NYC Stays with Insider Access to the City’s 10 Toughest Restaurant Reservations

Planning a fall trip to New York City? These top NYC stays give you insider access to the city’s hardest-to-book restaurant reservations.

Stylish dining area as you'd expect to see in the trendiest restaurants near the most iconic NYC stays.

Summer is holding on strong in New York City, but fall energy is definitely in the air. Gardens are a little less vibrant, and Modern Harvest touches are sliding into spaces all around the city. Autumn in New York is an exciting time, and we’re ready for it.

The season is also prime time for friends, family, and visitors from across the globe to descend on the city to live some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that only NYC can provide. And top among them is landing one of those bucket list New York City restaurant reservations.

Here’s the thing—New York City is home to some of the toughest restaurant reservations in the world. No kidding, right? But you know we’ve got something for you. Our favorite insider tip for having an edge in grabbing an impossible table is all about NYC stays. With a little luck and a stay at a well-connected NYC hotel, your chances of landing that coveted reservation jump to insider status.

Top NYC Stays for Landing Impossible Restaurant Reservations

We’ve curated a selection of the best hotels in New York City that put you in prime position to connect with hospitality insiders who can make incredible experiences happen. Be sure to connect with your booked hotel early and often via social media. You’ll thank yourself for it.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn: Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare

Entrance of Ace Hotel Brooklyn, a top choice for visitors seeking centralized access to the trendiest restaurants in NYC.
Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Why This Stay: Ace Hotel Brooklyn is a top pick for anyone seeking a stylish place to stay. It’s just about a block away from the limited-availability, three-Michelin-star dining experience, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare. Staying at the Ace puts you in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn’s vibrant hospitality scene, so get to know the well-connected hotel staff from the moment you arrive and drop those subtle hints about Chef’s Table.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel: COQODAQ

Dining area inside the Fifth Avenue Hotel New York
Fifth Avenue Hotel

Why This Stay: The Fifth Avenue Hotel offers luxe accommodations that put you in the right spot to score a table at COQODAQ, the contemporary Korean hotspot that’s become one of NYC’s toughest restaurant reservations to snag. Connecting with the hotel’s in-the-know concierge team gives you an edge that just might score you a reservation at this sought-after spot, known for its inventive twists on Korean classics.

The Dominick: Semma / 4 Charles Prime Rib / Via Carota

The Dominick

Why This Stay: The Dominick’s prime SoHo location makes it the ideal spot for anyone looking for a location that’s central to several of NYC’s most sought after dining experiences. The Dominick is one of those rare NYC stays that puts you within walking distance of no less than 3 of the city’s most wanted restaurant reservations: Semma, 4 Charles Prime Rib, and Via Carota. The latter is a top Italian trattoria famous for its simple yet elevated dishes. The numbers are on your side at The Dominick.

The Peninsula New York: The Polo Bar

The Peninsula NYC terrace, evening skyline view.
The Peninsula New York

Why This Stay: The Peninsula New York is all about elegance and style, and it’s just around the corner from another of New York City’s next to impossible restaurant reservations at The Polo Bar. The restaurant is without question one of NYC’s most desirable dining spots. The Polo Bar is known for its classic American dishes and Ralph Lauren’s personal touch. Getting a table here can be an experience all its own. But with a stay at The Peninsula, you’ve got a solid advantage, thanks to the hotel’s proximity to the restaurant and its well-connected team.

Fouquet’s New York: Carbone

Fouquet's Hotel NYC terrace view.
Fouquet’s New York

Why This Stay: Fouquet’s New York brings a touch of Parisian flair to the heart of the city, offering a chic and intimate experience. Its location is a major perk, putting you just a short walk from Carbone, one of NYC’s most talked-about Italian-American restaurants. With a retro-glam vibe and award-winning dishes, getting a table at Carbone can be a challenge, so be sure to plan this one out and connect with Fouquet’s team early and often.

The New York EDITION: Don Angie

NYC skyline view from The New York Edition hotel.
The New York EDITION

Why It’s a Prime Choice: The New York EDITION combines timeless elegance with modern luxury, providing a stylish retreat in the city. Its location is a major advantage, putting you close to Don Angie, another trendy Italian-American spot that’s become one of the hardest restaurant reservations to secure in NYC. What sets this one apart are the thoughtfully inventive takes on classic dishes. Winner! Don Angie is in very high demand so stay close and stay tuned.

Mandarin Oriental, New York: Tatiana by Chef Kwame Onwuachi

Decorative parlor room at the Mandarin Oriental New York.
Mandarin Oriental, New York

Why It’s a Prime Choice: The famed Mandarin Oriental, New York, is a luxe stay with incredible views of the city skyline. Beyond its sophisticated vibe, The Mandarin is perfectly situated near Tatiana by Chef Kwame Onwuachi, which has quickly become one of NYC’s hottest restaurants on the scene. Tatiana brings an innovative mix of Afro-Caribbean and Southern flavors that have earned the restaurant well-deserved must-visit status. A room at the Mandarin Oriental connects you with one of the area’s most respected concierge teams, so if Tatiana is your dream, so is the Mandarin.

Baccarat Hotel New York: Din Tai Fung

Classy dining and bar at the Baccarat Hotel New York
Baccarat Hotel, New York

Why It’s a Prime Choice: The Baccarat Hotel New York defines luxury with its stunning crystal interior design accents and exceptional service. It’s also perfectly located for those hoping to reserve a table at Din Tai Fung, the world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant famous for its delicate soup dumplings and mouthwatering dishes. This spot is known worldwide, and getting a reservation at the NYC location especially tricky. Luckily, a stay at the Baccarat connects you with a concierge team that can help you secure a table at this must-try dining experience.

Any one of these NYC stays will have you mingling where the must-know insiders work and play. So if you’re serious about landing one of the few restaurant reservations available for these once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, stay close and in the know.