5 New York hotels for art lovers

​Whether you’re visiting the Met or the MoMA, or exploring more independent galleries, choose the right hotel and all of the Big Apple becomes an art gallery

New York is a dream destination for art lovers. From big-hitter art museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The Guggenheim, to the independent galleries of Chelsea and the ever-changing street art and murals adorning the walls of the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn, the Big Apple offers inspiration at every turn.

Today forward-thinking hotels are responding to the modern traveller’s craving for artistic expression, housing their own collections, offering gallery privileges and putting art-loving guests right in the middle of museum quarters.

If you crave a visual feast, book your NYC break now – and consider one of these hotels.

Best for: making the most of MoMA

New York Hilton Midtown

Located right across the road from MoMA, this contemporary hotel puts you right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and a short stroll from iconic New York sights such as Times Square, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and Broadway. With a modern restaurant and three bars - including minus5°, an ice bar - this is a perfect Manhattan pad. The concierges are on-hand to organise trips, tickets and advise on all things cultural.

Best for: waking up to art

Conrad New York

Located in the heart of lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, Conrad New York is a contemporary all-suite luxury hotel that does double-duty as a private art gallery. More than 2,000 artworks adorn the walls of Conrad New York, selected in a collaboration with New York City’s Public Art Fund, to promote public access to projects by contemporary artists throughout the city. The atrium, which overlooks the Hudson River, is dominated by Veil, a dramatic two-tier aluminium sculpture by artist Mónica Ponce de León. The hip rooftop bar has views of the Statue of Liberty, plus the arty districts of Tribeca, Soho, Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District are all walkable.

Best for: art and theatre lovers

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel New York City – Times Square

This sleek, contemporary hotel is the only all-suite hotel on Broadway in Times Square, soaring 45 storeys above Manhattan. Right across the street from the TKTS discount theatre ticket booth, this is the perfect base for making the most of everything Manhattan has to offer. It’s also an easy walk from MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Rockefeller Center.

Best for inspiration seekers

The Renwick Hotel New York City, Curio Collection by Hilton

This historic redbrick hotel originally opened in 1928 as an artist’s enclave, playing host to writers and intellectuals including John Steinbeck, Thomas Mann, and F Scott Fitzgerald. Today it offers loft-style guest rooms and suites with individual artwork and inspirational public spaces decorated by work by New York artists. And if you’re seeking inspiration, the Creator’s Suite and Artist Suite are stocked with an easel, canvas, and painting supplies.

Best for: urban explorers

Hilton Garden Inn New York/Central Park South – Midtown West

This stylish, contemporary hotel is on the former site of The Hit Factory, where Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Madonna all stepped into the studio and made music history. It’s also a seven-minute walk from Central Park and Times Square, and under five minutes from the Subway, making this a smart, stylish base if you’re planning to head on out to Harlem, Brooklyn and other creative neighbourhoods beyond Manhattan.

British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow, London City and London Gatwick to John F Kennedy and direct from London Heathrow to Newark Liberty International. To book your flight and stay at one of Hilton’s hotels, visit ​ba.com/hilton