Open Travel Guide
Luxury travel in New York

Luxury Travel in New York 2026

Where New York genuinely delivers luxury, from palace hotels to once-only experiences.

New York has 6+ luxury hotels and experiences covered in this guide, led by The Plaza Hotel, Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York and Four Seasons Hotel New York. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

New York State is a powerhouse of American culture, history, and natural beauty, anchored by New York City—the most visited city in the United States. From the iconic skyline of Manhattan to the thundering Niagara Falls, the tranquil Adirondack wilderness, and the rolling vineyards of the Finger Lakes, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Whether you seek world-class museums, outdoor adventure, farm-to-table dining, or vibrant nightlife, New York State delivers on every front.

Luxury hotels

Five-star and palace properties.

5-star

The Plaza Hotel

$600–$1,500+/night4.8/5

New York City's most legendary address, The Plaza at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South has hosted everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to the Beatles since 1907. The Oak Bar, the Palm Court tea, and the grandly appointed rooms and suites define classic New York luxury.

5-star

Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York

$700–$2,000+/night4.9/5

The most architecturally refined luxury hotel in NYC, the Baccarat Hotel brings the 250-year-old French crystal house's exacting standards to 114 exceptional rooms. The design by Gilles & Boissier features Baccarat crystal chandeliers throughout.

5-star

Four Seasons Hotel New York

$700–$2,500+/night4.9/5

I.M. Pei's limestone tower on East 57th Street offers the largest standard rooms in Midtown NYC (600 sq ft), a world-class spa, and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon's exquisite dining. Butler service, pillow menus, and 24-hour in-room dining are standard.

5-star

The St. Regis New York

$600–$2,000+/night4.8/5

Open since 1904, the St. Regis maintains the original vision of John Jacob Astor IV — every guest receives a dedicated butler, and the King Cole Bar with its Maxfield Parrish mural is one of the great hotel bars in the world.

5-star

Mandarin Oriental New York

$600–$2,000+/night4.8/5

On floors 35–54 of the Time Warner Center, the Mandarin Oriental offers the most dramatic views in Manhattan — Central Park to the north, the Hudson River west, and the skyline in every direction. The two-floor spa is among the finest in the city.

5-star

Mohonk Mountain House

$450–$1,200+/night4.7/5

A National Historic Landmark resort in the Shawangunk Mountains above the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House has operated since 1869. The Victorian castle, private Sky Lake, 85 miles of hiking trails, and world-class spa make it the most distinctive luxury resort outside NYC.

Fine dining

Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.

Fine dining

Le Bernardin

French$200–$250/person (tasting menu)

Éric Ripert's three-Michelin-star seafood temple has maintained perfection for nearly four decades. The prix-fixe menu showcases the finest fish and shellfish executed with flawless French technique in a serene Midtown setting.

Fine dining

Eleven Madison Park

Contemporary American$365/person

Daniel Humm's plant-based three-Michelin-star temple in the Art Deco Met Life building has been named the world's best restaurant. The 14-course tasting menu is an extraordinary exploration of seasonal New York ingredients.

Fine dining

Per Se

Contemporary French$425/person

Thomas Keller's New York flagship offers the closest American equivalent to a grand French tasting menu experience — nine extraordinary courses in an impeccably designed dining room overlooking Columbus Circle.

Fine dining

Jean-Georges

French-Asian$200–$300/person (tasting menu)

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's three-Michelin-star flagship on Central Park South brings Asian spices and techniques to classical French cooking in one of New York's most elegant dining rooms.

Fine dining

Marea

Italian Seafood$100–$150/person

Michael White's Italian coastal restaurant at Columbus Circle is widely considered the finest pasta restaurant in New York — the crudi and handmade pastas with premium seafood are the definition of Italian luxury.

Exclusive experiences

Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

Experience

Private Helicopter Tour of NYC

$250–$500 per person

10–25 minute private helicopter tours departing from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport offer the most dramatic aerial perspectives of Manhattan, the harbor, and the entire NYC metro area

Experience

Private Metropolitan Museum After-Hours Tour

$500–$2,000+

The Met can be arranged for after-hours private tours for small groups, exploring galleries that are otherwise packed with visitors — an extraordinary private art experience

Experience

Saratoga Racing Season VIP Experience

$200–$500 per person

During August's thoroughbred racing season at the historic Saratoga Race Course, premium club seating, horse paddock access, and champagne breakfasts give the full old-money New York summer experience

Experience

Mohonk Mountain House Romantic Getaway

$900–$2,400 for two nights (all-inclusive)

A two-night all-inclusive stay at the 19th-century castle resort includes all meals, afternoon tea, access to the spa, 85 miles of hiking trails, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the serene Sky Lake

Experience

Private Chef Experience, NYC

$300–$600 per person

Through private dining services, top-tier NYC chefs (including some from Michelin-starred restaurants) prepare multi-course dinners in your hotel suite, penthouse, or rented loft space

Experience

Finger Lakes Private Wine Tour

$400–$800 for two people

A private driver and sommelier guide for a full day through the top Finger Lakes wineries, including private cellar tastings, vineyard walks, and a farm lunch paired with reserve wines

Spas & wellness

World-class spa retreats and treatments.

Spa

Mandarin Oriental Spa, New York

Two floors of the Time Warner Center house this award-winning Asian-inspired spa with panoramic views, a 20-foot Vichy shower, and signature treatments using time-honored Asian therapies

Spa

The Spa at The Plaza Hotel

The legendary spa beneath The Plaza features a lavish Roman-style setting with gold fixtures, steam rooms, and treatments inspired by the hotel's gilded history

Spa

Mohonk Mountain House Spa

A 30,000-square-foot spa in the Shawangunks incorporating local herbs, minerals, and the surrounding mountain environment into exceptional treatments and hydrotherapy

Spa

Four Seasons New York Spa

A serene Midtown sanctuary offering 10 treatment rooms, a full range of massage and body treatments, and the world-class Four Seasons signature service

Luxury transport

Travel in style.

Car
Private chauffeur service from $150/hour through companies like EmpireCLS, Carey Limousine, or hotel concierge arrangements; a dedicated car for the day costs $600–$1,200
Air
Helicopter transfers from Manhattan Heliport to JFK ($185/person, 8 minutes) eliminate airport taxi stress entirely; private jets charter from Teterboro, NJ or Westchester County Airport
Airport
American Express Centurion Lounge and Delta One lounges at JFK offer premium arrivals; The Private Suite at LAX has a New York equivalent — some premium hotels offer airport transfer packages