The best modern business hotels in New York

Few hotels have a ‘Living Room’ as appealing as citizenM, three blocks from Times Square. The lively space provides a 24-hour grab-and-go canteen (think sushi rolls, and healthy salads), lobby bar, and a plethora of seating, ideal for working, socialising, or kicking back after a tough day at the office. While you won’t have all the amenities of some high-end properties, the outpost’s ‘affordable luxury’ includes a rooftop lounge and fitness centre (both with sweeping views), mini-fridges, and uber-comfy, oversized beds for snoozing late on weekends.

As one of the hippest hotels in Manhattan, this IHG flagship caters to young-minded travellers. Grab your laptop and snag a seat in the lobby – it feels more like a chic co-working space than a hotel. Since there’s a fitness centre, there’s no excuse for not burning some calories. Meanwhile, Mr Purple, the eatery-cum-nightclub churns out solid fare and is the place to mingle with craft cocktails and unparalleled city views. Rooms are the right size, and suites provide tons of space, some with private terraces.

Seize the chance to work and hobnob in the grandfather of cool hotel lobbies – where a fashionable crowd pecks at laptops by day and quaffs libations by night. The always-humming space features mosaic flooring and a bevy of flea-market-inspired tables and seating to settle down in. The Ace offers fun events as well, from artist chats to poetry readings, so you’ll have chances to socialise on site. April Bloomfield’s gastropub, The Breslin, serves comfort food like beer-battered fish and chips and a roast beef sandwich with horseradish cream. And Stumptown Coffee, alongside the lobby, brews an excellent cup of Joe.

This property is set in a phenomenal location close to some of the business world’s heavy hitters, but also a stroll from Times Square and Bryant Park. Suites feature L-shaped sofa beds and ergonomic desks, but super-speedy free Wi-Fi is in every room. For corporate meetings, LUMA partners with various venues within a three-block radius, be it a trendy loft or a classic ballroom space. Ortzi, from James Beard award-winning chef Jose Garces, celebrates the cuisine of the Basque Country with dishes like fava bean salad and roasted foie gras. Looking to keep fit on the road? Guests are offered free passes to BLINK Fitness (a two-minute walk away). Complimentary gym kits can also be delivered to rooms upon request.

At this storied property, be steps from Washington Square Park, a lovely respite after a tiring day of meetings. While the rooms are tiny, the lobby resembles a library, adorned with wood panelling, leather couches, antique rugs, and a flickering fireplace on chilly days. It’s the perfect place to catch up on emails. In the evening, slide to the bar and sip a vodka Martini before dining at Margaux, a quaint eatery plating seasonal dishes. Order your daily dose of caffeine from the coffee bar in the lobby, and enjoy pastries, granola and avocado toast for breakfast – unusually for New York, it’s complimentary.

This eco-friendly hotel, set one block from Central Park, is an outstanding base for business travellers. The second floor features a gathering space for working and kicking back, and several private rooms for meetings. Jonathan Waxman’s Jams puts out flavourful market-fresh dishes, many crafted from local and organic ingredients. Jams, characterised by an open floor plan and modern furnishings – also hosts corporate functions, and delivers room service 24/7. Speedy Wi-Fi is available for up to five devices per room, so you’ll always be connected.

This Hyatt hotel offers spacious quarters, many overlooking the stately New York Public Library. For corporate meetings, reserve the second floor, a sprawling event space with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, an open kitchen and bar, and lovely courtyard. The Bar Downstairs cooks up tasty tapas, ideal for a nosh or sharing with colleagues. In-room snacks and soft drinks are complimentary and refilled daily. Don’t miss the wine hour – an excuse to sip a glass of red or white – every day from 6pm until 8pm.

Art Deco interiors and a coveted Midtown address are highlights at this hotel tucked away in a calm pocket of the Theatre District. Pin-drop quiet rooms encourage productive work days and sleeping in, a given in the cocoon-like SoBed. You’ll feel spoiled by the Lanvin and Hermès bath amenities, and the personalised service, a rarity in a hotel this size. Staying here places you at a crossroads in NYC – with 16 subway lines, you’ll be able to reach any corner of New York and be within a walk of Midtown offices.

If a celebrity-chef restaurant, Japanese spa, and Les Clefs d’Or Concierge are on your wish list, then The Benjamin is an excellent option. Unexpected comforts reign supreme, such as a pillow menu to afford your best night’s sleep, and kitchenettes for casual meals in the hotel. Guests who own a small business can choose the ‘Business Perks Programme’ when booking multiple rooms, allowing a late 2pm checkout, free local calls and a potential room upgrade (when available). Need a refresh before a big meeting? Book in to the on-site Federico Hair Salon & Spa, and while you’re at it, opt for a deep tissue massage, ideal after a tiring day in the city.

This contemporary showpiece with architecture by Robert A.M. Stern and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg, radiates sophistication from the inside out, it’s a refreshing change to the somewhat corporate vibe of Lower Manhattan. The slim 82-storey tower – the hotel is situated on the first 38 floors and the Four Seasons Residences are stacked above – assumes a residential feel, clad in warm walnut and Italian marble, with rich textures throughout. The cherry on top here though has to be Wolfgang Puck’s first New York restaurant, CUT, tucked away in the corner at ground level; it’s still as celebrated today as it was back when it opened in 2016 so perfect for entertaining clients.