There’s just something magical about staying somewhere steeped in history. In New York City, that means checking into hotels where movie stars, presidents, authors, and socialites once roamed the gilded hallways. From Beaux-Arts icons to Art Deco landmarks, these storied hotels offer a glamorous peek into NYC’s past — with all the modern comforts, of course.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just in it for the vibes, here are some of the most legendary historic hotels in NYC you can still book today.

1. The Plaza Hotel (Opened 1907)
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Location: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
Vibe: Timeless luxury, Hollywood legend
Claim to Fame: Featured in Home Alone 2, The Great Gatsby, and countless celeb stays. Marilyn Monroe, The Beatles, and Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball all happened here.

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2. The Algonquin Hotel (Opened 1902)
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Location: 59 W 44th Street, Midtown
Vibe: Literary charm meets old-school class
Claim to Fame: Once home to the famed Algonquin Round Table — a group of legendary writers and critics. It’s also known for having a resident cat!

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3. The Waldorf Astoria (Temporarily Closed, Reopening Soon)
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Location: Park Avenue between 49th and 50th Street
Vibe: Grandeur and diplomacy
Claim to Fame: Hosted every U.S. president from Hoover to Obama, plus royals and rock stars. Birthplace of the Waldorf salad and the Red Velvet Cake!

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4. The St. Regis New York (Opened 1904)
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Location: 2 E 55th St at Fifth Ave.
Vibe: Opulent, classic, with white-glove service.
Claim to Fame: Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, it introduced in-room telephones and was a pioneer of luxury service. Loved by Salvador Dalí and Marlene Dietrich.

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5. Hotel Chelsea (Opened in 1884, Recently Renovated)
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Location: 222 W 23rd St, Chelsea
Vibe: Artsy, bohemian, rebellious
Claim to Fame: Home to writers like Arthur Miller and Jack Kerouac and musicians like Bob Dylan and Patti Smith. Even Andy Warhol filmed here.

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6. The Pierre, A Taj Hotel (Opened 1930)
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Location: Fifth Ave at 61st Street
Vibe: Elegant and understated
Claim to Fame: Once the tallest hotel in NYC. Hosted Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn. Known for classic afternoon tea and old-money charm.

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7. The Knickerbocker Hotel (Opened 1906)
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Location: 6 Times Square, Manhattan
Vibe: Gilded Age glam meets modern rooftop chic
Claim to Fame: Once a haunt of F. Scott Fitzgerald and John D. Rockefeller. Rumored birthplace of the martini cocktail.

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8. The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel (Opened 1881, Reopened 2016)
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Location: 123 Nassau St, Lower Manhattan
Vibe: Gothic revival meets luxe library
Claim to Fame: Incredible nine-story atrium, beloved by creatives and critics alike. Walt Whitman once worked nearby.

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