If your idea of a perfect New York trip involves gleaming galleries, Picasso selfies, and quick breaks in Central Park, you’ll want a hotel close to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). We’ve uncovered the best Midtown hotels in every price range, each with its own unique personality and perks and, of course, close proximity to the Big Apple’s best modern art exhibits.
High-end
The Whitby Hotel
Walking distance: 3 minutes
By public transport: Hop on the E or M subway to 5th Ave–53rd St
The Whitby Hotel might be the most playful and uplifting spot in Midtown. Just three minutes from MoMA, it’s where design enthusiasts and creative travelers check in to soak up color, character and creative amenities. Rooms are artful, each one featuring different quirks—think handwoven headboards, bold wallpaper and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill every corner with soft city light. Those windows also open onto charming views, and some rooms even have private terraces.
Public spaces at The Whitby sparkle with personality. Start with breakfast in The Orangery, a light-filled spot for fresh pastries. Move to the Whitby Bar for classic British-inspired dishes and cocktails, then linger over an afternoon tea with homemade scones and clotted cream (yes, it rivals London’s best). The hotel’s own private cinema hosts weekly screenings, so that rainy nights in Midtown are sorted. Staff here stand out for their expert knowledge, offering gallery tips and suggesting favorite bakeries and local hidden gems like you’re the world’s most welcome guest.
What’s the vibe? Artistic but friendly, with fresh flowers everywhere and color around every corner. The Whitby guarantees a stay that’s as creative and memorable as anything you’ll see in the galleries.
The Baccarat Hotel
The Baccarat Hotel
Walking distance: 1 minute
By public transport: E, M, B, D, F, M to 47-50th St–Rockefeller Center
If you want a hotel as glamorous as the art inside MoMA, The Baccarat’s the one for you. This haven of French-inspired luxury literally dazzles thanks to the lobby’s massive crystal chandeliers and mirrored surfaces. Each room oozes opulence. Expect walls lined with original artworks, marble bathrooms with rain showers and soaking tubs, comfy beds with Frette linens, and a minibar that’s stocked bursting point. The floor-to-ceiling windows keep you dialed into the movement of Midtown but your soundproofed cocoon means perfect peace. The suites elevate things with separate sitting rooms and the kind of luxury touches (evening turndown with chocolate, anyone?) that underline why this place so often tops the best hotel lists.
The Grand Salon and Bar are abuzz all day, with Champagne, high tea, and beautiful breakfast offerings served on glittering crystal. There’s an underground pool that shimmers beneath chandeliers, and a spa that will spoil you with facial and body treatments. The staff at Baccarat are famed for anticipating needs—restaurant reservations, MoMA tips, and seamless airport pickups are all part of the experience.
The St. Regis New York
Walking distance: 6 minutes
By public transport: Subway 5, E, or M to 53rd St
The St. Regis is where old-school New York glamor meets spectacular service. A gold-trimmed lobby with crystal chandeliers sets the scene for plush rooms with dark woods, custom bedding and marble bathrooms. But the real magic is the butler service—whether you want morning coffee delivered to your suite or last-minute tickets to MoMA, they’ll sort it.
The Astor Court restaurant is an inviting spot for a decadent New York breakfast, quiet lunch or post-MoMA treat. You’ll find yourself drawn to the King Cole Bar for its iconic murals and expertly mixed Martinis. Staff here make every guest feel like the star of their own Midtown story. You’re also just minutes from MoMA and endless other NYC galleries, not to mention the lush greenery of Central Park.
The Peninsula New York
Walking distance: 5 minutes
By public transport: E or M to 5th Ave–53rd St
Guests looking for a tranquil escape just minutes from MoMA will find that The Peninsula delivers. The vibe is sophisticated but never stuffy, and the rooms blend old-school grandeur with every possible upgrade—from bedside control panels to marble bathrooms decked with Oscar de la Renta bath products. Most rooms are spacious with big windows, plush bedding and a sense of hushed calm you might not expect in Midtown.
Take the elevator up to the roof for drinks at Salon de Ning, where standout cocktails and skyline views set the mood. The hotel pool is perched high above the city and the spa is a thoughtful oasis—treatments range from facials to foot rituals, making it the perfect recharge stop after hours on your feet at MoMA.
Conrad New York Midtown
Walking distance: 6 minutes
By public transport: N, R, W, E, B, D, F, M lines to 57th St and 7th Ave
If you crave suites with the feel of a modern city apartment, Conrad New York Midtown is your base. Suites begin at 500 square feet and offer separate living areas, cozy workspaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light. Decor is crisp and contemporary, highlighting vibrant local photography and sleek furniture. Some suites even deliver Central Park or skyline views right from bed.
The hotel’s Atrium Lounge offers craft cocktails and light bites, perfect for winding down between Midtown sightseeing and a Broadway show. Staff are knowledgeable and genuinely keen to help—don’t hesitate to ask for art gallery recs or the best places for Italian eats nearby. Conrad’s quiet, residential vibe means you’ll feel right at home—just one with plush slippers, a sprawling bathroom, and MoMA close enough to visit whenever the inspiration strikes.
Mid-range
The Chambers Hotel
The Chambers Hotel
Walking distance: 3 minutes
By public transport: Steps from 5th Ave/53rd St subway (E, M), or a couple of blocks from numerous Midtown bus routes
Tucked along 56th Street, The Chambers brings fresh, contemporary style and a distinct sense of NYC cool within sight of MoMA’s doors. This boutique hotel transforms lobby and hallway walls into rotating mini-galleries, often packed with striking modern art and photography—so even your elevator ride feels creative! The minimal yet plush rooms feature big beds with crisp linens, sculptural chairs and large walk-in showers. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep spaces bright by day, with blackout shades for total relaxation at night.
Community spaces at The Chambers add to its laid-back social vibe. The lounge area has comfy sofas and smart workspaces, making it easy to plan city adventures, meet friends, or join other guests at the hotel’s frequent art events.
While there’s no full-service restaurant, you’re right above a bustling French-Mediterranean spot, and you’re surrounded by dozens of local eats from power-breakfast diners to swanky cocktail lounges. MoMA’s galleries are around the corner and Central Park, Broadway theaters, and the shops of Fifth Avenue are an easy stroll away.
The Blakely New York
Walking distance: 6 minutes
By public transport: Two blocks from 57th St/7th Ave subway
The Blakely blends a touch of classic New York with comfortable, generous rooms and an always-friendly staff. Step inside and you’re greeted by dark wood paneling, patterned carpets and a retro-grandeur that feels a world away from sterile minimalism. Every room here is a junior suite in size, with king beds, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and even handy kitchenettes.
On-site, you’ll find Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, famous for wildly creative burgers and shakes, as well as classic comfort fare. The concierge staff is happy to book dinner reservations or flag down a cab for Broadway curtain calls.
The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club
Walking distance: 7 minutes
By public transport: Two-minute stroll to 57th St subway (N, Q, R, W), then one stop or a scenic walk
The Quin Central Park pairs artistic flair with cool, contemporary design, all just a short walk from MoMA and the greenery of Central Park. In the lobby and corridors, you’ll discover regularly changing exhibitions from New York artists, echoing MoMA’s creative buzz right up to your room. Inside, plush bedding, stylish furniture, enormous art prints and oversized windows fill the spaces with light and Midtown energy.
Rooms upgrade the usual hotel basics with smart tech, espresso makers, and oversized bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries. After a day at MoMA, sink into a velvet armchair, browse the Quin’s book collection, or book an in-room massage for the ultimate recovery. Fitness fans can hit the well-equipped gym with city views, while the café off the lobby turns out quality espresso, pastries and fresh snacks daily.
Hotel Elysee by Library Hotel Collection
Walking distance: 8 minutes
By public transport: Four blocks to 5th Ave/53rd St subway
For travelers who love character and comfort, Hotel Elysee is a treat. Housed in a 1920s building, this hotel feels like a private club or an old-world home. Each room is uniquely designed with antique-style furnishings, plush beds and elegant patterned wallpaper. Free continental breakfast is served in the clubby second-floor lounge, where you’ll also find complimentary afternoon snacks and evening wine—all perfect for sharing stories of the day’s MoMA finds.
Elysee’s public areas are cozy and inviting. The library-inspired lounge, complete with piano and fireplace, makes a wonderful spot to unwind in colder months, or to plan your next art stop over a complimentary cappuccino.
You’re also perfectly located for exploring culture and culinary highlights: MoMA, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Grand Central are an easy stroll, while the nearby subway connects you with the rest of Manhattan.
Park Lane New York
Walking distance: 10 minutes
By public transport: Steps from 57th St subway
Park Lane New York is for those who want style and energy without forking out luxury hotel prices. Surrounded by Central Park and Midtown action, this reborn classic has traded staid for lively flourishes—think bold murals, bright upholstery and a buzzy lobby bar with regular happy hours. Many rooms feature big park vistas through oversized windows (grab a city or skyline room if you can), while inside you’ll find plush beds, flat-screen TVs and roomy bathrooms with rainfall showers.
The onsite restaurant, Darling, is perched up high with sweeping views—worth visiting for sunrise brunch and creative cocktails after dark.
Budget-friendly
6 Columbus — Central Park Hotel
6 Columbus — Central Park Hotel
Walking distance: 10 minutes
By public transport: Two-minute walk to 59th St-Columbus Circle subway (A, C, B, D, 1)
6 Columbus puts mid-century design, bright pops of blue, and comfortable accommodations within easy reach of MoMA and Central Park. The rooms are compact but cleverly laid out, offering pillow-top beds, Japanese-inspired artwork and stylish bathrooms with glass showers. For extra fun, some suites have balconies overlooking the city.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill draws locals for its stellar rolls and late-night bites, so you’ll never scramble for a great meal after a gallery crawl. The rooftop lounge turns into a city-view hangout in good weather, ideal for unwinding with a drink and comparing notes on your favorite Modernist paintings.
Friendly staff make everything easy, from subway tips to theater reservations. If big-brand blandness isn’t your style, this quirky boutique blends value, creativity and comfort—all just a stroll from MoMA’s doors.
Pod 51
Walking distance: 15 minutes
By public transport: Four blocks to 51st St subway (6, E, M), then a five-minute ride to 5th Ave/53rd St
For travelers who love exploring but want to save on sleep, Pod 51 is a smart choice. This hotel provides modern, cleverly designed rooms in the heart of Midtown, each with space-saving furniture, free Wi-Fi and funky graphic murals. You can book compact singles, bunk-bed doubles, or larger queen rooms, and there are both private and shared bathroom options—all spotlessly clean.
The social roof deck and leafy courtyard are a hit for planning outings and swapping MoMA highlights with fellow guests. There’s a cheery café in the lobby serving pastries, breakfast favorites and strong coffee, and the team is always ready with directions, dining tips, or suggestions for free Midtown fun. Step out the front door and it’s a straight shot to the museum, the theater district, or riverside parks.
The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection
Walking distance: 14 minutes
By public transport: Five minutes to 51st St–Lexington Ave subway (E, M, 6); subway ride to 5th Ave/53rd St, then a two-minute walk.
Stepping inside The Lexington Hotel feels like walking through Manhattan’s jazz age revival, with statement-making art deco design and pops of contemporary style. Rooms are comfortable and colorful, filled with fun vintage nods, custom artwork and all the essentials—plush bedding, mini fridges, ergonomic desks and smart TVs. Some higher-floor rooms even sneak in city-skyline glimpses.
Downstairs, the lobby doubles as a lively lounge with local art installations and pop-up music events. The hotel’s bar pours classic cocktails, perfect for post-museum debriefs or just socializing with fellow travelers. Stay here for a taste of NYC’s style, a dose of history, and an easy walk or subway dash to all the Midtown art you can handle.
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Hotel Shocard
Walking distance: 14 minutes
By public transport: Steps from Times Sq–42nd St subway (multiple lines), then two stops to 5th Ave/53rd St
Hotel Shocard blends Broadway’s showbiz roots with urban hospitality, right in the heart of the theater district. Rooms are accented with neon signage, bold art, soft linens, and pops of velvet for comfort. Space is cozy but cleverly arranged, packing in everything you need—rainfall showers, small desks, in-room espresso and fast Wi-Fi.
Downstairs, Shocard’s bar serves classic drinks with a side of Broadway nostalgia, while the adjacent restaurant dishes out American comfort food through lunch and dinner. The staff is famous for their fun, personable manner—happy to suggest show tickets, MoMA exhibits, or rooftop cocktail spots nearby.
Radio City Apartments
Walking distance: 7 minutes
By public transport: Two minutes to 47–50th St–Rockefeller Ctr (B, D, F, M), then one stop to 5th Ave/53rd St.
Radio City Apartments offer one of Midtown’s best self-catering deals for families, friends or travelers who want a little more independence. Each spacious, apartment-style room includes a small kitchen with a stove, fridge and basic cookware, as well as a comfortable living area and smart TV.
The helpful front desk team knows the city well and can point you to everything from MoMA’s must-sees to the best pizza by the slice nearby. You’re close to everything—MoMA, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square are in your backyard, and subway stations put all of NYC within easy reach.
Looking for more NYC hotel tips? Check out the best stays near the Statue of Liberty or find out where to rest your head close to the Empire State Building.
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