11 Best Waterfront Hotels in New York – 2024 Top Picks for Every Budget

The best waterfront hotels in New York are all about proximity to the water—no more than 50 feet from its very edge—giving guests a true front-row seat to the city’s iconic rivers and harbors.

Imagine drifting off to the sight of the East River, or watching the Statue of Liberty basking in the afternoon sun from your window. These new york waterfront hotels offer exactly that, and they do it across a range of budgets, from affordable stays to full-on luxury.

So, let’s dive into this collection of oceanfront hotels in New York that guarantee waterfront views, no exceptions.

Methodology

Our list of the best waterfront hotels in New York was compiled with a strict requirement: no hotel could be more than 50 feet from the water.

We hunted for places that not only sit close to the shoreline but also have rooms designed to showcase those all-important views. We evaluated each hotel’s location, amenities, family-friendliness, food quality, and guest reviews.

Most hotels are in Manhattan, but we’ve included several in Brooklyn and Queens, offering a diverse selection of waterfront hotels in NYC across the entire city. 

Best Budget-Friendly Choices

11. The Jane Hotel (Manhattan)

Google Reviews Score: 4.2 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Tucked into the West Village, The Jane Hotel sits just a few feet from the Hudson River, offering budget-conscious travelers a quirky yet charming stay right on the water.

Rooms may be small, but the waterfront views are anything but. From the rooftop bar, you can watch the Hudson shimmer, or take in the sight of boats drifting by as you sip a drink.

The hotel’s vintage, ship-cabin style adds to the feeling of being right on the river. Simple food offerings are available, but you’ll find plenty of nearby dining options along the riverside, making it a top option for those seeking waterfront hotels in NYC – especially since it’s actually located in Manhattan.

10. The Ravel Hotel (Queens)

Google Reviews Score: 4.3 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Right on the East River in Long Island City, The Ravel Hotel is perfect for travelers who want a stylish waterfront stay without the Manhattan price tag. Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing sweeping views of the river and Manhattan skyline.

The rooftop restaurant offers al fresco dining with one of the best views in Queens, making it ideal for romantic dinners or family-friendly evenings by the water and one of the best oceanfront hotels in New York for those who want to save a bit of cash.

9. Riverside Tower Hotel (Manhattan)

Google Reviews Score: 3.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Riverside Tower Hotel is a budget-friendly option with prime access to the Upper West Side and the Hudson River. While this hotel doesn’t boast the luxury of its counterparts, its unbeatable location right on Riverside Drive means guests can enjoy direct views of the river from their rooms, especially from higher floors.

The hotel offers basic amenities, but its charm lies in its proximity to Riverside Park, where guests can stroll along the water just steps from the hotel entrance. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for an affordable stay without sacrificing river views and easy access to Manhattan’s attractions.

The location is ideal for exploring the more peaceful, green side of the city, with plenty of nearby dining and transportation options, making it one of the best waterfront hotels in New York for those who want to stay on the island of Manhattan and are on a budget.

Best Mid-Tier Choices

8. The William Vale (Brooklyn)

Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Perched along the East River, The William Vale in Williamsburg offers more than just a place to sleep—it’s a front-row seat to the river and skyline. You’ll find rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing views that sweep from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

The rooftop infinity pool sits nearly on top of the river, allowing guests to swim while gazing across the water at the skyline. Food here is inventive and upscale, perfectly complementing the laid-back but luxurious vibe of the hotel.

7. Graduate Roosevelt Island by Hilton (Queens)

Google Reviews Score: 4.5 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

The Graduate Roosevelt Island, part of the Hilton family, is perched on the scenic shores of Roosevelt Island, offering a unique perspective on the New York waterfront.

Located just 50 feet from the East River, this hotel offers unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, Queens, and the river itself. The hotel’s playful, modern design adds charm to its prime location, with rooms offering views that make you feel as though you’re floating on the river.

Its proximity to the Roosevelt Island tram makes it a convenient base for exploring Manhattan, while its peaceful location away from the hustle of the city center makes it ideal for those looking for a more relaxed waterfront stay.

With a rooftop bar that offers 360-degree views of the river and city, this hotel is a top pick for both families and couples seeking a distinctive oceanfront hotel in New York.

6. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn)

Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Located on the very edge of the East River, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is one of the closest hotels to the water you’ll find in New York. The rooms are flooded with natural light from massive windows, offering sweeping views of the water, the Manhattan skyline, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

The hotel’s rooftop bar is a perfect spot to watch the river roll by, and the hotel’s eco-friendly vibe adds a sense of tranquility to the city’s urban energy. Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

We think the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best hotels with water view in NYC for those who want the view of Manhattan and also want to stay in Brooklyn.

5. The Standard, High Line (Manhattan)

Google Reviews Score: 4.5 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Right along the Hudson River, The Standard High Line provides direct views of the water from nearly every room. Modern, minimalist design makes the river the focal point, with floor-to-ceiling windows turning every room into a scenic perch above the Hudson.

The rooftop bar is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, offering one of the best river views in town. The hotel’s dining options are trendy and laid-back, with plenty of options for all-day dining by the waterfront.

Overall, The Standard is one of our favorite oceanfront hotels in New York since it provides views of the water and is literally on the popular High Line Park.

Best Luxury Choices

4. Casa Cipriani New York (Manhattan)

Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Casa Cipriani New York, situated right on the water at the southern tip of Manhattan, offers a blend of Italian luxury and prime waterfront views. Housed in the historic Battery Maritime Building, this exclusive hotel allows guests to gaze out over the East River and New York Harbor from their rooms.

The decor is a sophisticated nod to the brand’s iconic Venetian heritage, and the floor-to-ceiling windows in every room ensure the water is always in view.

The rooftop restaurant and lounge are highlights, where you can sip cocktails while soaking in sweeping panoramas of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The experience here is elegant and serene, perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a luxurious, tranquil stay right by the water.

3. Conrad New York Downtown (Manhattan)

Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

The Conrad New York Downtown is a contemporary all-suite hotel located directly on the Hudson River in Battery Park City.

Each room offers a spacious layout with sweeping views of the river, thanks to the hotel’s prime location right on the waterfront. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in ample natural light, and many suites offer views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

This hotel is perfect for families, with plenty of space for everyone, as well as its proximity to waterfront parks and promenades. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Loopy Doopy, provides a more elevated perspective of the river, while the in-house restaurant serves modern American cuisine, ensuring a top-tier dining experience with water views to match.

2. Equinox Hotel New York (Manhattan)

Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Equinox Hotel New York, located at Hudson Yards, is a luxury wellness destination that combines high-end accommodations with unparalleled views of the Hudson River.

The hotel sits just steps from the water, offering rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the river and the shimmering skyline beyond. Known for its focus on fitness and well-being, Equinox Hotel features world-class amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, an indoor pool that overlooks the river, and a spa designed for complete relaxation.

Dining at Electric Lemon, the hotel’s signature rooftop restaurant, offers not only a culinary experience but also panoramic views of the Hudson and beyond. Perfect for health-conscious travelers seeking luxury by the water, Equinox provides a serene yet invigorating environment.

1. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park (Manhattan)

Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps

Directly on the edge of New York Harbor, The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park offers rooms with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and the surrounding waters. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that the harbor is front and center throughout your stay, making it the best waterfront hotel in New York for those who really, really want to splurge.

This hotel’s luxurious touches, including fine dining and exceptional service, make it a top choice for those wanting to be as close to the water as possible.

It’s also a family-friendly option, with large rooms and easy access to waterfront parks and attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there affordable waterfront hotels in Manhattan?

Yes! Hotels like The Jane Hotel and The Box House Hotel in Brooklyn offer budget-friendly waterfront stays with amazing views of the Hudson and East River.

Which New York City hotels offer the best waterfront views?

Luxury options such as The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park and The Mandarin Oriental provide some of the most breathtaking waterfront views in the city.

Are there family-friendly waterfront hotels in New York?

Yes, many waterfront hotels like The Standard High Line and The William Vale offer family-friendly accommodations along with stunning water views.