I'm In New York For Fashion Week—These Are the 5 Hotels Everyone's Talking About
New York is known for many things—the energy, the diversity, the entertainment, the food—but the hotel scene makes this city stand out among the rest of the world. Hotels in New York City are more than just places for travelers to rest their heads. Instead, thanks to the unmatched ambiance, high-profile chefs, and Instagram-worthy décor, they are considered the It spots for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Per usual, the hotels of the moment are constantly changing, but throughout my time so far at NYFW, I was able to catch wind of the hotels that everyone is talking about this season.
Some of the establishments listed below are basically institutions in this city while others are relative newcomers. What unites them all is the fact that if someone were to ask you where they should go drink, eat, or stay in New York, you would appear insanely in the know if you mentioned any of the five hotels listed below. These hotels are specifically beloved among the celebrity and fashion crowd—two groups of people who love nothing more than being seen at the most-talked-about spots, period.
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
I've been a personal fan of The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel for quite some time. While living in New York, I would frequent Temple Court, convince my parents to stay there when they were in town, and jump at the chance to attend a work-related event at the hotel. The nine-story Victorian atrium is worth a visit on its own, but the mouth-watering menus by James Beard Award Winner, Chef Tom Colicchio, quaint yet modern rooms, and welcoming staff are why you keep coming back. The property was built in 1881 and is one of New York City’s last significant architectural treasures. Randolph Gerner restored the building and if you ask any of the staff, they will enthrall you with tales of great writers and historic figures who once graced these walls.
The fashion set frequents the must-try French restaurant attached to the hotel, Le Gratin, where the walls are almost as talked about as the food, the Bar Room for chic drinks with colleagues, and Laissez Faire for a night cap. To many, the hotel is a home base during New York Fashion Week, including myself.
What I would wear:
Nine Orchard
Nine Orchard is located in the buzzy Dimes Square on the Lower East Side, and has quickly made a case for the most talked-about hotel in the city, period. This bank-turned-hotel underwent extensive renovations to get it in the pristine shape it's in now, and it was certainly worth it.
From the ceilings to the moldings, there is much to be admired, but the fashion crowd can't stop talking about the Swan Room which features an impressive cocktail menu and an even more impressive setting. The move is to have a couple of drinks, and then mosey on over to Corner Bar for some proper sustenance.
What I would wear:
Casa Cipriani
Any local New Yorker knows the prestige that comes with the Cipriani name. The iconic Italian dinners shared among It crowds are just as talked about as they are posted on Instagram. As if the coveted restaurant reservations weren't enough, once Casa Cipriani opened, exclusivity reached a new level. What was once the historic Battery Maritime Building located on the East River is now an upscale hotel and private members club filled with ample dining and drinking pockets around the property.
The rooms and overall décor are just as luxe as you would imagine. The rooms are equipped with private terraces, rich linens, and interiors that make you want to immediately change into your chicest outfit and head down for a classic drink and some live music in the Jazz Café.
What I would wear:
The Carlyle
Everyone knows The Carlyle hotel for its Upper East Side charm, the famous Bemelmans Bar, and now, the newest fine dining addition, Dowling's. This hotel has been an institution since its inception in 1930, and it is evident that the elegance and class have aged well. Travelers, locals, and industry insiders alike can't resist an opportunity to sip on a martini while listening to live music at Bemelmans, and if you're lucky enough to stay in one of the posh rooms, you'll surely never want to leave.
My personal favorite time to visit The Carlyle is during the holidays. The décor is unmatched, and there is nothing better than walking into the twinkling lobby after a snowy stroll in Central Park. In case you were looking for a picturesque getaway this winter, look no further.
What I would wear:
The Mercer
The Mercer Hotel is one of those places that is talked about a lot, but somehow in a way that still gives off an air of mystery. Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan in SoHo, this hotel draws in the crème de la crème of the celebrity and fashion worlds. The building was built in 1890, but once inside, you are transported to a world of modern yet comforting décor that will make you want to redo your entire apartment.
No New York hotel makes a name for itself without a bar or restaurant that is just as noteworthy, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Mercer Kitchen is that spot for The Mercer Hotel. Locals, tourists, and celebrities like this spot for quality food, drinks, and ambiance. And if you're lucky enough to stay in the actual hotel, you'll be welcomed home by a serene and fluffy bed at the end of the night.
What I would wear:
This story was published on a previous date and has since been updated.
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.
She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.
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