Hotels near Empire State Building, New York

The Hotel at Fifth Avenue is a mid-sized Midtown hotel on West 32nd Street, just off Fifth Avenue. Its biggest strength is location. The Empire State Building is only a couple of blocks away, roughly a 2–4 minute walk, so you can get there easily at any time of day.

Location and Convenience

• Empire State Building access: You can walk over for sunrise or late-night views without a taxi or subway ride. If you have timed tickets, that's a real advantage.
• Transit: Herald Square and Penn Station are close. Between them you can reach most subway lines, PATH trains, Long Island Rail Road, NJ Transit, and Amtrak, which makes airport and day-trip connections simpler.
• Things to do nearby: Macy's Herald Square, Koreatown, Bryant Park, Madison Square Garden, and the Flatiron District are all within walking distance.
• Food: Koreatown is right on your doorstep, with Korean BBQ, bakeries, and late-night spots. There are also plenty of casual and quick options along Fifth Avenue and Broadway.

Who It Suits Best

• First-time visitors who want to see the major sights on foot
• Short city breaks where saving transit time matters
• Business travelers who need quick access to Penn Station
• Shoppers and food lovers who want to be in the middle of the action

Things to Keep in Mind

• Noise and crowds: This is one of Manhattan's busiest areas, so expect heavy foot traffic and street noise, especially on weekends and during the holidays. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a higher floor or a quieter room.
• Room size: Midtown rooms tend to be compact, and boutique hotels in this area are no exception. Check the room details if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or in a group.
• Amenities: Confirm current details such as breakfast, fitness facilities, Wi-Fi, and any resort or amenity fees directly with the hotel or your booking platform, since these can change.
• Prices: Rates in this part of Manhattan vary widely by season and events, so compare dates before booking.

Verdict

If your priority is being within walking distance of the Empire State Building while keeping Midtown's transit, shopping, and dining close at hand, this hotel is a strong choice. You trade some quiet and space for a very central base, which most sightseeing travelers will find worthwhile.

The Gregorian New York City sits at 42 West 35th Street in Midtown Manhattan, about a 2–3 minute walk from the Empire State Building. It is a good fit if you want to be close to the landmark without paying for a Fifth Avenue-facing address.

Location

• Proximity to the landmark: The Empire State Building is only a few blocks away, so you can easily visit at sunrise or late evening when crowds are thinner.
• Transit: Herald Square (34th St) and nearby Penn Station and Grand Central connect you to most subway lines, the PATH train, the LIRR, and NJ Transit. That makes airport and day-trip connections simple.
• Surroundings: Macy's Herald Square, Koreatown (32nd Street), Bryant Park, and the Theater District are all within walking distance.

Best For

• First-time visitors who want to see the major sights on foot.
• Short city breaks and business trips that need easy rail access.
• Travelers who care more about location than resort-style amenities.

What to Expect

• Neighborhood energy: The area is busy and lively. Street noise and heavy foot traffic are normal in this part of Midtown, so a higher floor or a quieter room is worth requesting.
• Room size: Manhattan hotel rooms tend to be compact. Pack light, especially if you are traveling with several people.
• Dining: You have plenty of options within a couple of blocks, from Korean barbecue to classic New York delis and late-night spots.

Pros

• Very walkable to the Empire State Building and other Midtown attractions
• Excellent public transportation access
• A wide range of restaurants and shops outside the door
• A practical base for both sightseeing and business

Things to Consider

• The area can feel crowded and loud, particularly in the evenings and on weekends.
• Amenities, room sizes, and fees (such as resort or facility charges) vary, so check current details before booking.
• If you want a quiet, residential atmosphere, a location farther from Herald Square may suit you better.

Verdict

The Gregorian New York City is a convenient, central base for exploring Manhattan on foot. Its biggest strengths are walkability and transit access. It is a strong pick if you plan to spend most of your time out in the city rather than in your room.

Hotel Stanford is a no-frills, value-oriented hotel on West 32nd Street in the heart of Koreatown. It suits travelers who want to be close to Midtown's main sights without paying premium Manhattan rates.

Location

• Walking distance to the landmark: It's roughly 0.1 mile away, about a 2–3 minute walk.
• Transit access: Penn Station, Herald Square, and several subway lines are within a short walk, which makes getting around the city and to the airports straightforward.
• Nearby attractions: Macy's Herald Square, Bryant Park, Madison Square Garden, and Fifth Avenue shopping are all easy to reach on foot.
• Dining: Koreatown's 32nd Street has Korean BBQ, late-night spots, cafés, and bakeries steps from the door.

Rooms and Comfort

• Rooms in this price range in Midtown tend to be compact, so expect functional space rather than luxury.
• It works well as a place to sleep and recharge after a day of sightseeing.
• Light sleepers may want to request a higher floor or a room away from the street, since this is a busy, lively part of the city.

Value

• It's a good option for budget-conscious travelers, solo visitors, and couples who plan to spend most of their time out exploring.
• You're paying mostly for the location rather than extensive amenities, which is a fair trade here.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The neighborhood is busy at all hours, with heavy foot traffic and street noise.
• Amenities and room size may be more limited than at larger or higher-end hotels nearby.
• Check current guest reviews and the room details before booking, since the hotel's condition and services can change.

Best For

• First-time visitors who want to walk to the top Midtown sights
• Travelers arriving by train or bus who want quick transit access
• Short city breaks where location matters more than hotel amenities

Bottom Line

Hotel Stanford is a smart, practical choice if you want to stay steps from a famous landmark and in the middle of Koreatown's dining scene. It makes the most sense for travelers who value location and price over spacious rooms and extras.

U Hotel Fifth Avenue is at 373 Fifth Avenue in Midtown South, near the NoMad area. It is only a short walk from the Empire State Building, about 2–3 minutes. That makes it a strong match for travelers who want to be close to the landmark without a commute.

Location: the main strength

• Landmark access: You can walk to the Empire State Building in minutes. That helps if you plan to go early to avoid crowds or return at night for the skyline views.
• Transit: The 34th St–Herald Square and 33rd St stations are close by. Together they connect to many subway lines, and Penn Station and Grand Central are also within reach.
• Things to do nearby:
• Koreatown on 32nd Street for late-night dining
• Herald Square and Macy's for shopping
• Madison Square Garden
• Bryant Park and the New York Public Library
• NoMad and Flatiron restaurants and bars
• Walkability: Many Midtown sights are reachable on foot, so you can save on taxis and rideshares.

What to expect

• Rooms: Midtown hotels often have compact rooms, so expect efficient layouts rather than lots of space. If you're traveling with several people or a lot of luggage, check the room size and bed configuration before booking.
• Noise: Fifth Avenue and the surrounding streets are busy day and night. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a higher floor or a room away from the street.
• Atmosphere: The area is lively and touristy. It suits sightseeing trips well but is less quiet or residential than other parts of Manhattan.

Best for

• First-time visitors who want to see the main attractions on foot
• Short city breaks and weekend trips
• Travelers who rely on public transit
• Visitors attending events at Madison Square Garden or traveling through Penn Station

Things to check before booking

• Current amenities, such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, fitness facilities, and luggage storage
• Mandatory resort or destination fees, which are common in New York and can affect the total price
• Check-in and check-out policies, especially if you arrive early or leave late
• Recent guest reviews on cleanliness, room condition, and noise

Bottom line

The hotel's biggest advantage is its location: very close to the Empire State Building, with good transit and plenty of dining and shopping nearby. It's a practical choice for sightseeing-focused trips. Just confirm the room size, noise level, and total fees to make sure it fits your budget and comfort needs.

The Martinique New York on Broadway is a landmark Beaux-Arts building that Hilton operates as part of its Curio Collection. It combines a historic façade with a modern, boutique-style interior. It sits on West 32nd Street, only a few minutes' walk from the Empire State Building.

Location

• Walkability: Within minutes on foot you can reach the Empire State Building, Herald Square, Macy's, and Koreatown's restaurants.
• Transit: The 34th St–Herald Square subway hub and Penn Station are close, so Midtown, Times Square, Brooklyn, and the airports are easy to reach.
• Dining: Koreatown, right next door, offers many late-night options at a range of prices.
• Trade-off: This is one of the busiest parts of Manhattan, so expect crowds and street noise, especially on weekends and holidays.

Rooms

• Rooms are generally comfortable and stylishly updated, but like many historic New York hotels they tend to be compact.
• Light sleepers should request a higher floor or a room away from the street.
• Ask about the exact room size and layout when booking if space matters to you.

Service and Amenities

• Staff are typically described as helpful, and Hilton brand standards support consistent service.
• Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points, which is a plus for frequent Hilton guests.
• Confirm current amenities, such as on-site dining, the fitness room, and Wi-Fi, directly with the hotel, since offerings can change.

Value

• Rates are usually mid-range to upscale for the area and swing widely with season and events.
• Check for any daily destination or facility fees, which can raise the final price.
• Given the location and historic character, the value is good if you plan to spend most of your time out sightseeing rather than in your room.

Best For

• First-time visitors who want to walk to major landmarks
• Travelers relying on public transit
• Shoppers and food lovers
• Short city breaks and business trips in Midtown

Things to Consider

• Rooms can be small, and street noise is possible.
• It may not suit travelers who want a quiet, resort-like atmosphere.
• Book early for peak seasons, when prices rise and availability drops.

Verdict

This is a strong choice for travelers who want a central, well-connected base with historic charm and a trusted brand behind it. The compact rooms and busy surroundings are the main compromises for being this close to the Empire State Building and the rest of Midtown.

Life Hotel New York is at 19 West 31st Street, in the NoMad/Koreatown area of Midtown South. The Empire State Building is only about 0.1–0.2 miles away, roughly a 3-minute walk, so it's one of the closest options for visiting the landmark.

Location

• Empire State Building: Close enough to walk to for sunrise or sunset visits, and to avoid crowds by going at off-peak times.
• Transit: Penn Station, Herald Square (34th St), and several subway lines are within a few blocks. That makes it easy to reach Times Square, Brooklyn, and the airports.
• Nearby sights: Macy's Herald Square, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park, and the Flatiron District are all within walking distance.
• Food and nightlife: Koreatown (32nd St) is right around the corner, with plenty of late-night restaurants, cafés, and bars.

Rooms and Style

• The hotel has a boutique, design-forward feel rather than a traditional chain look.
• Rooms in this part of Manhattan are usually compact. Plan on a comfortable place to sleep and recharge, not a lot of space to spread out.
• Check the current room types and photos before booking to find the layout and bed setup that suit you.

Pros

• Very close to a top landmark
• Excellent transit access
• Lots of dining options nearby
• Good for packing a lot of sightseeing into a short trip

Cons

• Small rooms, which is common in Midtown
• The area is busy and can be noisy, especially on weekends and near Penn Station and Herald Square. Ask for a higher floor or a quieter room if you're a light sleeper.
• Amenities may be more limited than at larger full-service hotels, so confirm what's included, such as breakfast, fitness center, and fees.

Best For

• First-time visitors who want to be near the main sights
• Short city breaks and solo or couple travelers
• Travelers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring

Tips

• Book early for peak seasons and holidays, when Midtown rates climb.
• Compare the total price, including taxes and any resort or facility fees.
• Visit the Empire State Building early in the morning or late at night for shorter lines.

Verdict

Life Hotel New York is a convenient, well-located base for anyone who wants to be steps from the Empire State Building and the best of Midtown. It's a strong choice if location and value matter more to you than room size or extensive amenities.