bottomed infinity pool and private cabanas

Exotic restaurant and great cocktails

Cons

Some noise from the club

Rooftop pool can get crowded

Limited parking

Best For Quirky Design

Henn na Hotel

The future is here and you’ll find it at the 4-star highly rated Henn na Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Part of the Hudson Yards revival (New York’s newest neighborhood), the tech-themed hotel combines modern comforts and whimsical fun with plenty of interesting and forward-thinking innovation.

I especially loved that the quirky NYC hotel decor includes an animatronic dinosaur at the check-in counter in the lobby, yes really! Get the video ready on your iPhone folks, your Instagram/Tik Tok followers are going to love this one! 

Located near Midtown Manhattan you’ll be based near everything you want to see in Manhattan – Times Square, Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Radio City, the Empire State Building and more – and there are plenty of close transportation options for further destinations.

The modern Japanese style-inspired rooms also have futuristic touches such as LG Styler closets that freshen up clothing, futon conditioners to regulate mattress temperature and tablets in all the rooms for guests to use. The Gosuke Akimitsu restaurant serves tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners in genuine Japanese style.

This is a great reasonably priced option for those who want a good base on Manhatten Island combined with very unique features! Both kids, big kids and Japanophiles of course, will be huge fans, I promise! 

Pros

Great central location near Madison Square Gardens

Fun animatronic dinosaurs in the lobby

Japanese-style cuisine and rooms

A fitness center and onsite bar

Cons

No coffee maker in rooms

Some rooms don’t have great views

No microwaves in the rooms

Best For Trendy Design

Graduate Roosevelt Island

An island of comfort and luxury but just a short hop from Manhattan and Queens, the 4-star highly rated Graduate Roosevelt Island has amazing views, a fabulously quirky design (I loved that a very Instagrammable 13-foot-tall statue of Flyboy by artist Hebru Brantley greeted you at the door) and one of the best rooftop bars in the city. The views from here are seriously something to shout about. 

Befitting its location on the Cornell Tech Campus (many family and friends of students choose to stay here), the quirky book-filled lobby is light, bright with floor-to-ceiling windows, and is filled with lashings of color and great attention to very cute details. 

The fun island hotel is a good alternative to accommodations in Manhattan, and there are train, tram and ferry services that connect to the city especially if you like hotels with a unique design.

Roosevelt Island itself is a fascinating place to base yourself and offers river views, intriguing glimpses of NYC’s past as well as plenty of restaurants and parks.

I loved the quirky, modern rooms which combined futuristic decor with Roosevelt Island history captured in sepia-tinted photographs, and they all have stunning views of the East River and beyond. A great choice for a fun and funky party hotel with a youthful vibe! 

Pros

Trendy and youthful vibe

Stunning rooftop bar with 360-degree view

Floor-to-celing windows

Funky art and books

Onsite Restaurant and Bar

Cons

No swimming pool

Breakfast options are a bit limited

Roosevelt Island location might not suit everyone

Best For Hipsters

Freehand Hotel

The 4-star highly rated The Freehand Hotel has that much-sought-after hipster-friendly New York City boho vibe and puts you right in the heart of the funky Flatiron district, one of my favorite NYC spots.

The district is within easy reach of the city’s fabled museums, bars, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, the High Line district and the famous Gramercy Theatre music venue. It also connects you to the city’s happening art scene as well.

The building has a very interesting past, the building dates back to the roaring 1920’s and was once called the George Washington Hotel, a creative hub and popular hangout for many writers, musicians and artists.

It’s since been lovingly renovated and added to, so you’ll find molded ceilings, colorful decor and impressive parquet flooring. Striking Jacobean features side-by-side with 1970’s style avocado-colored bathroom tiles and contemporary touches like brightly-colored walls and funky designer rugs.

The highly Instagrammable hotel has artwork literally covering the walls, much of it from Bard College art students and is also available for purchase too which I thought was a great touch. 

You don’t have to go far to find fabulous food, drink and music, but if you don’t want to wander too far it has a fine selection of bars and restaurants located in the hotel itself.

This is a great choice for a laid-back but trendy and unique spot, which attracts a hip crowd of both locals and visitors.

Pros

trendy vibe with local artwork

Building was once home to writers and musicians

Trendy Flatiron District location

Great restaurant and bar and rooftop coffee shop

Cons

Some bathrooms are small

No onsite parking

Room rate dos not include breakfast

Best For Cool Vibe

W Times Square

The W Hotels enjoy a reputation as being one of the most prestigious hotel brands around, famous for being a great place to party with beautiful people as well as its innovative and ultra-modern upscale interiors.

Well, this central, 4-star highly-rated Times Square located version is one of the most popular hotels in the city and once you visit, you’ll see why. 

Furnished to an exceptional standard, at this luxurious and funky Manhattan hotel (which is located just 2 minutes from a subway) you can expect slightly futuristic, sleek, and chic interiors with opulent extras such as plush robes, luxury high-thread-count linens, sublime city Times Square views and cutting-edge technology available at your fingertips. It’s a place I promise you won’t forget in a hurry.

As well as being located in the center of all the action, also expect some exceptional amenities such as a gym, a well-regarded Mexican and sushi restaurant, a swish but relaxing lounge where you can kick back and take in the dulcet tones of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie, and a pretty swanky cocktail bar. Oh, and pets are welcome too! Fabulous!

Alternatively, book into its cool sister hotel which is one of the best Union Square hotels in Manhattan. 

Pros

Great central location overlooking Times Square

Fun and trendy party vibe

Onsite restaurants

tequila bar and cocktails

Lounge bar with live DJS

Cons

No onsite swimming pool

Not for the budget-friendly crowd

Lively vibe might not suit everyone

Best For Industrial-Chic Design

Hotel 50 Bowery, part of JdV by Hyatt

Perfectly in keeping with Lower East Side’s hipster credentials is this new and gorgeous boutique-style hotel catered towards local and visiting hipsters.

The location of at the 4-star highly rated Hotel 50 Bowery is buzzing Chinatown on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where you’ll be surrounded by a huge array of tasty restaurants and cafes, as well as bubble tea shops and shops galore. 

I loved the trendy industrial chic design, think exposed Edison light bulbs, concrete pillars, and lashings of fashionable exposed brick juxtaposed with stylish touches such as high-quality furniture and plenty of colorful modern artwork.

Cute fortune-style cookies and iced Chinese tea is served in the lobby – a nod to its world-famous surrounding neighborhood! 

The guest rooms are gorgeous, comfortable, spacious, and impeccably designed with some quirky features and impressive floor-to-ceiling windows offering fabulous city views. 

There are some other great stand-out features too including a second-floor permanent exhibition from the Museum of Chinese in America called The Heart of Chinatown, a trendy rooftop bar offering more fine city views, and a handy 24/7 gym for all those fitness bunnies.

As well as being a unique and gorgeous boutique-style hotel, its close proximity to many iconic Manhattan attractions makes it even more enticing! 

Pros

Hip and and cool vibe

Trendy rooftop bar with great views

Lively central location in Chinatown

Funky rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows

Cons

No smart TV or cable channels

No kettles in the rooms

Parking not at hotel location

Best For Art Deco Themed

Roxy Hotel

Everyone seems to love this place and I did too! Located in historic Tribeca the richest area in Manhattan (and close to SoHo, the Hudson River, and a subway), the 4-star and exceptionally rated Roxy Hotel is literally like being in a dream for me…a fusion of 1960’s inspired décor and the magic of the movies with meticulous attention to detail and unrivaled service.

It also has fun-themed hotel rooms. My room, for example, was like being on the set of Mad Men, a brown and gold luxury boudoir with vintage style furnishings, kitsch 1960’s radio, and Marshall Amp.

The trendy cocktail lounge, funky restaurant, and chic lobby bar feature vintage leather booths and quirky accessories sat in a warm space with exposed original brick walls and marble floors.

The Django is a trendy basement jazz bar with authentic prohibition vibes and there was a wealth of live acts and vinyl-spinning DJs providing tunes and entertainment for the whole time I was there.

By far my favorite thing though is the Roxy Cinema…an intimate nod to old-style Hollywood glamour where you can watch a curated selection of old classics and new independent flicks whilst sipping craft cocktails and reveling in the ultra-creative vibes of the place! I honestly wanted to move in and stay in this wonderful retro bubble forever – easily one of the best Tribeca hotels! 

Pros

Trendy Tribeca district location

Private movie theater and basement jazz club

An onsite cafe

trendy lounge and oyster bar

Funky Art Deco theme and American cuisine

Cons

Limited room service

No onsite spa

Bathrooms are slightly small

Best For Spa and Wellness Services

1 Hotel Central Park

The stunning and much sought-after location right on Central Park is a great setting for this eco, nature and sustainability-focused hotel.

This rustic-chic 5-star exceptionally rated 1 Hotel Central Park really is something quite special and is a great choice for hip, eco-conscious travelers. In fact – like me – you probably won’t want to leave this gorgeous, zen-like cocoon. 

The three-storey vertical garden, lobby farmstand, reclaimed wood furniture, calming earthy neutral tones, hemp and organic cotton linens and moss on bathroom walls all bring the feeling of the natural world into the heart of the city and reflect its lush surroundings, the green lung of the city. 

The stunning – and handily pet-friendly – rooms have beautiful comfortable cushioned window seats with views of the Park, live-edge furniture, yoga mats and even a shower timer (I told you it was eco-friendly!), alongside more conventional amenities like free wireless and Bluetooth speakers.

The Jams popular farm-to-table restaurant by Chef Jonathan Waxman, who is recognized as the “Best Chef in New York City” by the James Beard Foundation, serves up a seasonal menu with plenty of vegan and healthy options, as well as fabulous cocktails, and a very popular weekend brunch.

Pros

Stylish with a health and eco-focused vibe

Fitness center with classes and personal trainers

Yoga mats and in-room spa treatments

Great location near Central Park

Resturant with open kitchen and vegan and healthy food options

Cons

Breakfast menu is little limited

No swimming pool

Room rates are quite high

Elevators are a little slow

Best For Luxury

Sixty Soho

This unique and chic 5-star exceptionally rated boutique hotel with a slightly retro vibe (but in an upscale way) is located in one of the most sought-after spots in the city.

Sitting amongst all the trendy bars and restaurants in Manhattan’s buzzing SoHo District Sixty Soho offers a stylish zen-like retreat away from all the lively goings on in the streets.

Base yourself in the SoHo District and you’ll find yourself surrounded by art galleries, upscale boutiques and charming cobblestone streets.

The chic hotel is a great choice for those who are fans of unique design but also love their comforts too. The decor is sleek and contemporary and some rooms offer large and wonderful – and very romantic – four-poster beds.

All the rooms pride themselves on offering a 300-thread count, custom-designed linens and sumptuous bedding. Expect luxury robes and C.O. Bigelow Apothecary bath toiletries.

Wandering around it was easy to see the rest of the hotel is pretty special too and stand-out amenities include a trendy lounge, an onsite gym, exceptional 24-hour customer service, and a seasonal rooftop bar beloved by both visitors and locals and offers gorgeous city views.

The hotel’s signature restaurant Bistrot Leo is French-influenced. A charming and popular spot with hotel visitors and locals alike where you can dine on your fine European-style cuisine on the patio. I loved it! 

Pros

Sleek and beautiful boutique decor

Seasonal rooftop bar with stunning views

French-inspired restaurant onsite

Some rooms have four-poster beds

Cons

Some noise from the bar

Hotel fees do not include breakfast

No onsite spa

Best For Onsite Dining

Sixty LES

This is a fun and funky option for the boho chic crowd, who want to stay somewhere a little different but with upscale amenities too.

The 4-star highly-rated Sixty LES is a striking place with plenty of bright, colorful and quirky details to keep things interesting. There’s a pop culture theme throughout the hotel with Jim Walrod design features and the iconic photographs of urban landscapes by Lee Friedlander.

The unique-looking and fairly spacious guest rooms have a fun retro design with sleek dark furniture and luxury bedding. It’s a style I don’t think you’ll forget in a hurry! 

Some have impressive floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces with incredible sweeping views of the city. You can also expect handy – and very tasty – gourmet snacks, luxury toiletries, flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations.

Other hotel highlights include a fabulous rooftop swimming pool, a trendy nightclub called Make Believe, a fine sushi restaurant, and that perennial New York favorite, a beer garden! Which was a personal favorite spot of mine.

The LES in Sixty LES stands for Lower East Side, the eclectic Manhattan neighborhood filled with music venues, independent shops and trendy bars.

Alternatively, you can explore nearby Little Italy, Greenwich Village or hop on a train at the 2nd Avenue station to explore the rest of the city. 

Pros

Blue ribbon restaurant with sushi and upscale comfort foods

Fun and cool vibe and trendy Lower East Side location

Insta-worthy rooftop pool and sun loungers

Floor-to-ceiling windows and fitness center

Cons

Breakfast menu is a little limited

Breakfast menu is a little limited

No onsite spa

Comparing the Coolest and Unique Hotels in New York

The following table compares the Top 24 Cool and Unusual Hotels in New York. 

Hotel Name LocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attractions(km)Nearby Restaurants
Hotel on Rivington107 Rivington Street, Lower East Side$341-$487Yes0.412
YOTEL570 10th Avenue, Hell's Kitchen$283-$918Yes0.49
Moxy NYC Chelsea105 West 28th Street, Chelsea$451-$468Yes0.510
Standard High Line848 Washington Street, Greenwich Village$496-$2825Yes0.211
The Box Hotel77 Box Street, Brooklyn,$302-$1945Yes0.37
Hotel Hugo525 Greenwich Street, SoHo$410-$467Yes0.28
Arlo SoHo231 Hudson Street, SoHo$329-$639No0.17
The Jane113 Jane Street, Greenwich Village$152-$163No0.17
The Ludlow Hotel180 Ludlow Street, Lower East Side$460-$712Yes0.59
Margaritaville Resort Times Square560 7th Avenue$402-$660Yes0.19
M Social Hotel Times Square226 West 52nd Street$456-$685Yes0.58
Selina Chelsea518 West 27th Street, Chelsea,$360-$701No0.48
CitizenM Hotel218 West 50th Street,$324-$419Yes0.69
Made Hotel44 West 29th Street, NoMad$407-$519Yes0.412
Dream Downtown355 West 16th Street, Chelsea,$342-$881Yes0.38
Henn na Hotel235 West 35th Street$335-$975Yes0.56
Graduate Roosevelt Island22 North Loop Road$388-$563Yes0.64
Freehand Hotel23 Lexington Avenue, Gramercy$254-$352Yes0.811
W Times Square1567 Broadway$383-$800Yes0.49
Hotel 50 Bowery, part of JdV by Hyatt50 Bowery, Chinatown$301-$479Yes0.611
Roxy Hotel2 Avenue of the Americas, Tribeca$421-$915Yes0.511
1 Hotel Central Park1 Hotel Central Park$1075-$1496Yes0.39
Sixty Soho60 Thompson Street, SoHo$571-$1032Yes0.210
Sixty LES190 Allen Street, Lower East Side$341-$570Yes0.311

Where do tourists usually stay in the city?

Tourists can’t get enough of staying in the world-famous Times Square – base yourself there, and you’ll be at the center of all the action and all the bright lights!

Other popular options include Lower Manhattan, aka the Financial District, or Midtown Manhattan, which is a busy area filled with iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building. Alternatively, they opt for one of the hip/trendy districts/neighborhoods mentioned below.

Which are the coolest districts to stay in New York?

If you’re a visiting hipster you’ll be spoiled for choice in the city. Some of the trendiest spots attracting trendy and creative types by the bucket load include Greenwich Village, which has a boho vibe, a history of counterculture movements and jazz clubs, and Chelsea with its art galleries and boutique stores, East Village with its funky, gritty vibe and hip bars.

Also, SoHo which is home to its more high-end fashionable crowd; Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for its art scene, nightclubs, and artisanal eateries; and The Meatpacking District, which is home to former warehouses turned into trendy shops, restaurants, and nightclubs.

How much do hotels cost in New York?

New York is known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. You won’t find many bargains here, unfortunately, but the trade-off is getting to stay in an exceptionally exciting city. Prices for lower-starred hotels start at around $150 a night.

How do you get to NYC?

Most visitors fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is located around 15 miles from Manhatten. From there, it’s around a 35-minute subway ride to Manhattan or a 40-minute drive/taxi ride.

You can also easily get to NYC via Amtrak or buses like the Greyhound Bus.

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0 thoughts on “Top 16 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Marseille 2023”

  1. Heyy Becky I was looking for nice trendy hotel in NY and came across ur post which is really helpful. Does any of these hotel’s have a small conference room ??? can you name them ?

    Reply
  2. another really cool younger and modern looking hotel good for young people lounge and restaurant is Yotel in NYC just 2 blocks from Times square is another really cool hotel option in the area

    Reply
  3. I have been to and stayed in New York City in the past, but never at hotels like these. I am particularly captivated by the Night Hotel. I am a rather dark person myself, and the gothic and just…dark…qualities that this hotel contains just seems to scream at me to come and visit. I am definitely going to bookmark this page so I remember that location whenever I am planning to go back into the city!

    Reply
  4. Jocelyne, Becky: NYC hotel prices are going to be high where ever you stay. I’ve never heard of the MAve but it looked cool. I just booked a stay for end of Jan for around $160/night.

    Great list and thanks for the suggestion!

    Reply
  5. Hi Jocelyne, if you click into the hotel link in the text it will take you to a booking website where you can check the prices. Although thank you for your feedback we will add the prices guides in at the bottom to make this article more user-friendly. Becky

    Reply

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