⚔️ ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Delivers

House of the Dragon is, for lack of a better phrase, a tragic farce. Where Game of Thrones itself felt like an all-encompassing riff on Shakespeare’s history plays — complete with The Bard’s crude humor and plenty of smug narrative twists — its prequel series could be classified more as a comedy of errors. Sure, it leans smarter than the medieval fantasy that kick-started our collective obsession with dragons, betrayal, and a good platinum wig. But its central conflict, and the characters caught within it, are actually... kinda stupid. That stupidity often makes for great television, though, especially as the blindsiding events of Season 1 give way to all-out dragon war in Season 2.

With an action-packed return, House of the Dragon doubles down on everything that worked in its inaugural season. The meticulous melodrama finally gives way to the harrowing dread of a vicious civil war — and though it’s still slow to unleash the bloody battles fans have been waiting for, a game cast and transfixing tension allows this season to burn much hotter than its predecessor.

A new season is upon us, and it’s in your best interest to experience the magic of summer in the city that never sleeps. Ready to book your stay? We’ve selected the most group-friendly, perfectly located hotspots to host your upcoming adventure. Whether you’re looking to drop your bags in an expertly renovated vintage factory or on a postcard-worthy SoHo block, our list has got you covered.