There’s a pulse to New York City that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else. It’s in the rhythm of the crosswalks, the shimmer of its historic facades, the way a sudden hush can fall over a tucked-away courtyard just steps from the chaos. Every visit feels like stepping into a familiar love story, with a new chapter waiting to be written.

For me, choosing where to stay in New York is never just about a comfortable bed. It’s about setting the tone for the experience I want to have—whether that’s a weekend wrapped in old-world elegance, a quiet creative retreat, or a glittering night in Midtown’s glow. The right hotel becomes part of the memory itself, another layer of the city’s magic.

Here are three of my most cherished stays, each one a different shade of New York’s endlessly fascinating personality.

The Lowell Hotel – Upper East Side Grace

The Lowell isn’t a hotel you simply check into; it’s one you return to, again and again, like an old friend with impeccable taste. Nestled discreetly between Park and Madison Avenues, it radiates the intimacy of a private townhouse but with the refinement only New York can deliver.

Inside, time seems to slow. A martini at Jacques Bar tastes somehow more precise, more perfected. A crackling wood-burning fireplace invites you to curl up with a novel and lose track of the hours. Mornings begin at Majorelle with a cup of Dior’s Lily of the Valley tea—fragrant, delicate, and a little dreamlike.

The Lowell is elegance without spectacle, and every stay feels like slipping into a version of New York that’s tender, timeless, and deeply personal.

While you’re here: Treat yourself to an evening at Restaurant Daniel, a Michelin-starred institution just a short ride away. It’s a dining experience that feels like a celebration in itself—refined, romantic, unforgettable.

The St. Regis New York – Midtown’s Timeless Stage

Some places feel like stepping back in time, and The St. Regis New York is one of them. From the moment you walk into its gilded lobby, you’re enveloped in a kind of glamour that’s become rare. Crystal chandeliers cast their glow over velvet banquettes, and the hush of butler service adds a touch of theatricality to every stay.

The suites are lavish, the views frame the city like scenes in a film, and a stop at King Cole Bar is non-negotiable. This is where the Bloody Mary was born, after all—a drink served with a story, best enjoyed in a velvet booth that could easily be the backdrop of a golden-age romance.

The St. Regis doesn’t just offer luxury; it offers a sense of occasion. Staying here feels like dressing up for dinner even if you don’t have plans, writing a love note even if you don’t have the words.

While you’re here: Stay awhile in the bar itself. Sip, linger, let conversation meander. It’s a space that makes even ordinary moments shimmer.

The Greenwich Hotel – Tribeca’s Intimate Retreat

If uptown is about grandeur, then downtown whispers with quiet intimacy. The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca is my go-to when I crave sanctuary within the city. It’s a boutique gem that doesn’t announce itself, but rather unfolds slowly—like a secret garden only you’ve stumbled upon.

The rooms are layered with rustic Italian details, each corner crafted with quiet beauty. The courtyard is pure enchantment: ivy-covered walls, twinkling lights, a place where mornings stretch long over cappuccinos and evenings feel almost cinematic.

It’s a retreat for dreamers, creatives, and lovers—an invitation to slow down in the middle of a city that rarely does.

While you’re here: Wander just steps away to Locanda Verde, a beloved neighborhood spot with warmth and flavor to spare. Their ravioli is legendary, the kind of dish you order once and never forget.

Finding Your New York

New York is vast, sprawling, relentless—and yet, within it, there are havens that allow you to shape your own rhythm. Whether it’s The Lowell’s hushed elegance, The St. Regis’s grand romance, or The Greenwich Hotel’s understated charm, each stay offers a window into a different version of the city.

For me, these places aren’t just hotels; they’re part of the love affair I’ve had with New York for years. They frame the moments that linger—the late-night conversations, the first sip of morning coffee, the feeling of being suspended between the city’s chaos and its quiet.

Because in New York, it’s never just about where you go—it’s about how you feel while you’re there. And these stays remind me, time and again, that the city’s magic is always waiting, just around the corner.