Hotels on this list are ranked first by verified sustainability credentials, then by star rating, then by walking distance to the nearest subway. The selection covers at least one mid-range and one upscale property, all confirmed to be operating inside Upper East Side boundaries as of 2026. Every hotel here is currently operating, available to book, and physically located in the neighborhood.
How we ranked the top hotels in Upper East Side
Sustainability certification came first. Hotels holding a verified credential such as LEED, Green Key, or an equivalent program ranked above those without one. Within the same sustainability tier, star rating broke the tie, and subway access settled any remaining draws.
Every hotel had to sit inside Upper East Side proper, bounded roughly by 59th Street to the south, 96th Street to the north, Fifth Avenue to the west, and the East River to the east. Hotels in adjacent neighborhoods like Midtown East or Yorkville were excluded. We have a separate page for hotels near Central Park if you want options that straddle the park boundary.
Upper East Side hotels at a glance
| Hotel | Stars | Sustainability | Nearest Subway | Walk (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Mark Hotel | 5 | None verified | 77th St (6) | 4 |
| The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel | 5 | Corinthia sustainability program | 77th St (6) | 3 |
| The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel | 5 | None verified | 77th St (6) | 2 |
| Hotel Wales | 3 | None verified | 86th St (4/5/6) | 4 |
| Loews Regency New York Hotel | 5 | None verified | 68th St–Hunter College (6) | 5 |
Booking tips for Upper East Side hotels
- The 6 train runs the length of Lexington Avenue and connects you to Midtown in under 15 minutes from most Upper East Side stops.
- Museum Mile runs along Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 105th Streets — if the Met or Guggenheim is on your itinerary, factor proximity into your hotel choice.
- Weekend rates at Upper East Side hotels often drop compared to Midtown, since the neighborhood draws fewer business travelers.
- Central Park's east side entrances are a short walk from most hotels on this list — useful if you want a morning run without hailing a cab.
Which Upper East Side hotel has the strongest eco credentials in 2026?
The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel leads the group on sustainability. Corinthia Hotels publishes a group-wide environmental program covering energy reduction targets, single-use plastic elimination, and responsible sourcing for food and beverage operations. The Surrey's 2022 renovation incorporated energy-efficient systems throughout the building, and the property participates in Corinthia's broader sustainability reporting framework.
No other hotel on this list holds a third-party certification such as LEED or Green Key as of 2026. If sustainability credentials are your primary filter, The Surrey is the clear choice in this neighborhood.
The hotels
The Surrey A Corinthia Hotel
20 East 76th Street, New York, New York, 10021, New York
9.417 reviews
Corinthia Sustainability ProgramCorinthia Hotels operates a group-wide sustainability program covering energy reduction, single-use plastic elimination, and responsible sourcing, with The Surrey's 2022 renovation incorporating energy-efficient building systems throughout
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The Mark
25 E 77th Street, New York, New York, 10075, New York
9.6114 reviews
4 min walk to 77th St (6)Guest review scores at The Mark consistently place it among the top-rated 5-star properties in Upper East Side, and its address on East 77th Street puts guests four minutes from the 6 train and one block from Central Park
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The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
35 E 76th St, New York, New York, 10021, New York
9.2145 reviews
2 min walk to 77th St (6)The Carlyle has operated at 35 East 76th Street since 1930 and holds one of the highest guest satisfaction scores among Upper East Side luxury hotels, with Bemelmans Bar and Café Carlyle drawing guests who stay specifically for the on-site experience
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Loews Regency New York Hotel
540 Park Avenue, New York
9.2378 reviews
5 min walk to 68th St–Hunter College (6)Loews Regency sits on Park Avenue at 61st Street, placing it at the southern edge of Upper East Side with strong guest scores and a long-standing reputation for business and leisure travelers who want Park Avenue access without Midtown pricing
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Frequently asked questions
Which Upper East Side hotel is closest to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?＋
The Mark Hotel at 25 East 77th Street sits directly across from the Met's side entrance, making it the closest option on this list. The Carlyle at 35 East 76th Street is three blocks away.
Are there mid-range hotels in Upper East Side, or is it all luxury?＋
Hotel Wales on Madison Avenue at 92nd Street is the main mid-range option in the neighborhood. Most Upper East Side hotels skew toward 4- and 5-star properties, so budget travelers often look at the Upper West Side or Midtown East instead.
Which subway lines serve Upper East Side hotels?＋
The 6 train runs along Lexington Avenue and is the primary line for most Upper East Side hotels. The 4 and 5 express trains stop at 86th Street and 59th Street, cutting travel time to Midtown and Downtown significantly.
Do any Upper East Side hotels have verified sustainability certifications?＋
The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel is the only property on this list with a published, group-wide sustainability program as of 2026. No other Upper East Side hotel on this list holds a third-party certification such as LEED or Green Key.
Is Hotel Wales still open in 2026?＋
Yes, Hotel Wales continues to operate at 1295 Madison Avenue as of 2026 under the same name and as an independent boutique property.
What is the best Upper East Side hotel for guests traveling with pets?＋
The Mark Hotel, The Carlyle, The Surrey, and Loews Regency all confirm pet-friendly policies. The Mark is a popular choice for pet owners given its proximity to Central Park, where dogs can exercise off-leash before 9 a.m.
