15 art hotels to book in New York City

New York City’s hotel scene has evolved far beyond simple places to sleep. The city’s most captivating accommodations now function as living galleries, where guests wake up surrounded by carefully curated collections and cutting-edge installations. Here’s a list of art-focused hotels where checking in means stepping into Manhattan’s most creative spaces.

The Whitby Hotel

The Whitby Hotel is a celebration of contemporary art and design, positioned in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Each room is uniquely designed, providing an array of artistic environments. Bold colors dominate the interior palette while contemporary works fill every corner.

The hotel earned Three Michelin Keys, the highest rating awarded as part of Michelin’s first-ever list of ‘outstanding’ hotels in the US. Just two blocks from Central Park and steps from MoMA, it puts guests at the epicenter of the city’s art world.

Crosby Street Hotel

Firmdale Hotels brought their signature aesthetic to a quiet SoHo cobblestone street. Statement pieces from Kemp’s own art collection feature throughout the property, including such works as Fernando Botero’s 12-foot cat sculpture. The lobby centers around a 10-foot-high Jaume Plensa steel sculpture of a human head created from letters of the alphabet.

Kit Kemp’s design philosophy shines through in commissioned British artist Peter Rocklin’s paintings that surround Joe the polar bear. Her eclectic mix of contemporary art and whimsical elements creates an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and playful.

The Ludlow Hotel

Oversized windows give unparalleled views onto the neighborhood from its 175 rooms, which are sumptuously appointed with dark wood floors, silk rugs, brass chandeliers, marble tables and velvet chairs. The Lower East Side location puts guests in the heart of Manhattan’s most authentic creative district.

A glorious distressed limestone fireplace dominates the lobby lounge, while marble mosaic floors, an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, handpicked finds, and striking art give the area a private and personal feel. Sean MacPherson’s vision transformed a derelict building into one of downtown’s premier art destinations.

The James NoMad

This Beaux-Arts landmark underwent a multi-million dollar transformation led by world-renowned architect and designer David Rockwell. The vaulted main lobby and lounge focus attention on a large print of an early 20th-century street scene flanked by two enormous, cushioned art deco pillars.

The James NoMad, with its art-filled counterpart in SoHo, already a NYC favorite, houses 337 rooms, 25 suites and two penthouses spread across 15 floors. The hotel’s hidden Speakeasy suite features a secret room accessible through a bookcase, complete with vintage photos of flappers and prohibition-era memorabilia.

Arthouse Hotel

Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this century-old building retains historic accents while showcasing contemporary works. Stepping into our timeless yet cozy lobby, you are greeted by custom artwork, the original antique fireplace and a 1920s French elevator system.

The hotel’s name reflects its mission. Custom pieces throughout the property complement the building’s architectural heritage, creating a gallery-like atmosphere in an intimate neighborhood setting.

The Evelyn

Paying homage to namesake Evelyn Nesbit — the Gibson Girl of her era — Evelyn Hotel’s design showcases the Art Nouveau style of the early 1900’s while reflecting the neighborhood’s music and art heritage. Located in NoMad, the hotel celebrates the area’s century-long artistic legacy.

Art Deco elements weave through modern comfort. The smell of fresh coffee from the lobby café mingles with the visual feast of period-appropriate artwork and contemporary installations.

UNTITLED at 3 Freeman

Tucked down a graffiti-lined alley, we offer a peaceful escape just steps from NYC’s best dining, nightlife, and art. This Lower East Side gem sits on Freeman Alley, itself a street art destination.

Our Gallery Garden offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery and art, perfect for coffee, a good book, or soaking in the vibe. The hotel’s rotating art program means each visit offers something new.

NoMo SoHo

Our building is a curated collection of vintage and contemporary art, illustrating the eclectic mix of those who made SoHo what it is today. The hotel embraces its Crosby Street location with installations that reflect the neighborhood’s creative evolution.

The famous Tunnel of Love archway serves as an Instagram-ready introduction to the property’s artistic sensibilities. Contemporary pieces throughout the building tell the story of SoHo’s transformation from industrial district to an art haven.

The Beekman

The centerpiece of The Beekman is the gilded, soaring atrium. Originally built for law offices, this used to be a dumpy old office building, now it’s a work of art. The Financial District location offers a different perspective on Manhattan’s art scene.

The nine-story atrium creates a cathedral-like space filled with natural light. Art installations take advantage of the dramatic vertical space, while the hotel’s bars and restaurants feature carefully curated pieces that complement the building’s historic grandeur.

Moderne Hotel NYC

This Theater District boutique showcases vibrant pop-art style throughout its Broadway location. Contemporary pop-art-inspired interiors add cultural touches to each room.

The hotel’s commitment to artistic expression extends beyond decoration. Location near Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall puts guests steps from the city’s performing arts scene, while the building itself serves as a canvas for rotating contemporary works.

Hotel Edison

NEW YORK CITY – September 11, 2022: New York City is the most populous city in the United States and with over 60 million visitors to the city per year, the worlds busiest tourist destination
— Photo by dbvirago

Wearing the same grand Art Deco style as Radio City Music Hall, the Hotel Edison draws its name from the inventor, Thomas Edison, who turned the lights on opening night in 1931. The building itself represents an important chapter in New York’s architectural history.

Art Deco elements include murals of New York City in its Art Deco heyday featuring Joe DiMaggio, Cab Calloway and the Rockettes. The hotel doubles as a time capsule of the city’s golden age of design.

The New Yorker Hotel

Built in 1930, this Midtown giant originally featured the city’s largest private power plant. Today, the 8th Avenue hotel is administered by Wyndham (after a run as a Ramada), carbon-neutral, and sporting “only” 1,083 rooms.

The hotel’s Art Deco heritage shines through recent renovations. Historic design elements blend with contemporary art installations throughout the public spaces, creating a dialogue between past and present.

Warren Street Hotel

Firmdale Hotels’ Tribeca outpost continues Kit Kemp’s signature approach to hospitality design. The intimate property features bold patterns, contemporary art, and the brand’s characteristic attention to artistic detail.

Located in one of Manhattan’s most historically rich neighborhoods, the hotel serves as a bridge between Tribeca’s industrial past and artistic present. Each floor tells a different story through carefully selected contemporary works.

11 Howard

This SoHo property seamlessly blends Scandinavian minimalist design with New York’s rich heritage, offering refined luxury and a vibrant community spirit. The hotel’s art program focuses on emerging and established contemporary artists.

And the minimalist aesthetic provides the perfect backdrop for rotating exhibitions. The building’s industrial bones complement carefully chosen installations that change seasonally, ensuring return visitors discover something new.

The Standard High Line

While technically in the Meatpacking District, this André Balazs property sits directly above the High Line park. The building’s unique architecture creates gallery-like spaces throughout the property.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the Hudson River and the city beyond, but the real art happens inside. Contemporary installations take advantage of the hotel’s dramatic angles and unexpected spaces, creating an environment where guests become part of the artistic experience.

Where art meets accommodation

New York’s art hotel scene reflects the city’s position as a global creative capital. These properties offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide immersion into the metropolitan art world, where every hallway corner might reveal the next great discovery.