Heading to New York? Here are the city's 12 best hotels - for every budget

Ace Hotel New York: You may not find Carrie Bradshaw here, but you're bound to bump into a lot of locals who love to plonk themselves in the soaring lobby of this Downtown property with their Macs and "work from the hotel".

Long communal tables, fast Wi-Fi and - most importantly - top-notch coffee (including Australian-style flat whites) are the key drawcards here, along with minimalist rooms featuring retro furnishings. From $252 per room, per night; acehotel.com/new-york

FOR LUXURY

The Peninsula: There's no shortage of luxury offerings in the Big Apple, but perched on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, this offering from the Hong Kong-based hospitality group is one of the city's best. The rooms, the rooftop bar, the restaurant and the spa are all world-class.

And if you book one of the suites, you get free three-hour access to one of the hotel's two Mini Coopers, complete with a chauffeur, who can take you to a range of attractions in Manhattan. From $1261 per room, per night; peninsula.com

FOR CENTRAL DIGS

W Times Square: Most locations in Manhattan buzz with activity, but if you want to base yourself right in the heart of the action, you can't look past this hotel, where you'll find earbuds next to the bed. It's so central that Times Square sounds often pierce through the double-glazed windows. Ask for a higher-floor room if you're a light sleeper - it's the perfect way to take in Times Square sights minus the sounds. From $441 per room, per night; marriott.com

FOR POP-CULTURE FANS

The Carlyle: Would you like to sleep in the room where JFK used to have secret rendezvous with Marilyn Monroe? Or have a drink at Bemelmans Bar with murals by children's book author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans?

Or perhaps you would like to drop in at Cafe Carlyle where stars such as Paul McCartney have performed? This art deco gem in Midtown is the answer. From $1245 per room, per night; rosewoodhotels.com

FOR FITNESS FREAKS

Equinox Hotel New York: When Equinox Hotel New York opened in NYC's Hudson Yards in 2019, it rewrote the rules of hospitality for the fitness-conscious traveller.

A 5500-square-metre fitness club, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, is at the centre of the property, where soundproof rooms feature blackout shades for optimal sleep and the Electric Lemon restaurant specialises in healthy meals. From $1195 per room, per night; equinox-hotels.com/nyc

FOR BROOKLYN DIGS

Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg: No visit to NYC is complete without at least one trip to Williamsburg - the hipster heart of Brooklyn with cool cafes, chic boutiques, and happening restaurants and bars.

And design-centric hotels such as this one, where most guestrooms feature staggering views of one of the most famous city skylines in the world. If yours doesn't, simply make your way to the rooftop bar. From $333 per room, per night; moxywilliamsburg.com

FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY STAYS

Empire Hotel: If you're travelling to the Big Apple with kids and looking for pocket-friendly digs, you'll have to settle for at least one compromise: small rooms. Once you get over that little hiccup, though, this four-star property has so much to offer, starting with Superior rooms, which are rather tight at about 21 square metres but offer two double beds. The hotel's location is the next greatest thing about it: the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts (complete with fountains kids would love) is right next door, while Central Park is just four minutes' walk away. And if that's not enough, some of Manhattan's best views - along with a casual menu of food and drinks - can be enjoyed at the hotel's rooftop bar. From $151 per room, per night; empirehotelnyc.com

FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown: Search for this hotel on Google Maps and you'll notice it's just four minutes' walk from Charging Bull, which means you're in the heart of NYC's Financial District when you check in to this property, which is also close to World Trade Centre and Battery Park. Well-appointed rooms with work desks, and onsite facilities such as a restaurant, gym, meeting rooms and business centre make it ideal for business travellers. From $218 per room, per night; hilton.com

Read more on Explore:

If you want to check in to sparkling-new digs, there's no shortage of options in New York City. Consider booking a room in one of these fairly newly opened hotels.

The Surrey: One of the city's most revered hotels, The Surrey, has just emerged from a complete refurb this month. The 16-storey property is home to 70 guestrooms, 30 suites and 14 residences - their design inspired by key locations near the hotel, such as the iconic bridges of Central Park.

Warren Street Hotel: This is the third NYC property from the famed Firmdale Hotels, which has also given the city properties such as the Crosby Street Hotel and the Whitby. In line with the hospitality group's overarching design philosophy, every corner at this new 69-room gem in Tribeca is a work of art - from the striking bedheads in the guestrooms to the wildly colourful onsite bar and restaurant.

The Twenty Two Hotel: Located in Downtown Manhattan, this brand-new hotel, which opened in September this year, features stylish rooms with large windows, separate sitting areas and work desks, and ensuites with Italian Calacatta marble.

Aman New York: The Aman group doesn't do things in half measures. It took its sweet time to make its debut in New York City, but when it finally did, in August 2022, it landed with a bang, with next-level suites, restaurants and a wellness sanctuary in the city's iconic Crown Building.