It’s that magical time of year in New York—no, not the holidays. Pop culture fans know what’s coming: Vogue’s annual Met Gala. Held on the first Monday in May, the event marks the unofficial shift from spring to summer and the arrival of fashion’s biggest night.
Of course, not every A-lister has a Manhattan penthouse to prep in. That’s where New York’s most stylish hotels come in. While The Mark and The Carlyle are longtime favorites for GRWM moments and post-gala stays, plenty of other luxe spots host the star-studded crowd. Below, find out where you might spot a celebrity ahead of the big night on Monday, May 5.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (Upper East Side)
The hotel is renowned for having housed a handful of A-List celebrities, and the Met Gala is probably when they all convene all at once. The monochrome marble lobby floor and the iconic entrance are backdrops of celebs en route to the Met. Last year, Cartier held their afterparty at Bemelmans Bar. To stay on par with the prestige and cultural pedigree, Jon Batiste broke into song, director Sophia Coppola made an appearance, Emma Chamberlain blessed the crowd and cameras with her presence, and more graced the hotel.
The Mark Hotel (Upper East Side)
The Mark Hotel and the Met Gala have gone hand-in-hand since the beginning. Designers and celebrities are known to get ready for the big night at the Mark. And when the time comes, multiple designers have been linked to hosting afterparties where the night continues until sunrise. Kerry Washington, Emma Watson, Cardi B, Emily Ratajkowski, Jennie of Blackpink, and Gigi Hadid are just a few names to drop as stars spotted here.
The Greenwich Hotel (Tribeca)
Arguably NYC’s most celeb-loved hotel, The Greenwich in Tribeca has all the makings of a discreet A-lister haunt. Co-owned by Robert De Niro (who’s been known to pop into the hotel’s Italian gem, Locanda Verde), the property blends understated luxury with serious star power. Around the corner in the moody Drawing Room, actors casually lounge on low-slung couches by the fireplace or sip cocktails under the leafy atrium canopy. There’s more to love—read our full review here.
The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel (Upper East Side)
After a lengthy closure, the Surrey opened its doors once again in 2024, and A-listers (Hailey Bieber, Ashley Graham, and Serena Williams, to name a few) flocked for a peek. Since reopening, the hotel debuted Casa Tua, a member-only club and restaurant that is bound to be a hotspot. And for those who like to prep their skin for a red-carpet look, the hotel offers a spa experience, The Prestige Glow: Met Gala Rejuvenation Facial, featuring expert sculpting massage, LED light therapy, and a rejuvenating eye treatment.
The Bowery Hotel (Lower East Side)
In the city that never sleeps, the Bowery is the old-school retreat where you might spot a few familiar faces. The boutique features what might be Manhattan’s most elegantly atmospheric hotel lobby—think a vintage aura meets Persian rugs. Chloë Sevigny and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were spotted at the hotel, and that goes to show where the world’s most fashionable might stay when in the Big Apple.
The Lowell Hotel (Upper East Side)
Tucked in the Upper East Side, the Lowell Hotel has attracted its celebrity roster since opening. Amongst the fashion elites, Madonna, Stella McCartney, Pamela Anderson, and Aubrey Plaza have stayed here. The Lowell’s mix of British charm and Parisian flair keeps it a go-to spot for those who love luxury and privacy. Its low-key, stylish vibe makes it a favorite hideaway for celebs and fashion insiders.
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel (FiDi)
The Beekman has been a haven for out-of-town celebrities since opening its doors. They’re not new to fashion either, it’s where Valentino unveiled their 2017 Pre-Fall collection. Where old-fashioned charm meets modern eloquence, the Beekman is a hotspot for all.
The Mercer Hotel (Soho)
Chic and cool, the Mercer Hotel hosted several A-listers like the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Rihanna, and Pharrell. Thanks to its prime SoHo location, it’s poised to be a top spot for after-hours celebrations—think glitzy gatherings at Sartiano’s and late-night vibes at the subterranean lounge, (SUB)MERCER. Plus, Bond Hospitality’s Scott Sartiano is behind both Sartiano’s and the ultra-exclusive members’ club Zero Bond, so don’t be surprised if stars slip over there, too.
Fouquet’s Hotel Barriere (Tribeca)
In the cobblestone streets of Tribeca is a haunt beloved by stars. Its elegant interior is a a luxurious extension of the iconic Parisian hotel, gracing Tribeca with art deco interiors, marble bathrooms, and chic rooftop bar. Stars like Taylor Swift, the Haim sisters, and Miley Cyrus were all spotted here once.
