Editorial take
Who should book New York Hilton Midtown?
If this is your first New York trip, shortlist New York Hilton Midtown for a practical reason: Conferences and business, groups, Central Park and MoMA, predictable standards. The name, star rating and lobby photos matter, but the real test is whether the location helps your days feel easier.
It is less compelling if you want a small hotel, boutique character or budget rates. Before booking from the UK, compare the final price after taxes and property fees, check the exact room setup and make sure your airport arrival route is not needlessly awkward.
Location and map
Where is New York Hilton Midtown?
Sixth Avenue at 54th Street places the hotel between Rockefeller Center and Central Park, a few minutes from MoMA and about five blocks south of the park.
Nearby
MoMA, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and Fifth Avenue.
Closest subway
47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Av-53 St
Hotel facts
What to know before booking.
First-timer context
Why New York Hilton Midtown might feel special.
What it is known for
- It opened on 26 June 1963 and at roughly 2,000 rooms across 47 floors it remains the largest hotel in New York City.
- John Lennon wrote out Imagine on the hotel's own stationery, and that sheet is among the more famous pieces of pop memorabilia to come out of a hotel room.
- The world's first handheld mobile phone call was made outside the hotel in 1973 by Martin Cooper, who was staying there.
New York moments
- Every United States president since John F. Kennedy has stayed at the hotel.
- The Beatles stayed here during their mid-1960s American visits. Their February 1964 Ed Sullivan debut was based at The Plaza, so treat any claim that this was their first New York hotel with caution.
On screen
- The building is a fixture of Sixth Avenue rather than a filming location in its own right.
Review questions
What travellers keep asking.
Did John Lennon really write Imagine here?
He wrote out the lyrics on the hotel's stationery, and that sheet is well documented. The song itself was largely written in England, so the hotel's role is the famous manuscript rather than the composition.
Is such a large hotel a good idea for a short trip?
It suits travellers who want reliability and a central location. If you dislike queues at check-in or lifts shared with a conference, a smaller Midtown hotel will suit you better.
Booking checklist
Check these before you reserve.
Total price
Look beyond the nightly rate. Check taxes, destination fees, breakfast and cancellation.
Room layout
For New York, room size, bathroom privacy, bed type and storage can matter more than star rating.
Arrival route
Match the hotel to your airport, luggage and arrival time, especially after an overnight UK flight.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.