How to Choose Your Empire State Building Hotel in 4 Steps:
- Filter Noise Defense–If you are a light sleeper, eliminate avenue noise immediately:
- The Langham: Built with heavy, double-paned acoustic glass.
- The Archer: Tucked mid-block on 38th Street.
- Optimize for Transit Access–If your goal is to minimize walking distance to trains:
- Executive Hotel Le Soleil: Equidistant to Penn Station and Herald Square hubs.
- Account for Group Size & Value–If traveling with a group or family, maximize square footage or built-in cost savers:
- The Residence Inn: Includes full kitchenettes and free breakfast.
- Broadway Plaza Hotel: Offers large room square footage for Midtown.
- Consider Lifestyle Perks–If logistics are covered, select for premium amenities and neighborhood vibe:
- Kimpton Hotel Eventi: Quiet courtyard rooms and a complimentary evening wine hour.
Introduction
Staying at any one of the several hotels to choose from near the Empire State Building makes perfect sense on paper: you are completely central, surrounded by iconic sights, and steps from Midtown transit. But in reality, this neighborhood can quickly become a sensory nightmare. Most tourists end up trapped in microscopic rooms or spending half their vacation hours stuck in bumper-to-bumper taxi traffic.
Choosing between the best hotels near the Empire State Building comes down to balancing two major logistics: how well it blocks out street noise and which specific subway lines are closest to your hotel. To skip the generic listicles and save you hours of reading reviews, I’ve personally vetted the top properties near the Empire State Building. Whether you want an easy 1-train ride downtown with a family stroller, a fast shot to Grand Central, or a silent sanctuary to crash at night, here is exactly how to choose your perfect Midtown match.
Planning a broader look at Manhattan? If you aren’t set on staying right next to the Empire State Building, check out my comprehensive Midtown Hotel Booking Strategy Guide. It breaks down my top five absolute favorite hotels across all of Midtown, along with the exact booking hacks to save money while visiting NYC.
Before You Board: Choosing a hotel close to the subway is only half the battle. To navigate the turnstiles with total confidence, bookmark my complete guide on how to ride the NYC Subway alongside my zero-panic subway safety tips for visitors.
Jump to my Quick-Reference FAQs ↓ at the bottom of this guide if you have a specific question!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue sharing guides like this one. I only recommend places I’ve researched and/or personally love.
Best Hotels Near The Empire State Building Decision Matrix
Use the links below to jump directly to my review and photos for each accommodation.
| If Your Top Priority Is… | Book This Hotel | Nearest Subway Stations & Lines; Noise Strategy |
| Walkability & Boutique Design | The Archer Hotel | 42 St-Bryant Park/5 Av (B, D, F, M, 7), Times Square (1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, S); Tucked on a mid-block cross-street away from avenue intersections |
| 5-Star Quiet Luxury | The Langham, New York | 34 St-Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W), Grand Central (4, 5, 6, 7); Heavy double-paned acoustic glass isolates rooms from Fifth Ave |
| Family Space & Free Breakfast | Residence Inn Times Square | 42 St-Bryant Park/5 Av (B, D, F, M, 7), Times Square (1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, S); Upper-floor room configurations lift you above street-level noise |
| Mid-Range Value & Transit | Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York | 34 St-Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W); 5 min walk to Penn Station (1, 2, 3, A, C, E); Smart mid-block positioning and highly rated wall insulation |
| Downtown Vibes & Social Scene | Kimpton Hotel Eventi | 28 St (N, Q, R, W), 34 St-Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W), 28 St (1); Structural build centered around an enclosed, quiet inner courtyard |
| Independent Space | Honorable Mention: Broadway Plaza Hotel | 28 St (N, Q, R, W), 28 St (1), 28 St (4, 6); Positioned south of the main heavy commercial traffic core |
Why Choose The Archer Hotel New York: The Side-Street Escape
Location: 45 West 38th Street between 5th and 6th Ave
The Nearest Subway Stations
- 42 St-Bryant Park/5 Av (B, D, F, M, 7)
- Times Square (1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, S-shuttle)
The Noise Solution
Tucked mid-block, The Archer naturally escapes the brutal intersection honking, cross-traffic gridlock, and siren echoes of the major Midtown avenues. Because it sits on a minor cross-street on the quieter edge of the Garment District, the immediate street level clears out significantly at night compared to the commercial chaos of nearby Times Square or Herald Square.
The Transit Advantage
A walker’s paradise. It’s a literal straight shot north right into Bryant Park or the Theater District, allowing travelers to navigate Midtown entirely on foot while bypassing the crowded subway stations during rush hour. However, if you do need the train, hitting the Bryant Park or Times Square stations gives you immediate access to several lines to head straight south to SoHo or up to Central Park, and the 7 train gives you a direct link east to Grand Central or west to Hudson Yards.
Why You’ll Love It
This is a boutique hotel that punches way above its weight class with thoughtful, high-utility amenities. The rooms are compact but incredibly smart, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that let in tons of natural light, premium Frette bathrobes, in-room Nespresso machines, and a rotating delivery of locally curated turndown treats (like handmade salted caramels).
Book Your Stay
Book your stay at the Archer Hotel New York here.
Pro-Tip:
Skip the standard rooms on the lower levels and request a higher floor. Not only does it elevate you even further above any lingering street noise, but you can also head up to their 22nd-floor Spyglass Rooftop Bar for an incredible, unobstructed view of the Empire State Building without ever having to leave the building!
Why Choose The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue: The Luxury Soundproof Sanctuary
Location: 400 5th Ave between West 36th and 37th Streets
The Nearest Subway Stations
- 34 St-Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W)
- Grand Central (4, 5, 6, 7)
The Noise Solution
The Langham is legendary for its architectural engineering. It uses heavy, double-paned acoustic glass that completely isolates the guest rooms from the relentless sirens and traffic of Fifth Avenue below. Combined with plush, Swedish Duxiana beds, heavy blackout drapes, and a serene, neutral-toned color palette, the rooms function as a literal soundproof sanctuary where you can sleep perfectly through the night.
The Transit Advantage
Situated on 36th and Fifth, this property sits just north of the intense Herald Square sidewalk gridlock. It offers an incredibly strategic location for travelers who want options. You can easily walk a few blocks west to catch almost any major subway line at 34 St–Herald Square, or walk a few blocks northeast to Grand Central Terminal to catch 4, 5, or 6 trains.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the ultimate “space splurge” in Midtown. While standard NYC hotel rooms average a cramped 200 square feet, standard rooms at The Langham start at a massive 420 to 500 square feet–giving you actual breathing room to lay out your luggage. The white-marble bathrooms are practically the size of studio apartments, complete with deep-soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and high-tech in-mirror televisions.
Book Your Stay
Book your stay at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue here.
Pro-Tip:
Don’t feel like walking to the subway with heavy bags? Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary house car service. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, it will drop you off anywhere in Midtown at no extra charge. Afterward, make sure to grab a reservation for handmade Riviera-inspired pasta at Ai Fiori, the stunning fine-dining restaurant located right on the hotel’s second floor.
Why Choose The Residence Inn Times Square: The Family-Friendly Suite Hack
Location: 1033 6th Ave between West 38th and 39th Streets
The Nearest Subway Stations
- 42 St-Bryant Park/5 Av (B, D, F, M, 7)
- Times Square (1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, S)
The Noise Solution
Despite its name, it is not located in Times Square, just nearby. At the intersection of 38th and 39th Streets on 6th Avenue, this property successfully dodges the tight, claustrophobic cross-street layout that turns Midtown traffic into a loud echo chamber. Because it faces the wide-open layout of Bryant Park, the sound has room to dissipate. Requesting a high-floor room puts you well above the immediate street-level noise, while the thick building materials provide a solid acoustic buffer for light-sleeping kids.
The Transit Advantage
An absolute logistical dream for families traveling with young kids or strollers. Being right next to the Bryant Park station means you can hop onto the B, D, F, or M lines to head straight down to SoHo or up to Central Park without a single transfer. Plus, the Times Square hub is 2 blocks north, and Grand Central Terminal is just a flat, simple 10-15 minute walk east, making it incredibly easy to catch East Side trains or regional transit without navigating chaotic Midtown traffic.
Why You (and Your Family) Will Love It
This property is an absolute powerhouse for cutting down the hidden costs of a NYC family vacation. Every single room here is a true apartment-style studio suite, complete with a fully equipped kitchenette featuring a microwave, coffee maker, a full-sized refrigerator, and a dishwasher. Instead of paying Manhattan prices for three restaurant meals a day, parents can easily prep quick breakfasts, store milk, and keep a stash of fresh snacks on hand.
Because this property is such a logistical powerhouse for saving money and hacking Midtown space constraints, I also broke down its full booking strategy in my Midtown Hotel Booking Strategy Guide. Check it out to see how it stacks up against other major neighborhood options.
Book Your Stay
Book your stay at the Residence Inn Marriott Times Square here.
Pro-Tip:
What makes this hotel stand out is they offer a completely free grocery shopping service where staff will stock your room’s fridge for you, alongside a daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet served in the Bryant Park Lounge.
Why Choose Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York: The Under-the-Radar Mid-Range Value Gem
Location: 38 West 36th Street between 5th and 6th Ave
The Nearest Subway Stations
- 34 St–Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W)
- 34 St–Penn Station (1, 2, 3, A, C, E)
The Noise Solution
Much like The Archer, Le Soleil’s secret defensive weapon against Midtown noise is its smart positioning mid-block on 36th Street, neatly insulated from the multi-lane, bumper-to-bumper avenue gridlock. The hotel features structurally soundproofed windows that keep the city’s frantic sirens and midnight street sweepers at bay, allowing you a quiet night’s sleep without forcing you to pay 5-star luxury rates.
The Transit Advantage
A literal central command center for navigating New York. Because it sits almost perfectly equidistant between Herald Square and Penn Station, you have instant access to nearly every major subway line on the West Side. Even better for airport logistics: you can walk 5 minutes to Penn Station and hop onto the LIRR for a frictionless, traffic-free ride straight to JFK via Jamaica, or take NJ Transit to Newark Airport (EWR).
Why You’ll Love It
This is a AAA/CAA Four Diamond hotel that completely subverts expectations for a mid-range Midtown hotel. Instead of cold, sterile corporate minimalism, Le Soleil leans into an elegant, European boutique design: think high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, crisp workspace desks, and plush bathrooms stocked with high-end bathrobes and slippers. It gives you a sophisticated, intimate refuge next to the center of the bustling Garment District.
Book Your Stay
Book your stay at the Executive Hotel Le Soleil here.
Pro-Tip:
You don’t have to wander far for incredible food. You are a mere 1-minute walk from the historic Keens Steakhouse and positioned right on the northern lip of Koreatown for world-class, late-night dining!
Why Choose Kimpton Hotel Eventi: The Courtyard-Facing NoMad Hub
Location: 851 6th Ave between West 29th and 30th Streets
The Nearest Subway Stations
- 28 St (N, Q, R, W)
- 34 St-Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W)
- 28 St (1)
The Noise Solution
This property sits right on the corner of Chelsea and NoMad on 6th Ave. The secret weapon against street noise here is the building’s architectural layout: it is wrapped around a massive, privately enclosed outdoor courtyard plaza. By requesting a “courtyard-facing room,” you are completely screened off from the avenue’s traffic. Inside, the rooms feature high-end window insulation, plush pillowtop beds, and heavy blackout drapes that guarantee a remarkably quiet night’s sleep.
The Transit Advantage
This hotel is in the ultimate location for travelers who want to spend their days exploring Midtown attractions but their nights downtown in SoHo, Greenwich Village, or even the Financial District. Jumping on the N, Q, R, or W right outside the hotel brings you downtown in under 20 minutes. Furthermore, you are a flat, two-block walk east from Penn Station, giving you seamless, direct train access to the LIRR for airport transit to JFK, or access to Amtrak.
Why You’ll Love It
The Eventi perfectly nails that stylish, upscale boutique energy without feeling cold or pretentious. The rooms are bright, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, design-forward workspaces, and premium Frette Italian sheets. Kimpton is famous for its loaded perk list, which includes a nightly hosted evening social hour with free wine in the lobby living room, complimentary morning coffee and tea, in-room yoga mats, and free public cruiser bike rentals.
Book Your Stay
Book your stay at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi here.
Pro-Tip:
You don’t have to leave the block for an incredible meal. The hotel’s ground floor houses L’Amico, a wood-fired Italian restaurant, and Skirt Steak, a viral local favorite that serves a simple, flawless prix-fixe steak frites menu.
After dinner, head up to the hotel’s 5th-floor veranda terrace for an amazing open-air view of the Empire State Building lit up at night!
Why Choose Broadway Plaza Hotel (Honorable Mention): The Independent Space Champion
Location: 1155 Broadway between West 26th and 27th Streets and 5th and 6th Ave
The Nearest Subway Stations
- 28 St (N, Q, R, W)
- 28 St (1)
- 28 St (4, 6)
The Noise Solution
This hotel is positioned just south of Midtown’s dense, chaotic commercial center. By escaping the heavy cross-town bus traffic of 34th Street and the multi-lane gridlock of Herald Square, it naturally gets a much quieter street environment. For the absolute quietest experience, request an interior room away from the front facade, or aim for a high-floor suite where the street sounds drop away completely.
The Transit Advantage
This hotel is in a brilliant location for exploring both halves of Manhattan. Having the N, Q, R, and W trains right outside your door means you are a 3-minute subway ride north to shopping in Midtown around Herald Square or a 10-minute ride south into Union Square and Greenwich Village. You have the transit convenience of a Midtown hotel while letting you walk into the trendy, quieter dining blocks of NoMad and Flatiron for dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
This independent boutique gem consistently maintains a ~4.5/5 customer rating because it offers something incredibly rare in New York: massive square footage for the price. While corporate chains nearby pack guests into small rooms, the Broadway Plaza Hotel’s Deluxe Double-Queens boast up to 400 square feet, and their Junior Suites feature towering ceilings and expansive layouts. It delivers a highly personalized, local boutique experience with complimentary in-room espresso makers, daily bottled water, and deeply attentive, non-chain hospitality.
Book Your Stay
Book your stay at the Broadway Plaza Hotel here.
Pro-Tip:
If you want a truly unforgettable stay, ask to book one of their specialized Terrace Rooms or King Suites with a balcony. They feature direct, jaw-dropping, unobstructed vertical views of the Empire State Building glowing at night.
You are also perfectly positioned just two blocks from Madison Square Park–making it an easy morning stroll to grab a coffee at the original Shake Shack or explore the artisanal food counters inside Eataly Flatiron, one of my NYC hidden gems!
FAQs: Staying Near The Empire State Building
Conclusions: Picking Your Perfect Midtown Base
At the end of the day, there isn’t a single “best” hotel on this list–there is only the hotel that matches how you plan to navigate New York City.
If your goal is to wake up in a completely silent room, step onto Fifth Avenue, and have the flexibility to walk to either Grand Central or Herald Square, book The Langham. If you want that same side-street acoustic peace but prefer a highly stylized, walkable boutique experience steps from Bryant Park, choose The Archer.
Families looking to stretch their budget and cook quick meals will easily win by booking a suite at the Residence Inn, while solo travelers and couples tracking value will love the under-the-radar, multi-line transit connectivity of The Executive Hotel Le Soleil. If you are traveling with a group or just want more square footage without paying a luxury premium, your best bet is the independent Broadway Plaza Hotel. Lastly, if you want to skip the corporate chain vibe entirely to be closer to the trendy downtown dining blocks of NoMad, Hotel Eventi is your perfect match.
Midtown is fast, loud, and constantly moving. By picking a property that acts as a strategic transit base, you aren’t just booking a place to sleep–you are buying back your vacation time, eliminating transit anxiety, and ensuring you actually get a quiet night’s rest in the city that never sleeps.
Book your stay and get ready to experience Manhattan like a seasoned pro!
