My top 5 hotels with best view of Empire State Building

Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by Ioana

There’s something magical about waking up in New York City and seeing the Empire State Building right outside your window. Whether it’s glowing at sunset or lighting up the skyline at night, it instantly makes your NYC trip feel iconic.

But not all “Empire State Building view” hotels are created equal. Some only offer partial views from a handful of rooms, while others give you jaw-dropping views straight from your bed.

After living in New York City for 10 years and spending years attending work events, rooftop happy hours, and staycations across Manhattan, I’ve rounded up my favorite hotels with best view of Empire State Building.

I even lived across the street from the Refinery Hotel for years and could see its rooftop terrace directly from my apartment. So I got a firsthand look at why it’s become one of the city’s most iconic skyline-view hotels.

Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or simply want that unforgettable Manhattan skyline moment, these are the hotels I’d personally choose. 

If you’re planning your first trip, you may also want to read my complete beginner’s guide to NYC and my detailed one week New York itinerary to help you plan your stay. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Quick picks: best hotels with Empire State Building views

• Refinery Hotel: best rooftop view
• The Dominick Hotel: best luxury stay
• Archer Hotel New York: best for couples
• Moxy NYC Chelsea: best trendy hotel
• Arlo NoMad: best affordable option

Best rooftop view: Refinery Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.4/10 (597 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

If you want one of the most iconic close-up views of the Empire State Building, the Refinery Hotel is hard to beat.

It has an unbeatable location in Midtown Manhattan inside a beautifully restored 1912 building.

Bryant Park, Times Square, and Central Park are all a short walk away. If you’re trying to decide which neighborhood makes the most sense for your trip, check out my guide on where to stay in NYC.

But the real highlight is the rooftop.

The Refinery Rooftop has one of my favorite Empire State Building views in NYC because you’re incredibly close to the building itself. The perspective feels dramatic, especially at night when the tower lights up the skyline.

I used to live directly across the street from the hotel and could actually see the rooftop terrace from my apartment.

I watched firsthand how popular this spot became for locals, visitors, after-work drinks, and date nights. There was always a line outside for their rooftop.

Even if you don’t stay here, the rooftop is worth visiting for handcrafted cocktails with an incredible view. Just make sure to book in advance.

But booking a room with a view of the Empire State Building takes the experience to another level, especially if you’re visiting New York for the first time.

Not every room has a direct Empire State Building view, so I’d specifically request a skyline or Empire view room when booking.

Best romantic stay: Archer Hotel New York

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.8/10 (1,135 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

If you’re looking for that classic “New York movie moment,” Archer Hotel New York is the perfect place.

This boutique hotel sits just a few blocks from the iconic Empire State Building. And many of the rooms feel almost unbelievably close to it.

Some even have beds positioned directly toward the windows, so you wake up with the skyline right in front of you.

What makes Archer stand out is how intimate and cozy it feels compared to many larger Manhattan hotels. The guest rooms aren’t huge, but they’re thoughtfully designed.

It’s also a great base if you’re planning to visit many attractions and looking for the best things to do in NYC.

You’ll also be close to many iconic attractions such as Rockefeller Center and New York Public Library.

The rooftop bar, Spyglass, is another major highlight. It offers one of the most famous Empire State Building views in the city, especially at sunset when the building starts glowing over Midtown.

Unlike some rooftops that feel overly crowded or clubby, Spyglass has a more sophisticated atmosphere. It works well for cocktails or date nights.

Best luxury skyline views: The Dominick Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.5/10 (1,029 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

If you want a luxury hotel with breathtaking views of the city skyline, The Dominick Hotel is one of the best options in New York City.

Unlike many Midtown hotels that give you a close-up Empire State Building perspective, The Dominick offers a wider panoramic view of the skyline from Lower Manhattan.

From higher floors, you can see the Empire State Building rising above the city alongside Hudson River views and downtown skyscrapers.

The rooms here also feel noticeably larger than what you typically find in Manhattan. This immediately makes the stay feel more relaxing and upscale.

One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Dominick is the floor-to-ceiling windows. Even standard rooms feel dramatic because the skyline becomes the centerpiece of the space.

The hotel itself has a much calmer atmosphere compared to the busy Midtown scene. So it’s a great option if you want luxury and big city views without constantly being surrounded by crowds and tourists.

Best trendy hotel for NYC vibes: Moxy NYC Chelsea

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.4/10 (2,628 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

If you want a hotel that feels fun, social, and very “New York,” Moxy NYC Chelsea is a great pick.

This hotel has become especially popular with younger travelers and couples. It combines a lively atmosphere, and surprisingly good skyline views. And it has more approachable price point than many luxury Manhattan hotels.

The biggest highlight here is the location. You’re right in the heart of Chelsea near NoMad, with easy access to the Flatiron District, Koreatown, and Madison Square Park.

And because the hotel sits in an area filled with taller buildings, many rooms and common spaces have excellent Empire State Building views.

The rooftop bar, The Fleur Room, is one of the most famous nightlife spots in the area. The floor-to-ceiling windows create an incredible backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, especially after dark when the Empire State Building lights up.

The rooms themselves are compact, which is pretty standard for NYC. But the modern design helps them feel efficient rather than cramped.

This is not the quietest or most relaxing hotel on the list. If you prefer calm boutique hotels, you may prefer The Dominick or Refinery. But if you want a lively NYC experience with great skyline views, Moxy is a really fun choice.

Best budget-friendly option: Arlo NoMad

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.4/10 (1,692 reviews)
💲 Budget • 👉 Check current prices here

If you want Empire State Building views without paying full luxury hotel prices, Arlo NoMad is one of the best value options in Manhattan.

The hotel is known for its modern micro-room concept. So the rooms are definitely compact, but they’re designed in a smart way that still feels comfortable.

What really makes Arlo stand out is the view.

Many rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with direct views of the Empire State Building. And because the hotel sits so close to the tower, the perspective feels dramatic and very “classic NYC.”

The rooftop bar is another major reason people book this hotel. ART NoMad has panoramic skyline views with the Empire State Building sitting front and center. It’s one of the best rooftop experiences for the price point.

I also think Arlo NoMad works especially well for solo travelers, younger couples, or anyone planning to spend most of their time exploring the city rather than staying inside the hotel all day. If you’re visiting solo, you may also enjoy my guide on what to do alone in NYC.

The rooms are small, even by NYC standards. So this hotel works best if location and views matter more to you than having a large room. If you’re someone who spends most of the day out exploring Manhattan, it’s a great tradeoff.

FAQ about hotels with the best Empire State Building views

Which hotel has the best direct view of the Empire State Building?

In my opinion, the Refinery Hotel and Archer Hotel New York offer the best views of the Empire State Building.

Both hotels are located just a few blocks away from the iconic landmark, so you can almost feel like you’re touching it.

What is the best rooftop bar with Empire State Building views?

The Refinery Rooftop and Spyglass Rooftop at Archer Hotel are two of the best rooftop bars for Empire State Building views.

Both offer iconic Midtown skyline backdrops that feel especially beautiful after dark with all the city lights.

Are Empire State Building view rooms worth it?

Yes, especially if it’s your first time visiting New York City or you’re celebrating a special occasion. Waking up to the Manhattan skyline instantly makes the trip feel more memorable and gives you that classic NYC experience.

Which hotel is best for couples?

Archer Hotel New York is probably the most romantic option on this list thanks to its boutique atmosphere, cozy rooms, and close-up skyline views.

Which hotel has the best luxury experience?

The Dominick Hotel is a five-star hotel that offers the most luxurious overall stay. It has spacious rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and panoramic Manhattan skyline views.

Which hotel is the most affordable option?

Arlo NoMad is usually one of the best value hotels for Empire State Building views. You still get an amazing location and skyline experience without paying top-tier luxury hotel prices.

Do all rooms have Empire State Building views?

No. Most hotels only have select rooms with direct Empire State Building views, so it’s important to specifically book a skyline-view or Empire State Building-view room category whenever possible.

What area should I stay in for Empire State Building views?

Midtown Manhattan and NoMad are usually the best neighborhoods for close-up Empire State Building views because they place you near the tower itself.

Hotels farther downtown may still have beautiful skyline views, but the building will appear farther away.