Plum Picks: 11 best hotels near the United Nations HQ

The United Nations is, without a doubt, the largest intergovernmental organization in the world. It has 193 member states and 2 observer states, all working together to preserve world peace, promote economic development, provide humanitarian assistance and much, much more.

While it has major offices across the globe, its international headquarters are situated in New York City, in the Midtown East district of Manhattan. This places it in an area that has hundreds of hotel options near many of the city’s most famous landmarks, leaving delegates and guests with a wide variety of options when visiting the UN’s East River-fronting offices.

That is why we’ve looked at guest feedback, location and access to transport to narrow down our top choices near this global organization.

Here are our top 11 picks for the best hotels near the United Nations Headquarters, ordered by proximity from nearest to furthest.

1. MILLENNIUM HILTON NEW YORK ONE UN PLAZA

Officially the closest hotel to the United Nations Headquarters, this upscale hotel places guests right across the road from the UN’s sprawling main complex and only half a mile from the popular Grand Central Station. It is only a few paces from the hotel to the nearest public transport stop, and a few minutes to restaurants, bars, and shops. The nearest nightclub is approximately half a mile (or 1 km) away, while LaGuardia airport is some 8.8 miles (15 km) from the hotel.

The hotel boasts sophisticated rooms and suites with either Manhattan skyline or East River views. Some rooms also allow access, at an additional fee, to an exclusive club lounge.

The hotel is also home to the Ambassador Grill – a signature restaurant with a unique design and a popular American menu, as well as UN Café – which serves light snacks and specialty coffees. Other hotel amenities include connecting rooms, meeting rooms and a fitness center.

2. WESTGATE NEW YORK GRAND CENTRAL

Nestled in the heart of New York’s Tudor City, this recently-renovated hotel exudes a modern flare in an exceptional historic location. The hotel provides an excellent base for sightseeing, and guests will find restaurants, bars, and an array of shopping and entertainment venues in the immediate vicinity. Grand Central Station and the Chrysler Building are just a short walk away, with Fifth Avenue and Times Square just a further stroll down 42nd Street. A public transport stop is located directly in front of the hotel.

The relaxed-yet-elegant rooms are well appointed with all the standard furnishings one would expect in a 4-star hotel, while suites add extra living space and some even boast furnished terraces or balconies.

Hotel amenities include a casual restaurant, a lobby cafe, meeting and event spaces, as well as a gym.

3. HAMPTON INN MANHATTAN GRAND CENTRAL

Boasting a convenient location in Midtown East, this popular 3-star hotel is situated less than a 5-minute walk from the United Nations, Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building; and is an ideal, highly-rated option for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and entertainment options nearby, as well as many consulates.

Rooms are casual with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, desks and free Wi-Fi. Some upgraded rooms also offer balconies with city views. Pet-friendly rooms are also available.

Apart from a business center and an exercise facility, the hotel also offers connecting rooms and free hot breakfasts. Most hotel facilities are easily accessible and there are also visual alarms for hearing impaired guests.

4. EVEN HOTEL NEW YORK – MIDTOWN EAST

Set in a multi-story building, this trendy hotel is just a short stroll from Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, and, of course, the UN. The hotel is also located near the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Active guests will enjoy a sunrise jog along the nearby East River, or a bike ride through Central Park – situated just 1.2 miles (2 km) away.

Modern, trendy rooms feature plush bedding, LED mood lighting, in-room fitness zones with on-demand instructional videos, both sitting and standing workspaces and mini-refrigerators. Bathrooms also feature spa-inspired showers.

The on-site Cork and Kale restaurant dishes up healthy foods, cocktails and desserts, and can even offer fully-customizable meal options. There is also an outdoor terrace and an athletic studio. Service animals are welcome, and the hotel offers eight accessible rooms.

5. THE WESTIN NEW YORK GRAND CENTRAL

One of the more upscale options on our list, this refined hotel is ideally located on bustling East 42nd Street – roughly midway between the UN and Grand Central Station. Nearby, travellers will not only find these two landmarks, but also many consulates, excellent shops, highly-rated restaurants and many of the most popular attractions in New York City.

Elegant, bright and airy rooms are well-appointed with amenities such as signature Westin Heavenly Beds and state-of-the-art technology. Rooms offer city views, Wi-Fi (at a fee) flat screen TVs, coffeemakers and rainfall showers; while higher-end suites include whirlpool tubs and Bose sound systems.

In terms of dining, the on-site Amuse Marketplace and Bar is a popular choice for American fare, with a mouthwatering menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also boasts a generously-equipped fitness studio, open 24/7. Additional amenities include a business center, ten meeting rooms and two ballrooms. Pets are also welcome at an additional charge.

6. THE BERNIC HOTEL NEW YORK CITY

Part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, this modern Midtown East hotel has an absolutely fantastic location, placing guests within easy reach of the UN (of course), the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and excellent transport connections. Times Square, the Theater District and Rockefeller Center are all also just under a mile away.

Modern rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, floor-to-ceiling windows, plush beds with luxury linens, and elegant furnishings. Some rooms also feature balconies, while suites add additional living spaces – including a full modern kitchen in the case of the 600 sq. ft. 1 King Penthouse Suite. There is also a mobility and hearing accessible room with features that include visual alarms and alternative notification devices for door knocks and incoming calls.

Hotel amenities include a concierge service and an on-site restaurant: the Allora Restaurant. Inspired by the spirit of old New York, this establishment offers a delectable, Italian-American menu. The hotel is also home to Alto Rooftop Bar & Lounge.

7. CLUB QUARTERS HOTEL GRAND CENTRAL

Enjoying an ideal location just a block from Grand Central, this chic hotel is a 15-minute walk from Times Square and the most popular attractions in Midtown Manhattan. Excellent dining, shopping and cultural landmarks are all within easy reach, as are exceptional transport connections.

The Club Quarters offers a range of modern, sleek rooms and suites – including mobility and hearing accessible options. There are also two types of trendy apartments to choose from, both including kitchenettes, making them ideal for extended stays in the City That Never Sleeps. This hotel is also pet friendly, allowing up to two dogs per room (limited to dogs smaller than 50 lbs).

While there are many restaurants and bars in the nearby vicinity, the hotel also has partnerships with some incredible local eateries that are totally worth checking out. Other facilities include a 24/7 fitness center as well as The Club Living Room – a private lounge with comfortable zones for working and socializing (complete with complimentary coffee and tea).

8. FITZPATRICK GRAND CENTRAL

If it’s not obvious by now, most of the hotels that are close to the UN are naturally also close to Grand Central Station, and the Fitzpatrick Grand Central is no exception, being located directly opposite this New York City landmark. Where this hotel DOES become an exception, though, is in its relative affordability versus quality, making it an exceptionally good value option renowned for its warm Irish hospitality.

Recently renovated rooms and suites are traditional, warm and comfortable. The Liam Neeson Penthouse Suite comes with a very particular set of skill… *cough* amenities – including a very cosy, working fireplace – and feels more like an upscale apartment. It even boasts a Waterford Crystal chandelier and a generous terrace.

The hotel features a lively Irish-style pub with contemporary food and a popular patio area. Meetings can also be arranged here or at the previously-mentioned penthouse suite.

9. HYATT GRAND CENTRAL NEW YORK

Nestled on 42nd Street, this upscale hotel is the only hotel that is directly connected to the iconic Grand Central Terminal, offering guests incredibly easy access to all the world-class shopping, dining, theater, history and art this world-renowned city has to offer.

Streamlined and generously spacious rooms and suites feature modern furnishings with plush bedding and state-of-the-art technology. Some also offer city views, while suites add additional living spaces.

In terms of amenities, the hotel has a very good concierge service, a fitness center, offers free internet access and also has digital check-in facilities. Those on the go can grab a bite from the on-site Market, offering a good selection of light bites and fresh snacks. Delectable dining can also be found in Grand Central Terminal, or in many of the nearby bistros and Michelin-starred establishments in Midtown Manhattan.

10. HOTEL 48LEX NEW YORK

Another superbly-located option, this luxury 4-star boutique hotel offers a sophisticated “residential” experience near many of the top attractions in Midtown Manhattan; including Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and, of course, the United Nations.

Instead of rooms this hotel offers what they call “salons”, and these are exquisitely appointed with sophisticated yet modern decor, Spanish marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. Suites add extra living spaces and city views, while the two luxury penthouses can be combined to create one giant, opulent residence that occupies an entire floor – the type of apartment living that New York City dreams are made of.

Throughout the hotel one can find refined art by local artists. There is also a concierge service, a 24/7 gym with modern equipment, and a state-of-the-art business center with stylish meeting and event spaces. In terms of dining, Lexington Brass is an American brasserie focusing on farm-to-table dishes; while The Lounge, at the heart of the hotel, is ideal for a cup of coffee, cocktails and light bites within an eclectic atmosphere boasting incredible Manhattan views.

11. INTERCONTINENTAL NEW YORK BARCLAY

Our last option is also a high-end option, perfectly blending historic charm and modern elegance. It enjoys a prime location near landmarks such as Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. It is also near excellent transport connections at Grand Central Station.

The InterContinental offers very well appointed rooms with contemporary comforts, complimentary Wi-Fi, premium entertainment on 42-inch flat screen TVs and even access to thousands of publications via PressReader. Upgraded rooms come with marble bathrooms and premium linens, while suites cater to even more discerning travelers. There are also accessible and pet-friendly rooms available.

The hotel has a concierge desk that can help arrange truly memorable experiences. The on-site restaurant, The Parlour, is renowned for its culinary innovations and fine dining. There are also multiple conference, event and meeting spaces available; as well as two ballrooms.

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