9 Excitingly Romantic Getaways in New York City

New York City isn’t all skyscrapers, subways, and wide avenues. It’s also romantic walks in Central Park, hand-holding down the storied streets of The Village, window shopping on Fifth Avenue, and finding shared meaning in a painting of a world-famous museum.

This city, known for its sheer enormity, is the perfect place for couples to cozy up and get lost together.

But when you finally want to retreat and put up your tired feet, you’ll want accommodation that’s just as romantic as the city surrounding you. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve scoured New York for its most romantic hotels — boasting some of the city’s most epic views, sexy bars, cozy restaurants and indulgent amenities. Let’s browse, shall we?

Related read: 10 Romantic Getaways in the Adirondacks

1. The William Vale

Why you should stay: Skyline views and seasonal romantic activities.

• Rates from: $239/night
• Amenities: Wi-fi, outdoor pool (seasonal), on-site bar, gym
• Hotels.com rating: 8.6/10

If you’re going to leave Manhattan, at the very least, you should get a skyline view. Brooklyn’s The William Vale offers that and more — giving guests romantic activities to indulge in each season like outdoor couples massages and rooftop ice skating.

With strong cultural ties to the community, The William Vale even hosts events like the local Shibari Rope Bondage classes that you two can indulge in during your stay. However, it’s your private views of the Manhattan skyline that will probably give way to some of your most romantic moments — so order a bottle of bubbly and enjoy.

2. The Plaza

Why you should stay: The history and Beaux-Arts architecture.

• Rates from: $636/night
• Amenities: Full-service spa, restaurant and bar on-site
• Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10

Do you think we could really make this list without talking about New York’s Plaza hotel? Both a historical and pop culture icon, The Plaza seems to have enduring relevance and romance.

It could be the French-style furnishings and Beaux-Arts designs, but the crystal chandeliers, Central Park views and sumptuous 24k gold details on things like the faucets make this hotel feel utterly indulgent. You’ll want to soak up every second here (as you should), so be sure to enjoy experiences like high tea in the over-the-top Palm Court.

3. The Marlton

Why you should stay: Boutique vibes and village location.

• Rates from: $209/night
• Amenities: WiFi, restaurant and bar on-site
• Hotels.com rating: 9/10

You know how you’d always envy those people who had a rich aunt who lived in the city? Well, staying at The Marlton downtown in Greenwich Village is kind of like that. The lobby and bar have rich, wood panel walls framed with striking art and feature perfectly mismatched furniture that makes the space feel much more like the inside of someone’s home rather than a hotel.

The rooms have that wonderful boutique feel, too, with 19th-century details like crown molding, herringbone wooden floors and retro marble baths. The rooms are snug — but that’s just all the more reason to curl up together. Plus, the trade-off is that you can walk hand in hand through nearby Washington Square Park.

4. The Beekman

Why you should stay: The sheer beauty of this building.

• Rates from: $298/night
• Amenities: WiFi, restaurant and bar on-site, gym
• Hotels.com rating: 9/10

He didn’t write romance novels, but there’s an undeniable allure to staying at a hotel where the world-famous Edgar Allen Poe would settle down to write.

Plus, the Victorian-styled hotel — which has undergone awesome modern renovations since it was one of the city’s first skyscrapers — has this utterly romantic feel with a natural-lit glass atrium lobby and a bar ‘lifted from an Agatha Christie novel.’ Guests will appreciate the modern rooms with vintage and velvet accents, wooden chests of drawers and marble desktops and bathtubs.

5. The Ludlow

Why you should stay: Marble tubs with LES skyline views.

• Rates from: $219/night
• Amenities: WiFi, restaurant and bar on-site, gym
• Hotels.com rating: 9.4/10

With that perfect mix of downtown glamour and grit, The Ludlow mixes the industrial feel of large factory windows with wooden four-poster beds, limestone fireplaces and subway tiled bathrooms with marble tubs that overlook the skyline.

The lounge and bar are also lined with large, sunken leather couches perfect for cuddling up with an ice-shaken drink, and their restaurant, The Dirty French, isn’t to be missed. And while you’ll have trouble tearing yourself from the hotel, this location really is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring downtown, too.

6. The High Line Hotel

Why you should stay: High Line views and Chelsea at your doorstep.

• Rates from: $237/night
• Amenities: WiFi, restaurant and bar on-site, gym
• Hotels.com rating: 8.2/10

Tucked away in the ever-coveted Chelsea neighborhood, The High Line Hotel is located right next to the park that bears its name and sits close to all the trendy bars, restaurants and galleries this ‘hood is known for. Just imagine staying here with your sweet and waking these streets pretending you’re two chic locals!

But, it’s the interior that beckons to a bygone era that will surely win you two over. The rooms, which boast fluffy duvets, wood headboards, marble baths and lavish wallpaper, also come with views of the High Line or a private garden — both great spots to enjoy your morning coffee in fluffy robes.

7. Soho Grand Hotel

Why you should stay: A historic property with contemporary clout.

• Rates from: $239/night
• Amenities: WiFi, restaurant and bar on-site, gym
• Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10

Self-described as a hotel with elegance, sophistication and a rock n’ roll heart, the Soho Grand Hotel combines the style of its 1870’s gilded age with the edginess of 1970s. Manhattan’s first luxury boutique hotel downtown, today, it still lives up to the title with lux upholstery and superb service.

The rooms don’t skimp, either, with leather headboards, copper desks, as well as swanky Egyptian cotton bedding and robes from Frette. Couples looking to let loose will love the renowned in-house restaurant and bar — but don’t have your nightcap too early, because there is a late-night club to check out, too.

8. The Carlyle

Why you should stay: A luxurious New York institution.

• Rates from: $689/night
• Amenities: WiFi, bar/lounge on-site, gym, full-service spa
• Hotels.com rating: 9.4/10

If you want that old-world New York vibe, look no further than the famous and historic The Carlyle. Any New Yorker will tell you that Bemelmans Bar is one of the most magical and romantic spots in the city with nightly jazz and a hauntingly beautiful mural by ‘Madeline’ author Ludwig Bemelmans — the only one he ever did.

Nestled on the UES, The Carlyle is within walking distance to Central Park and The Met, which are perfect date spots. Splurge for the Romance package and you can even get chocolate fruit and champagne upon arrival as well as daily breakfast in bed.

Does it really get better than that?

9. The Lowell

Why you should book: European glamour in Manhattan.

• Rates from: $828/night
• Amenities: WiFi, bar/lounge on-site, gym, full-service spa
• Hotels.com rating: 9.6/10

If you’re looking to experience a little European glamour without actually hopping across the pond, The Lowell is it. Your cozy yet totally plush room will be outfitted with romantic details like marble bathtubs, four-poster beds and fireplaces that you’ll wince tearing yourself away from.

But, the city is just outside your doors when you finally decide to head out and explore. Be sure to grab a romantic little nightcap down in the Club Room with your love, too.

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