The 13.5-mile-long island known as Manhattan is one of the greatest cities in the world—just ask any New Yorker. After all, it has everything: Broadway’s slew of emotion-inducing productions, Michelin-starred restaurants offering dinner well past midnight, Fashion Week–goers serving looks on the streets, and world-class hotels that make New Yorkers abandon their high-rises and brownstones for a much-needed staycation.

Despite what some people think, New York was never dead—even after more than a year of social distancing and businesses shuttering, the city that never sleeps is alive and well. And these brand-new hotels scattered across Manhattan and Brooklyn (and even Roosevelt Island) are proof. From a converted historic 1907 landmark on Fifth Avenue to a Beaux Arts–style former ferry terminal downtown, these haute hotels celebrate New York’s colorful culture.

Arlo Midtown

Nestled between the buzzing theater district and the up-and-coming Hudson Yards neighborhood, new-build Arlo Midtown, which opened at the end of May, is like a 26-story oasis swathed in heather grays and pale blues. A collaborative endeavor between architecture firm Marvel, noted interiors firm Meyer Davis, and hotel owner and developer Quadrum, Arlo Midtown has sleek design details that expertly reference the hotel’s surrounding neighborhoods. From the entrance’s overhang whose underside is made up of exposed bulbs (a nod to nearby Times Square) to the eight-story wood art installation that adorns the length of a concrete wall (a tribute to the garment district), Arlo Midtown is a stunning case study in storied design. “It’s really all about the layers,” comments Gray Davis, principal designer and cofounder of Meyer Davis. “The seamless mixture of wood, marble, glass, unlacquered brass—plus, the abundance of greenery—throughout the space emphasizes the oasis-like feel,” he adds.

Especially in the lobby, greenery makes a welcome statement. Just outside the heavy glass doors is a checkered arrangement of preserved moss, which also hangs in whimsical, Dr. Seuss–inspired, multitiered umbrella-shaped installations on the other side of three forest green–toned, marble-topped check-in desks. “We designed the lobby to be the destination within the hotel. This is where we want guests to spend most of their time because there’s so much to do and see.” Davis is referring to the enormous lobby boasting nine-story-tall ceilings and myriad convertible lounge spaces. One of the most challenging was a long, narrow corridor that sits between the marvel-worthy art installation by Mesh (who also completed all of the hotel’s millwork), and two conference rooms. For this space, Meyer Davis lined the wall against the art installation with seating vignettes comprising midcentury-inspired custom seating under swanky brass swing-arm lights. “The lights are positioned a bit lower than usual to offer a more intimate feel with such an enormously tall ceiling overhead,” Davis notes. Facing the charming seating area are quasi-conference rooms that look nothing like what you’d find in an office: They’re complete with plush seating, including a pale blue velvet sofa, gently patterned area rug, and a gallery wall whose whimsical art is suspended from metal strips. “Nothing is too precious here. We wanted to add a sense of playfulness to make people feel comfortable to lounge and work. It’s a completely social space,” Davis explains.