The best meeting rooms in Manhattan

On the bustling corner of Broadway and 28th is the Ned, a limestone-fronted building from 1903 dripping in Beaux-Arts detail. Part hotel and part members-only club, the Art Deco interior is glamorous enough to attract guests like Rihanna and Anna Wintour. The exclusivity extends to the second floor with two meeting rooms available to rent.

The Magic Room is 1,550 square feet with decor inspired by the cabaret clubs of the 1930s and can hold 75 people. Unique art from the hotel’s collection lines the glossy mahogany walls, and plush furnishings create a comfortable and ambient setting. The added piano and stage make the room ideal for entertainment but can be configured for a round table setting for up to 40.

For more traditional meetings, the room known as RWB offers a classic boardroom layout of 36 delegates but can be split to include a smaller, closed-off social space. White walls and minimal detail let in natural light and allow for a more focused setting.

Enhance the experience with coffee, a cocktail, or a range of food options prepared by Chef Brian VanderGast.

If you want to impress out-of-town clients, hosting a meeting at the Ritz is foolproof. The century-old hotel chain is renowned for its elegance and luxury, and the NoMad location is no different. A modern exterior and views of the iconic skyline offer a backdrop that is both iconic and contemporary. More than 10,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor meeting space means it can accommodate a range of events.

The Ritz Carlton Ballroom can be arranged in a theatre or classroom setup for up to 275 guests, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in ample light and offering a grand view of the neighborhood.

The Exclusive Boardroom offers an intimate setup of 16 guests and features fine furnishings and a customizable table.

With an on-site A/V technician and extensive digital technology provided by Encore, you can ensure a seamless experience for your event. Make it complete with catering by Chef José Andres, or host a cocktail reception at the Madison Bar for up to 30 guests.

Despite the classic, red-brick facade of this early 20th-century landmark, the inside of the James is contemporary and sleek. The design is intentionally simple to promote tranquility – a welcome change from the fast-paced culture of the surrounding city. With 5,000 square feet of meeting space, it can accommodate everything from large panels to one-on-one meetings.

The Madison Room is spacious and flexible and can be transformed into a layout of round tables (max. 180), a theatre layout (max. 208), or a classroom layout (108), and can accommodate 250 standing. With a 106-inch projection screen and surround sound system, the room is ideal for large presentations or screenings.

The Studio space is a medium-sized board room for 50 seated or 80 standing delegates and can be divided into two rooms. For more intimate gatherings, the Library accommodates up to 20.

Exclusive in-house catering by Scarpetta is also available, providing customized upscale Italian fare and craft beverages.

Even though 1 Hotel is a block from Central Park, the greenery extends beyond its walls. Nearly 40,000 plants decorate this sustainable and LEED-certified hotel, known for its innovative energy-efficient technologies. Meeting spaces on the Gathering floor are available to book, a most-fitting environment for future-facing companies.

The floor buyout accommodates up to 130 people, and individual meeting rooms flow through glass doors, creating an open plan with privacy options. Communal spaces are flooded with light and reclaimed wood fixtures, with splashes of color in rugs and fruit baskets. The Meadow and Reservoir rooms have an intimate, round-table set up for 9, and the Great Lawn has a larger boardroom setting for 36 delegates.

Chef Jonathan Waxman provides seasonal catering services using fresh ingredients from local partners or the onsite garden. For something a little different, 1 Hotel partners with Holstee to offer “Meaningful Meetings” with activities tailored to one of three goals: Zen, Creative, and Focused.

Located in the heart of Soho, the Arlo Hotel is an option that caters to a younger crowd. This mid-century-style boutique hotel feels more like a New Yorker’s apartment than a hotel, a great setting for out-of-towners looking to book a more casual meeting space.

The Library, a 400-square-foot accessible meeting room on the lobby level, is decorated with vintage vinyl on a tall mahogany shelf. As a relaxed space for structured meetings, the boardroom table in the center of the room can fit 10 people, with comfortable plush seating on the sides for when you need a break. The glass paneled doors allow natural light, but warm, ambient lighting is present in the evening.

The three Studios are tucked away on the second floor and feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace overlooking the Courtyard. The rooms can either be combined into one long conference room for 75 attendees or split into smaller rooms of 10-15 each.

Arlo Soho also offers a dedicated events team and in-house food and beverage options.