Hotel Guide: The Best Affordable Luxury Boutique Hotel in NYC
- Tara Wilson
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
If you’ve ever searched for a hotel in New York City, you already know the reality: sky-high prices, cramped rooms, and very little breathing space. NYC may be an iconic travel destination, but its hotel scene is infamous for charging premium prices for rooms that feel cramped and anything but luxurious.
Finding a place that offers luxury, space, and walkability without breaking the bank can feel impossible. Yet, tucked away from the hustle & bustle of Times Square, there is a boutique hotel that offers all this - and more. This hotel stands out as the best affordable luxury stay in NYC, combining spacious rooms, charming vintage design, and a welcoming atmosphere in a safe, convenient location.
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Spacious Suites That Feel Like Home
One of the biggest factors that drew me to The Kimberly Hotel was just how much space you get for the price—something that’s incredibly rare in Manhattan. For only about $60 more, you can upgrade to a full one-bedroom suite with a balcony, offering an impressive 500–600 square feet of space! When standard NYC hotel rooms often feel tight and overpriced (most ranging from 150-250 square feet), upgrading to a true one-bedroom at that price point felt like a no-brainer!
This extra space makes a big difference, especially for longer stays, those traveling in groups, or travelers who value comfort and quiet.
Before booking, I spent days comparing four-star hotels across Manhattan, focusing on highly rated properties that offered the best value when it came to square footage versus price—specifically one-bedroom suites. Time and time again, The Kimberly Hotel rose to the top. Not only was it one of the few four-star hotels in Manhattan to even offer one-bedroom suites, but the size and affordability of those suites far exceeded comparable hotels in the area.
When factoring in guest reviews, location, and overall value, The Kimberly consistently stood out as the clear winner.
To put that into perspective, here are just a few of The Kimberly Hotel’s current accolades at the time of writing:
Awarded 2025 Traveler's Choice Best of the Best Award on TripAdviser
4.6/5 on Google Reviews, with over 1,000 reviews
4.6/5 on TripAdvisor, with more than 3,000 reviews
9.6/10 on Hotels.com, based on 1,900+ reviews
Our One Bedroom Suite
When I tell you the look on my boyfriend’s face as soon as we walked into our one bedroom suite, it made my entire day. His jaw literally dropped. As a born-and-raised New Yorker, he could not believe how much space we had for the price, especially for a hotel in Manhattan.
The suite is thoughtfully laid out, starting with a spacious living area that immediately made the room feel more like an apartment than a hotel. It featured a comfortable couch with a coffee table and flat-screen TV, a desk for working, a dining table with additional seating, and a kitchenette. The kitchenette came fully stocked with a mini fridge, coffee maker, toaster, ice bucket, and dishes, along with coffee pods, tea bags, and a mini bar.
With how generous the living space was, we both assumed the bedroom might be a little tight. But not at all. The bedroom was just as spacious, featuring a luxurious king bed, dresser, flat-screen TV, armchair, and a large closet. It truly felt like a retreat within the city.
What really elevated the stay were all the thoughtful little details throughout the suite. The hotel clearly anticipated guests’ needs without us having to ask. From the two umbrellas and shoe polisher to the plush hotel robes, it was those extra touches that made the stay feel especially luxurious.
The bathroom was just as impressive, with a beautiful modern design, luxury L’Occitane bath amenities, and an optional rainfall showerhead.
I also loved the vintage-inspired décor throughout the one bedroom suite. It was charming, full of personality, and added to the overall character of our stay at The Kimberly Hotel.
And I can't forget about the balcony! Though it wasn't furnished, it was so nice having a balcony to walk out onto and take in the city. Over 140 suites in The Kimberly come with their own private balcony!
Location & Walkability
The Kimberly Hotel is located in Midtown East, Manhattan, and it truly felt like the best of both worlds. We were just steps from some of New York City’s most iconic attractions, yet far enough removed that it never felt chaotic or overly touristy. We arrived in the city through Grand Central Station and were able to walk to The Kimberly in under ten minutes, which was a huge plus after traveling.
When you exit the hotel and head to the right, you’ll quickly find yourself within walking distance of:
Being able to walk to so many major NYC landmarks made exploring incredibly easy, while still having a quieter place to come back to at the end of the day. The hotel is also close to multiple subway stations, making it simple to get around to other neighborhoods throughout the city.
One thing that pleasantly surprised me was how safe the area felt, even when walking around at night. When we arrived and my boyfriend saw the location, he gave me a nod of approval and said, “You did good.” Coming from a New Yorker who was initially hesitant about doing touristy things in the city with me, that felt like a big win.
Getting to the airport: We were flying out of JFK, and getting to the airport from the hotel was pretty inexpensive and painless! We walked the (less than) ten minute walk to Grand Central Station, and bought tickets for the Long Island Railroad to the Jamaica station. From there, we took the JFK AirTrain directly into JFK.
Amenities at The Kimberly
When it comes to amenities, The Kimberly Hotel truly has you covered. Everything is designed to make your stay comfortable, convenient, and easy, whether you’re visiting New York City for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
On-Site Restaurants There are two restaurants conveniently located on the lobby level. Bistango offers cozy Italian cuisine, with breakfast served daily and brunch available on Saturdays and Sundays. Empire Steakhouse provides an upscale dining experience, serving USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an impressive selection of wine and scotch, and is open for lunch and dinner.
In-Room Dining Room service is available daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, making it easy to enjoy a meal without leaving your room.
Rooftop Bar Upstairs at The Kimberly is a rooftop lounge offering incredible city views paired with cocktails and light bites. It’s open daily after 5:00 pm and also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Valet Parking Valet parking is available from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, allowing guests to come and go without worrying about parking in Manhattan. The 24-hour rate is $60 for cars and $70 for SUVs, with no in-and-out privileges.
Fitness Center The hotel features an on-site, 24-hour fitness center equipped with both cardio machines and weight equipment, making it easy to stay on track with your workouts while traveling.
Complimentary Newspaper Guests can request a complimentary copy of The New York Times from the front desk, available Monday through Saturday.
Late Checkout Options One thing I really appreciated was the 12:00 pm checkout time. It gave us plenty of time to take a morning walk, grab coffee and bagels, and return to the hotel to pack without feeling rushed. We were able to complete an express checkout directly from my phone, which was very convenient. Late checkout options were also available, with checkout extended to 3:00 pm for an additional $150 or 6:00 pm for an additional $300.
In-Room Celebration Treats For special occasions, the hotel offers in-room treats that can be delivered straight to your suite. During our stay, options included chocolate-covered strawberries for $20 or a fruit and cheese plate for $35, which is a fun and thoughtful touch for celebrations.
Why The Kimberly Hotel Is a Great Place to Stay in NYC
Our stay at The Kimberly Hotel truly felt special from start to finish. As a family-owned, European-style boutique hotel, it offers a level of gracious hospitality and timeless elegance that’s becoming harder to find in New York City. With its renowned location on 50th Street in the heart of Midtown East, spacious accommodations, and thoughtful details throughout, it’s easy to see why this hotel stands out. The Kimberly features 194 generously sized guestrooms, including luxurious one- and two-bedroom suites, many with private balconies — a rare and unique perk in NYC.
Before heading out, make sure to take a moment to explore the lobby. The 2,300-gallon saltwater aquarium is surprisingly mesmerizing, and the handwritten letter of thanks from Jimmy Carter on display is a meaningful reminder of the hotel’s long-standing legacy. The Kimberly has also welcomed distinguished guests like Ryan Gosling and Jennifer Hudson, which only adds to its charm and history.
Whether you’re visiting New York City for the first time or returning for another stay, The Kimberly Hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort, character, and location. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home while still feeling like a treat — and one I’d happily stay at again.