Hotels in Midtown East

Midtown East stretches from the edge of the East River to Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. While locals tend to define 59th and 40th streets as its northern and southern boundaries, hotels and guidebooks often cite Murray Hill, a largely residential zone that runs down to 34th Street, as part of the same neighborhood. Regardless of how you slice it, this area checks off all the must-haves for the quintessential New York vacation. Glistening skyscrapers, world-famous landmarks and international restaurants from every continent line streets teeming with visitors, shoppers and native New Yorkers. While Midtown East serves primarily as a busy commercial district, its central location and close proximity to a number of subway lines make it a great home base for exploring the best of the Big Apple.

Things to see and do

Midtown East hotels are well-placed; just steps away from many of the city's most popular attractions, from storied buildings to first-rate museums, and haute cuisine eateries.

Grand Central Terminal

One of the finest examples of architecture from the golden age of rail travel, take a walk to the nearby Grand Central Terminal. After taking in the grandiose main concourse, grab a bite to eat at the indoor Grand Central Market or head to the lower level to enjoy a sit-down meal at the luxurious Oyster Bar, a true New York institution that dates back to 1913.

The Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is a stone's throw away from Grand Central. Although guests are welcome to visit the downstairs lobby for pictures, the Art Deco-style masterpiece is best viewed from a short distance away, atop the Empire State Building's observation deck. Because space is limited, lines get long throughout the year. To skip the wait, book express tickets online.

New York Public Library

At Fifth Avenue, the dividing line between Midtown East and West, make a stop at the New York Public Library. Guarded by marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, (named after prized virtues during the Great Depression) this Beaux-Arts building is a familiar sight from New York-centric movies like the 1980s hit Ghostbusters.

Bryant Park

You’ll find Bryant Park, an oasis of greenery in a neighborhood best known for its towering skyscrapers, tucked behind the library. If you're coming during the warmer months, stake your claim on a picnic spot on the lawns, or if you’re here over winter, strap on a pair of rental skates for a free spin around an ice-skating rink during the annual Bank of America Winter Village season.

Getting around the city

Whether you want to discover cool downtown, walk the museum mile uptown or venture into hip Brooklyn, the rest of New York City is just a subway ride away from Midtown East's central location. The local Lexington Avenue line runs through the entire east side of Manhattan down to City Hall, where you can take in those recognizable NYC panoramas from the Brooklyn Bridge. Before you head out for dinner, grab a copy of a subway map for a list of stations and transfer points that will take you anywhere in the city from any station.

Best time to stay

New York City is a year-round destination, so there's no wrong time to book your stay at one of the trendy Midtown East hotels. Since this area has a distinct four seasons, with temperatures that sometimes soar into the 90s in the summer and drop below freezing in the winter, weather is one of the most important factors in deciding when to come. Generally, spring and fall have the best weather, but if you're on a budget, summer and late winter offer the best deals on everything from accommodations to activities.

Keep in mind that despite the cold temperatures, December is one of the busiest and most expensive months to stay in Manhattan. After Thanksgiving, visitors flock here to experience renowned holiday traditions, shop on Fifth Avenue, and enjoy New Year's Eve festivities around Times Square. Because most guests leave immediately after the holidays, early January is typically a great time to score some of the biggest discounts of the year.