MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in New York City

Where to Stay in New York City

New York City New York, USA Travel Guide

Lodging Options & Neighborhoods

Diverse Lodging Choices

  • Budget-Friendly Hostels

    Options like HI NYC Hostel cater to solo travelers or those keen on saving money and connecting with other travelers.

  • Practical Budget Hotels

    These provide basic amenities and smaller rooms, often in less central areas. They offer a simple, clean place to sleep.

  • Comfortable Mid-Range Hotels

    This category includes chain and boutique hotels, featuring more amenities, better locations, and a higher amount of service.

  • Premier Luxury Hotels

    These offer high-end services, spacious rooms, and high-end locations, delivering exceptional comfort and personalized experiences.

Unique & Rental Options

  • Distinctive Boutique Hotels

    Usually including unique design and personalized service in neighborhoods like SoHo or Greenwich Small town for a curated stay.

  • Vacation & Apartment Rentals

    Platforms like Vrbo offer apartment options, but verify legality due to strict NYC regulations.

  • Homestay-Style Options

    While official "homestays" are less common, some vacation rentals facilitate sharing space with a local resident.

  • Nearby Camping & Outdoors

    No camping exists within NYC boroughs. Options are available in nearby national parks and upstate New York.

Navigate Neighborhoods for Your Stay

Each New York City neighborhood has a distinct character and range of amenities, shaping your experience.

Manhattan Districts

Pros
  • Midtown: Central, by main landmarks and Broadway.
  • Lower Manhattan: Historic, close to 9/11 Memorial.
  • Greenwich Village/SoHo: Trendy, artistic, great nightlife.
  • Upper West/East Side: Residential, elegant, near Central Park.
Cons
  • Midtown: Crowded, noisy, higher prices.
  • Lower Manhattan: Quieter on weekends, less nightlife.
  • Some areas: Can feel generic.
  • General: Can be expensive.

Brooklyn's Charm

Pros
  • Dumbo/Brooklyn Heights: Waterfront views, historic brownstones.
  • Williamsburg: Local feel, often better value, great food and nightlife.
  • Park Slope: Family-friendly, near Prospect Park.
  • General: Excellent Manhattan views.
Cons
  • Requires subway travel to Manhattan attractions.
  • Travel time for some tourist sites.
  • Some areas: Can be gentrified.
  • Popular areas: Can still be crowded.

Queens: Global Tastes

Pros
  • Long Island City (LIC): Modern, stunning Manhattan skyline views.
  • LIC: Easy subway access, growing art scene.
  • General: Most diverse food borough globally.
  • Authentic cuisines from virtually every country.
Cons
  • Some areas lack traditional tourist attractions.
  • Can feel more residential than bustling Manhattan.
  • Specific areas might have limited nightlife.
  • Longer transit times to some attractions.

Considerations

Ambiance & Noise Levels

Midtown and Times Square are very noisy. Residential regions such as the Upper East/West Side or Brooklyn Heights offer a quieter, calmer ambiance.

Safety & Proximity

All major tourist areas are generally very safe. Midtown is most central for many first-time visitors' attractions, while others have excellent subway access.

Smart Booking Strategies

Careful planning secures the most competitive rates and selections for your stay.

Booking Best Practices

  • Advance Booking: High Season (4-6 months), Shoulder (2-4 months), Low (1-2 months).
  • Negotiation Customs: Generally not applicable; walk-in rates are often higher than online.
  • Cancellation Policies: Vary by lodging and platform; always check carefully for flexible options.
  • Peak Season Travel: Book well in advance to secure preferred choices.

Trusted Platforms

  • Booking Platforms: Use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, or Kayak for a wide range.
  • Direct Booking: Often provides the best prices or perks directly on hotel websites.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb, Vrbo are options; mind local regulations.
  • Confirm Details: Always confirm your booking specifics before arrival.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Season Advice
  • Expect significant price increases during peak seasons.
  • Major events (NYC Marathon, fashion weeks) drive up costs.
  • Holidays are also periods of higher pricing.
  • Early booking is always recommended for these times.
Off-Peak Advantages
  • January to March typically has the lowest prices.
  • Great deals can often be found during these months.
  • Less crowded attractions are an added perk.
  • Increased accessibility for desired accommodations.

Essential Tip

Flexible Dates

Where feasible, traveling during shoulder or low seasons might bring about substantial savings and smaller crowds.

Travel Insurance

Consider travel insurance for unexpected changes, especially with non-flexible bookings.

Read Reviews

Always check recent traveler reviews to gain insight into the actual encounter at a property.

Accommodation Recommendations

Curated suggestions for various traveler types and budgets, ensuring a suitable place to stay.

Budget-Friendly & Family Stays

Cost-Effective Choices

Hostels like HI NYC Hostel or The Local NY. Pod Hotels or budget chains in Li City or Jersey City for good value.

  • HI NYC Hostel
  • The Local NY
  • Pod Hotels (micro-hotels)
  • LIC/Jersey City budget chains
Spacious Family Stays

Look for hotels with roomier accommodations, suites, or connecting rooms. Legal vacation rentals also offer more space and kitchens.

  • Hotels with suites
  • Connecting room options
  • Legal vacation rentals (with kitchens)
  • Properties near family attractions

Solo & Extended Stays

Solo Traveler Comfort

Hostels provide social opportunities. Pod Hotels have private, compact rooms. Hotels in well-connected and safe neighborhoods are good choices.

  • Hostels (social atmosphere)
  • Pod Hotels (private, small rooms)
  • Midtown, Chelsea, Lower East Side (safe, connected)
  • Hotels with good public transit access
Extended Stay Options

Extended-stay hotels (e.g., Residence Inn, Homewood Suites) include kitchens and more amenities. Serviced apartments are also available for longer trips.

  • Extended-stay hotels (kitchens)
  • Residence Inn
  • Homewood Suites
  • Serviced apartments

Historic Properties

  • The Plazan Inn

    A historic luxury landmark at Central Park South.

  • The Algonquin Hotel

    Known for its rich literary history and famous "Round Table."

  • The Jane Hotel

    A former seamen's hotel, now a charming boutique option in the West Village.

  • Hotel Chelsea

    An iconic artist residence with a storied past, recently renovated.

Unique Stay Experiences

  • Boutique Hotels in SoHo

    Stylish hotels with distinctive character and design flair.

  • Urban Green Retreats

    Properties near Central Park or other green spaces for tranquility.

  • Art & Design Focused

    Hotels demonstrating local art or else exceptional interior design.

  • Foodie-Centric Hotels

    Accommodations with renowned restaurants or culinary experiences on-site.

Hotel Features

On-Site Services

Lots of accommodations have valuable amenities, adding to the comfort of your stay.

  • Concierge services for local recommendations.
  • In-house dining options.
  • Fitness centers and pools.
  • Business facilities and Wi-Fi.
Neighborhood Perks

The hotel's location significantly influences access to city amenities.

  • Proximity to diverse dining options.
  • Easy access to the main sights.
  • Convenient public transport connections.
  • Quiet or local ambiance.

Specialized Stays

Boutique Charm

Hotels that pride themselves on unique design, character, and personalized service, often found in artistic neighborhoods.

Eco-Friendly Stays

Accommodations committed to sustainable practices and often holding green certifications, a conscientious choice for travelers.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Many establishments welcome pets, providing amenities and services for furry companions, ensuring no one misses out on the trip.