where to stay in new york city
Whether you’re a first‑time visitor, a weary commuter returning for a weekend, or a repeat traveler looking to refresh your routine, New York City is a place where the right accommodation can turn a trip into an unforgettable experience. With its sprawling boroughs, soaring skyscrapers, and historic streets, NYC offers a dizzying array of lodging options that cater to every taste and budget. This guide will walk you through the best neighborhoods, hotel styles, and hidden gems to help you choose where to stay based on your interests, stay‑length, and pocket.
Pro tip: Even within a budget, you can enjoy a comfortable stay in neighborhoods that are often overlooked by mainstream travel sites. Book early, especially during peak seasons (spring, summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYE), and you’ll find the best rates.
1. Neighborhood by Experience
| Neighborhood | Atmosphere | Why You’ll Stay Here |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown (Manhattan) | Iconic skyline, nonstop energy | If you want to be right in the heart of Broadway, Times Square, and the world’s busiest harbor. |
| Manhattan’s Upper East & West Sides | Classic city chic, quieter streets | Ideal for art lovers (Met, MoMA, Guggenheim) and families looking for upscale boutique hotels. |
| Greenwich Village / Soho | Bohemian, trendy | Known for its café culture, nightlife, boutique shopping, and historic architecture. |
| Chelsea | Contemporary art scene, stylish lofts | Home to the High Line, galleries, and a lively dining scene. |
| Brooklyn Heights / Brooklyn Bridge Park | Classic brownstone charm, relaxing waterfront | Offers a taste of Brooklyn life with spectacular Manhattan skyline views. |
| Williamsburg | Hip, hipster vibe | Great for young travelers, nightlife, and artisanal food. |
| East Village / Lower East Side | Energetic street art, alternative culture | Perfect for music lovers and lovers of edgy eateries. |
| Harlem | Rich African‑American culture | Rich history, soul food, jazz clubs. |
| Astoria (Queens) | Multicultural, affordable | Great for food enthusiasts; also hosts Citi Field and Museum of the Moving Image. |
| Flushing (Queens) | Culinary paradise for Asian cuisine | Ideal for those looking for authentic, multi‑ethnic food‑budget stays. |
When choosing a neighborhood, ask yourself what you want to experience in NYC. If you’re a first‑time visitor looking for maximum convenience and iconic sites, Midtown will be your go‑to. If you’re after a weekend escape with a local vibe, Brooklyn Heights or Williamsburg may better suit your mood.
2. Hotel Styles & Budget Tier
2.1 Luxury (>$300/night)
| Hotel | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Plaza | Historic luxury, butler service, Waldorf‑Astoria dining. | Weddings, “big‑event” vacations. |
| Four Seasons | Excellent service, fitness center. | Couples, business travelers. |
| The St. Regis | Customizable Butler, underground lounge. | Business & high‑end leisure. |
| Mandarin Oriental | Michelin‑starred dining, city‑view rooftop. | Culinary explorers + spa junkies. |
| The Ritz‑Carlton. | Elegant suites, location near Fifth Ave. | Shopping lovers + boutique hotels. |
All of these hotels are centrally located, boast attentive staff, and provide a “cushy” stay that can elevate a simple trip to a splurge experience. The excellent concierge service means you can get off‑the‑grid recommendations quickly.
2.2 Upscale Mid‑Range ($150–$300/night)
| Hotel | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Belvedere Hotel | Classic art deco charm, studio‑style rooms. | Luxury on a budget. |
| The NoMad Hotel (NYC) | Café-style interior, fitness center, terraces. | Trendy leisure or small business groups. |
| The Greenwich Hotel | Unique design, large fire‑pit lounge. | Romantic couples, art‑savvy travelers. |
| The St. Regis Knightsbridge | Classic NYC style, near Madison. | Business travelers and “city insider” vibe. |
| WYNDHAM Herald Square | Modern design, vineyard‑inspired decor. | Nightlife‑centric visitors. |
Up‑scale hotels tend to leave a strong sense of luxury without the “rushing” costs of high‑profile brands. Many of them also offer inclusive breakfasts or breakfast buffet options without extra charges.
2.3 Budget Friendly ($50–$150/night)
| Hotel / Hostels | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pod 51 | High‑tech design, communal lounge, rooftop. | Young travelers, package deals. |
| The Jane | Library‑inspired rooms, great location near Canal St. | Budget stays with style. |
| Hotel 31 | Art deco, crowd‑favorite in Greenwich Village. | Solo traveling, social focus. |
| The Hotel at NYU | Dorm‑style and single rooms, city view. | Students or international travelers. |
| Check Welcome Hostel | Co‑working space, free breakfast, social events. | College kids, backpackers. |
Beyond hostels, many budget hotels are now delivering the artistic décor and amenities found in larger chains, making them a very “value” option.
2.4 Alternative Stays
| Type | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb / VRBO options | Quiet apartments in Brooklyn or Queens, free linens. | Preferences of independence. |
| Boutique capsule hotels | Futuristic vibe, communal rooms. | Curious, trendscanted travelers. |
| Converted service‐apartment hotels | Kitchen equipment, longer stays. | Air‑BnB’s “stay like a local”, extended visits. |
| Treehouse / National Park lodging | For adventure seekers. | During the last weekend of summer. |
Individuals watching a tight budget will find Airbnb yields excellent options, especially if you can negotiate a longer stay or split the cost with friends. For younger travelers, backpackers, or adventurous tourists, a capsule-style hotel (e.g., THE HOSTEL – Little Island) offers the “glamorous” with a twist of communal comfort.
3. Guide by Time of Stay
Weekdays (Mon‑Fri)
- Move cheap rooms are abundant. Hotels offering “weekday discounts” can be a goldmine. Booking for a Monday‑Friday stay will put you in a different atmosphere—quiet, less tourist traffic, and more authentic NYC life.
Weekend (Fri‑Sun)
- Overnight bookings are essential, but rates are higher. Want to beat the Friday rush at Times Square? Book well in advance or go for a subterranean professional hotel or a borough hotel representing the “working‑class vibe” but still comfortable.
- Holiday/Long‑Weekend
- Escalated rates. When traveling around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, NYE) – proximity to the Times Square ball‑drop is a premium.
4.‑Style Stays and Extended‑Stays
Short‑Term Rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, Boutique Lofts): If you’re staying 2+ weeks, these are often cheaper than hotels and provide groceries, more living space, and a kitchen. Look for “locally managed” listings to avoid hidden fees.
- Corporate/Extended‑Stay Hotels: Many hotels (e.g., Marriott, Hilton) offer optional daily breakfasts, laundry services, and central kitchen appliances.
5. Insider Tips to Nail the Best Deal
Book Early and Keep Track of Dates – Use fare charts or calculators on sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or apartment‑rating websites to reveal the cheapest date ranges for hotels.
Consider Non‑Central Neighborhoods – Dim’t go to the “cheapest” one. Look at neighborhoods that just missed the subway line and are known for nightlife or a vibrant food scene – e.g., Astoria, Bushwick, or even Yonkers for an affordably different day.
Leverage Loyalty Programs – Many hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt) have “elite” benefit tiers. Even if you’re not a member, it may be worth joining if you’ll stay multiple nights. Bonus points can often be redeemed for room upgrades or freebies.
Check Playground Laws – If you’re traveling with a baby or small child, check whether the building provides infant cot rentals or a crib service.
Ask for Sub‑Room or Room‑Upgrade – If the hotel is near capacity, they will accept you in a smaller room set at the same price or give a free upgrade. Always ask politely.
Take Advantage of “Last Minute Deals” – Many apps (HotelTonight, Expedia, Booking.com) offer last‑minute deals that can cut 25-40% off from the regular price, especially if the hotel is currently under‑occupied.
- Avoid “Cash Only” or “No Deposit” Places – You’ll often pay additional charges or require a large deposit for “cash only” deals that appear on the lesser-known sites.
6. Sample Itineraries Based on Budget
| Luxury Traveler | Mid‑Range Explorer | Budget Enthusiast | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay | – 5‑ Night at Four Seasons, Midtown | – 4‑Night at Pod 51, Soho | – 3‑Night at Hotel 31, Williamsburg |
| Activities | – Broadway show + Michelin dining | – Museum of Modern Art + rooftop cocktails | – Street‑food tour + geocaching |
| Additional | – Airport shuttle service | – Public transport pass | – Heavy use of travel apps (Uber, Citymapper) |
7. Final Thoughts
New York City’s accommodation landscape is as multi‑dimensional as the city itself. It offers an endless palette of possibilities that differ dramatically in décor, noise level, atmosphere, price, and authenticity. When looking for a place to stay, keep in mind the following:
| Question | What You Should Check |
|---|---|
| What is your schedule? | Do you need impressive spartan or wish to be in the mecca of Manhattan? |
| What’s your bus schedule? | Do you want to get to Times Square in 15 minutes? |
| What’s the distance to your itinerary? | Will you get used to exploring on foot, or will you NEED a closer subway station? |
| Are you comfortable with a creaky old building? | Many great accommodations (e.g., boutique hotels, historic hotels, hostels) sit in old brick warehouses that may sag, but they provide an authentic vibe. |
| How long will you be staying? | A longer stay might make if you can maintain a weekly discount, or even find a friendship‑like relationship with the building? |
NYC can’t wait to show you why it’s called “The City that Never Sleeps.” Choose the right type and location of accommodation to let your trip be memorable, comfortable, and, most importantly, you. Happy travels!
