Hotels

Best Conference Hotels in New York City – Meetings and Events

Best Conference Hotels in New York City

New York City is one of the world’s leading destinations for conferences, exhibitions, corporate meetings, product launches and incentive travel.

The city offers everything from enormous convention hotels capable of hosting thousands of delegates to intimate luxury properties designed for board meetings and executive retreats. Midtown Manhattan provides the greatest concentration of large hotel ballrooms, while Lower Manhattan is well suited to finance, legal and technology events. Brooklyn can offer larger spaces and a different atmosphere from central Manhattan.

Major exhibitions are frequently held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Hudson Yards. The venue is accessible by subway, bus, ferry, car, bicycle and foot, making Midtown West hotels especially convenient for attendees.

This guide compares the best New York City conference hotels based on meeting capacity, flexibility, location, accommodation, breakout-room availability and suitability for different event types.

Best NYC Conference Hotels at a Glance

Hotel	Area	Event-space highlight	Best for
New York Marriott Marquis	Times Square	49 rooms and more than 100,000 sq. ft.	Major conventions
New York Hilton Midtown	Midtown	Over 150,000 sq. ft.; ballroom for 3,000	Large conferences
Sheraton New York Times Square	Midtown	Approximately 62,000 sq. ft.	Multi-track events
The Westin New York at Times Square	Times Square	More than 34,000 sq. ft. and three ballrooms	Mid-size conferences
InterContinental New York Barclay	Midtown East	20,000 sq. ft. with ballroom and breakouts	Upscale corporate events
Conrad New York Downtown	Lower Manhattan	Around 30,000 sq. ft. across two levels	Luxury downtown meetings
New York Marriott Downtown	Financial District	More than 12,000 sq. ft.	Finance and business groups
Millennium Hilton One UN Plaza	Midtown East	Nine rooms with skyline views	Diplomatic and executive events
New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge	Downtown Brooklyn	40,000 sq. ft.; ballroom for 2,010	Large Brooklyn events
Arlo Midtown	Midtown West	Seven spaces for groups up to 150	Creative teams and offsites
New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels	Penn District	Art Deco spaces and skyline boardroom	Small events near Javits
Park Hyatt New York	Central Park South	Luxury meeting rooms and private terrace	Executive retreats

Event capacities vary by seating arrangement, production setup and food-and-beverage requirements.

1. New York Marriott Marquis

Best Overall Hotel for a Major Manhattan Conference

New York Marriott Marquis is one of the city’s strongest choices for a large conference held entirely under one roof.

The hotel offers more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and conference space across 49 event rooms. Its largest combined Broadway Ballroom configuration can accommodate approximately 2,800 attendees.

Its Times Square location is useful for conferences with domestic and international delegates because attendees have convenient access to Broadway theatres, restaurants, subway lines and Midtown attractions.

Conference advantages

More than 100,000 square feet of event space
49 meeting rooms
Several large ballrooms
Extensive breakout-room inventory
Onsite event planning and catering
Times Square location
Large guest-room inventory
Suitable for exhibitions, general sessions and receptions

Best for

Association conventions
Company-wide meetings
Award ceremonies
Trade conferences
Large product launches
Events requiring many parallel sessions

Consider before booking

Times Square can be busy, particularly during holidays and major public events. Planners should establish clear arrival instructions and allow additional time for buses, deliveries and production vehicles.

2. New York Hilton Midtown

Best for the Largest Ballroom Experience

New York Hilton Midtown is one of Manhattan’s most established convention hotels.

The property offers more than 150,000 square feet of meeting space across two floors. Its largest ballroom can host approximately 3,000 guests, making it suitable for plenary sessions, conferences, gala dinners and high-profile corporate gatherings.

The hotel’s Midtown location places delegates near Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and several subway stations.

Conference advantages

More than 150,000 square feet of meeting space
Ballroom capacity of approximately 3,000
Event space concentrated across two levels
Dedicated planning, audiovisual and culinary teams
Central Midtown location
Suitable for substantial room blocks
Easy access to corporate offices and attractions

Best for

Large national conferences
Pharmaceutical and medical meetings
Sales conventions
International delegations
Large banquets
Events requiring strong onsite logistics

Consider before booking

The scale of the hotel makes signage, registration flow and delegate communication particularly important. A dedicated event app or clearly branded wayfinding system can help participants navigate large programs.

3. Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Best for Conferences Requiring Many Breakout Rooms

Sheraton New York Times Square provides approximately 62,000 square feet of conference space.

Its official event information lists 39 event rooms, with the largest setup accommodating around 2,850 guests. The hotel also promotes high-speed Wi-Fi and audiovisual services across its meeting venues.

The large number of meeting rooms makes the Sheraton especially suitable for conferences with multiple workshops, training sessions and speaker tracks.

Conference advantages

Approximately 62,000 square feet of event space
39 event rooms
Largest setup for approximately 2,850 guests
Numerous breakout options
Times Square and Central Park access
Onsite audiovisual support
Extensive guest accommodation

Best for

Educational conferences
Multi-track conventions
Training events
Industry summits
Networking-heavy programs
Events requiring numerous simultaneous sessions

Consider before booking

Confirm which conference floors and elevators will be dedicated to the event. Large breakout programs work best when related rooms are grouped together.

4. The Westin New York at Times Square

Best Mid-Size Times Square Conference Hotel

The Westin New York at Times Square offers more than 34,000 square feet of meeting space, including three principal ballrooms and numerous breakout rooms.

Its Gershwin, Broadway and Majestic ballrooms are located on separate levels, providing additional privacy for concurrent programs. Each ballroom is supported by nearby breakout rooms, while the hotel also has several preset boardrooms for small meetings.

Conference advantages

More than 34,000 square feet of meeting space
Three ballrooms
Approximately 32 breakout rooms
Small preset boardrooms
Modern audiovisual services
Times Square location
Nutritionally focused catering options

Best for

Conferences of a few hundred attendees
Corporate meetings
Leadership summits
Training programs
Private dinners
Events requiring separate program zones

Consider before booking

The hotel works especially well for mid-size programs, but very large exhibitions may require an external venue or overflow space.

5. InterContinental New York Barclay

Best for an Upscale Midtown Corporate Conference

InterContinental New York Barclay combines traditional New York design with approximately 20,000 square feet of meeting space.

Its event facilities include a ballroom and five breakout rooms, with planning, catering and setup support available for corporate and social gatherings.

The hotel’s Midtown East address is convenient for businesses located around Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, Lexington Avenue and Grand Central Terminal.

Conference advantages

Approximately 20,000 square feet of meeting space
Ballroom and five breakout rooms
Luxury accommodation
Midtown East corporate location
Suitable for executive-level hospitality
Custom catering and event planning
Refined environment for clients and senior leadership

Best for

Investor meetings
Executive conferences
Luxury incentive groups
Board dinners
Corporate receptions
Premium brand events

Consider before booking

This property is better suited to polished corporate gatherings than very large exhibition-style conventions.

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6. Conrad New York Downtown

Best Luxury Conference Hotel in Lower Manhattan

Conrad New York Downtown is one of the strongest event hotels for organisations based in the Financial District.

The hotel offers approximately 30,000 square feet of space across two floors. Its official event page lists 15 meeting rooms, 463 guest rooms and a Gallery Ballroom measuring approximately 6,240 square feet, with theatre capacity for around 600 people.

The venues include built-in floor power, lighting, rigging points and flexible ballroom divisions. Catering is offered in partnership with Union Square Events.

Conference advantages

Approximately 30,000 square feet of event space
15 meeting rooms
Large ballroom with high ceilings
Modern technical infrastructure
Luxury suite-style accommodation
Lower Manhattan location
Suitable for sophisticated food-and-beverage programs

Best for

Financial-services events
Legal conferences
Technology launches
Luxury corporate gatherings
Client entertainment
Events involving Wall Street organisations

Consider before booking

Delegates whose meetings are concentrated in Midtown may face longer travel times. This hotel works best when the conference and related appointments are based downtown.

7. New York Marriott Downtown

Best for Business Meetings Near Wall Street

New York Marriott Downtown provides more than 12,000 square feet of flexible, renovated meeting space near the Financial District.

The hotel is suitable for organisations that need a professional meeting base near Wall Street, the World Trade Center, Battery Park and Lower Manhattan corporate offices.

Conference advantages

More than 12,000 square feet of meeting space
Flexible conference-room layouts
High-speed connectivity
Financial District location
Suitable for residential meetings
Convenient for downtown client appointments
Professional Marriott event support

Best for

Financial meetings
Corporate training
Legal-industry gatherings
Small and mid-size conferences
Client briefings
Business groups requiring downtown access

Consider before booking

Large expos and conventions may outgrow the hotel’s onsite space. It is best suited to focused business programs rather than citywide conventions.

8. Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza

Best for Diplomatic and International Meetings

Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza sits beside United Nations Headquarters in Midtown East.

The hotel offers nine meeting rooms and approximately 7,680 square feet of event space. Its largest room measures 2,044 square feet and can accommodate around 200 guests, while several venues provide floor-to-ceiling windows and Manhattan views.

The hotel has 439 guest rooms and offers online tools for room blocks, attendee booking pages and smaller meeting reservations.

Conference advantages

Adjacent to the United Nations
Nine meeting rooms
Skyline and East River views
Naturally lit event spaces
Suitable for groups up to approximately 200
Executive boardrooms
Grand Central access

Best for

Diplomatic meetings
International organisations
Non-governmental organisations
Policy conferences
Executive workshops
Small government delegations

Consider before booking

The venue inventory is smaller than the major Times Square convention hotels. It is better suited to focused international meetings than multi-thousand-person conferences.

9. New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

Best Large Conference Hotel Outside Manhattan

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge provides approximately 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space across around 31 venues.

Its 18,105-square-foot Grand Ballroom can be divided into nine sections and accommodate approximately 2,010 guests in its largest reception arrangement.

The property is a strong alternative for planners who need large facilities but prefer Downtown Brooklyn’s atmosphere and access to Brooklyn-based businesses and cultural attractions.

Conference advantages

Approximately 40,000 square feet of conference space
More than 30 meeting venues
18,105-square-foot Grand Ballroom
Large pre-function areas
Extensive audiovisual capabilities
Brooklyn location
Suitable for large room blocks and gala functions

Best for

Brooklyn-based corporate events
Large association meetings
Government conferences
Education-sector gatherings
Galas and award nights
Events combining Manhattan and Brooklyn activities

Consider before booking

Planners should make the borough location clear in event communications. Manhattan-based delegates should receive subway, taxi and transfer guidance in advance.

10. Arlo Midtown

Best for Creative Teams and Small Conferences Near Javits

Arlo Midtown offers seven customisable meeting and social spaces accommodating groups of up to approximately 150 people.

The hotel is located on West 38th Street in Midtown West, placing it within the wider Penn District and Hudson Yards area. Javits Center is located on West 34th Street in Hudson Yards, making Arlo a practical option for exhibitors, speakers and smaller groups attending convention-centre events.

Conference advantages

Seven flexible spaces
Capacity for groups up to approximately 150
Modern, informal design
Outdoor and social-event spaces
Midtown West location
Useful for Javits exhibitors and smaller delegations
Suitable for networking events and brand activations

Best for

Start-up teams
Creative workshops
Media events
Small conferences
Networking receptions
Convention exhibitors seeking nearby accommodation

Consider before booking

Arlo is not a full-scale convention hotel. Large general sessions or exhibitions will need to be held at Javits Center or another external venue.

11. New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels

Best for Penn Station and Javits-Area Access

New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels offers Art Deco accommodation near Penn Station, Madison Square Garden and the western side of Midtown.

Its convention collection includes several professional spaces, while the 39th-floor Sky Lounge can accommodate up to approximately 35 guests and offers views of landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.

The property works particularly well as a room-block hotel for conferences at Javits Center or as a venue for small board meetings, hospitality suites and speaker gatherings.

Conference advantages

Penn District location
Easy railway access
Convenient for Javits Center attendees
Art Deco character
Small meeting and breakout spaces
Skyline-view executive venue
Useful for speaker and exhibitor room blocks

Best for

Small leadership meetings
Speaker accommodation
Conference hospitality suites
Railway-arriving delegates
Groups attending Javits Center events

Consider before booking

The hotel is better used for accommodation, breakouts and small functions than as the main venue for a very large conference.

12. Park Hyatt New York

Best for Luxury Executive Retreats

Park Hyatt New York offers elegant meeting rooms across from Carnegie Hall near Central Park.

Its largest listed space is approximately 287 square metres, while its Terrace Boardroom accommodates up to 60 guests and opens onto a private 1,050-square-foot terrace.

The property is designed for high-level meetings where privacy, personalised service and luxury accommodation are more important than large delegate capacity.

Conference advantages

Luxury Central Park South address
Sophisticated meeting rooms
Private outdoor terrace
Dedicated planning support
Curated catering
Suitable for confidential events
Premium environment for senior executives

Best for

Board retreats
C-suite meetings
Private investor events
Luxury incentives
Senior leadership strategy sessions
High-level client hospitality

Consider before booking

This is not a mass-conference property. It offers the greatest value for small, premium groups.

Best Conference Hotels by Event Type

Best for a convention of more than 1,000 people

New York Hilton Midtown
New York Marriott Marquis
Sheraton New York Times Square
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

These hotels provide the largest ballrooms, extensive breakout rooms and substantial guest-room capacity.

Best for Javits Center attendees

Arlo Midtown
New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels
The Westin New York at Times Square
New York Marriott Marquis

Javits Center is located at 655 West 34th Street in Hudson Yards, so hotels in Midtown West, the Penn District and Times Square provide relatively convenient access.

Best for financial-sector meetings

Conrad New York Downtown
New York Marriott Downtown
InterContinental New York Barclay

Best for international and diplomatic events

Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza
InterContinental New York Barclay
New York Hilton Midtown

Best for executive retreats

Park Hyatt New York
InterContinental New York Barclay
Conrad New York Downtown

Best outside Manhattan

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

How to Choose a Conference Hotel in NYC

Match the Venue to the Delegate Count

Do not choose a hotel only because its largest ballroom can hold your expected attendance.

Also consider:

Registration space
Speaker preparation rooms
Exhibition areas
Catering stations
Networking lounges
Sponsor suites
Storage rooms
Production offices
Breakout capacity

A 1,000-person general session may require significantly more total space than the ballroom alone.

Examine the Vertical Layout

Many Manhattan hotels place event rooms across several floors.

A vertical conference can work well, but planners should check:

Elevator capacity
Escalator access
Travel time between sessions
Accessibility
Signage positions
Crowd flow during breaks

Request the Current Floor Plan

Hotel layouts and room names can change.

Ask the venue for:

Current capacity charts
Ceiling heights
Column positions
Loading access
Rigging information
Internet specifications
Power availability
Emergency exits
Accessible routes

Calculate the Complete Event Cost

The quoted room rental or delegate package may not include every expense.

Request written pricing for:

Meeting-room rental
Guest-room rates
Food-and-beverage minimums
Service charges
Taxes
Internet
Audiovisual equipment
Electrical power
Rigging
Security
Labour
Package handling
Storage
Signage
Early access and overtime

Review Room-Block Conditions

Important contract terms include:

Attrition allowance
Cancellation schedule
Cut-off date
Complimentary-room ratio
Upgrade allocation
Staff rates
Early check-in
Late checkout
No-show charges
Destination or facility fees

Test the Transportation Plan

Consider how attendees will arrive from:

John F. Kennedy International Airport
LaGuardia Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport
Penn Station
Grand Central Terminal
Moynihan Train Hall
Javits Center
Offsite restaurants and reception venues

A central location can reduce transfer expenses and late arrivals.

Questions to Ask Before Signing the Contract

Is the preferred ballroom held exclusively for our group?
Which rooms are included in the quoted rental?
Can breakout rooms remain set overnight?
What internet bandwidth is included?
Is an exclusive audiovisual provider required?
What are the union-labour requirements?
Are loading and storage charges applicable?
Can outside sponsors deliver materials directly?
What food-and-beverage minimum applies?
Are service charges taxable?
What is the guest-room attrition policy?
Are destination fees waived for the room block?
Is there a private registration entrance?
Can the hotel build an attendee booking page?
What accessibility services are available?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which New York hotel has the most meeting space?

New York Hilton Midtown advertises more than 150,000 square feet of meeting space and a ballroom capable of hosting approximately 3,000 guests.

Which is the best conference hotel in Times Square?

New York Marriott Marquis is the strongest all-round option for a major convention because it has more than 100,000 square feet of event space and 49 event rooms.

Which hotels are convenient for Javits Center?

Arlo Midtown and New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels are practical Midtown West options. Larger Times Square hotels can also work for conventions when organisers arrange walking, subway or shuttle instructions.

Which NYC hotel is best for a small executive meeting?

Park Hyatt New York is ideal for a luxury retreat, while Millennium Hilton One UN Plaza is a strong option for international and diplomatic groups.

Which hotel is best for a conference in Lower Manhattan?

Conrad New York Downtown offers the largest luxury hotel event facility in that area, with roughly 30,000 square feet of event space.

Is Brooklyn suitable for a major conference?

Yes. New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge provides approximately 40,000 square feet of meeting space and a Grand Ballroom capable of handling more than 2,000 guests in its largest arrangement.

How early should a New York conference hotel be booked?

Large citywide conferences should usually begin venue discussions well in advance, particularly when several hundred guest rooms or peak weekday dates are required. Smaller corporate meetings may have greater flexibility, but popular spring and autumn dates can fill quickly.

Should delegates stay at the conference hotel?

Keeping most delegates onsite simplifies attendance, networking and morning-session punctuality. However, large events can also negotiate overflow hotels within walking distance.

Final Verdict

New York Marriott Marquis is the best overall choice for a large Times Square conference, combining more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space with 49 event rooms.

New York Hilton Midtown is the strongest option for exceptionally large ballroom events, while Sheraton New York Times Square works well for programs requiring many breakout rooms.

The Westin New York at Times Square is a balanced choice for mid-size corporate conferences. InterContinental New York Barclay provides a more refined environment for upscale business gatherings.

For Lower Manhattan, Conrad New York Downtown offers luxury accommodation and substantial modern event facilities. Millennium Hilton One UN Plaza is particularly suitable for diplomatic and international meetings.

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is the leading large-scale choice outside Manhattan, while Arlo Midtown and New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels work well for smaller groups attending events at Javits Center.

For confidential leadership meetings, Park Hyatt New York provides the most exclusive executive-retreat experience.

The right conference hotel is not necessarily the property with the largest ballroom. The best choice is the one that matches your delegate count, program flow, room-block needs, transport plan, technology requirements and complete event budget.

Meeting-space figures and capacities can change according to room setup, renovation and event-production requirements. Request current floor plans, capacity charts and a complete proposal directly from the hotel before contracting.