Inside the New York Hotels Where A-Listers Get Ready for the Met Gala

Fashion’s biggest night is just around the corner. On the first Monday of May, the who’s who of the fashion world will descend upon the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Met Gala, dressed to impress in their most glamorous ensembles as attendees do their very best to embody the year’s theme, which corresponds with the Costume Institute’s annual spring exhibition. The 2025 exhibit is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and the dress code for the Met Gala is “Tailored for You.”

While attendees often begin prepping for the Met Gala far ahead of the actual evening, from planning out outfits with designers to scheduling beauty treatments, it’s the 24 hours leading up to the extravaganza when everything really kicks into high gear. Those who score a coveted invitation to the gala tend to hole up in their hotel rooms for a full day of preparations, typically joined by a team of makeup artists, hairdressers and stylists, as they embark on the hours-long race to the oh-so-stylish finish line that is the Met Gala red carpet. But where, exactly, do the most fashionable guests get ready for the Met Gala? More specifically—what are there hotels of choice?

While New York City is home to an abundance of rather grandiose accommodations, an elite selection of hotels tends to stand out for Met Gala-goers. These are all five-star hotels, but it’s not just about a plush bed and elite room service menu; these properties are not only exclusive, but, in the most practical sense, tend to be in located in relatively close proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This geographical asset is perhaps the most important criteria, considering the notoriously nightmare-inducing traffic that accompanies the festivities of the first Monday in May.

If you’re feeling a touch curious as to where those who were lucky enough to receive an elusive Met Gala invitation choose to get ready—and retire—for the evening, we’ve got you covered. Below, see the crème de la crème of the New York hotel scene, where Met Gala attendees get ready for the biggest night in fashion.