Best Places to Stay in NYC for Every Type of Traveler

Check out our guide to find the best hotels in NYC for every type of traveler! We have included hotels in Manhattan and a few hotels in Queens.

Where to Stay in NYC?

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world for many reasons. Culture, history, and glitz abound in the City That Never Sleeps, and where you decide to stay can have a major impact on your experience there. Below, we’ll break down the best places to stay for different types of travelers to help you find the best option for you!

Best Areas to Stay in NYC for First-Timers

There is so much to do in New York City that it can start to feel overwhelming when it comes to fitting it all in. If it’s your first time visiting NYC, we recommend staying as central as possible so you can see as much as possible.

Why Stay in Hell’s Kitchen

Lying between Times Square and the Hudson River, Hell’s Kitchen is one of NYC’s most popular neighborhoods for first-time visitors. The great location puts you right in the heart of the city while the wide range of bars and restaurants means that you’ll never go hungry or thirsty! Staying in Hell’s Kitchen also gives you easy access to most of the major subway lines in the city, making it easy and efficient to explore.

Most of the large hotels near Times Square are located on or around 7th and 8th Avenue between 34th and 59th Street, which puts you within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, MoMA, The Intrepid, Broadway theaters, Madison Square Garden, the New York Public Library, and more awesome attractions.

Top Hotel Picks in Hell’s Kitchen

The Pod Hotel

Although the rooms in this hotel tend to be a little small, The Pod is big on personality, thanks to its colorful murals and retro vibe!

Ameritania

This classic hotel puts you right in the center of the Theatre District. The rooms are timeless and spacious for the neighborhood, making it a great choice for couples or solo travelers who want to be in the center of it all.

Kimpton Theta New York - Times Square

Kimpton Hotels are known for combining modern design with comfort, and their Times Square property is no exception. The rooms are light and airy, and the comfortable beds let you get some shut eye in the City that Never Sleeps!

Best Areas to Stay in NYC for Foodies

NYC is famous for its fantastically diverse cuisine, and there is certainly no shortage of great restaurants, cafes, and delis where you can eat. However, if you’re a serious foodie, you may want to consider staying in the West Village.

Why Stay in Greenwich Village?

Greenwich Village has long been the cultural heart of New York City. This is where some of the city’s most talented artists, writers, and performers call home, and the neighborhood’s proximity to New York University and Washington Square Park means that the streets are always bustling with a mix of college students, local residents, and tourists. This gives the whole area a youthful, artsy vibe that you generally don't find in other neighborhoods, as well as a wide variety of both high-end and budget-friendly restaurants, such as Via Carota, Justine’s on Hudson, and Artichoke Pizza.

Top Hotel Picks in Greenwich Village

Washington Square Hotel

Nestled on the edge of Washington Square, this charming, art deco hotel embodies the history of Greenwich Village. Washington Square Hotel opened its doors back in 1902 and has been welcoming artists, writers, and visitors ever since.

The Standard East Village

Perched on the edge of Cooper Square just a few blocks east of Washington Square, The Standard East Village gives easy access to Greenwich Village, the East Village, and Soho. The hotel sports a sleek design and modern rooms.

The Jane Hotel

Located along the Hudson River, The Jane Hotel offers cozy accommodation at a surprisingly affordable price point. Although the rooms are tiny, this is one of the most inexpensive hotels in Manhattan. It was built in 1908 and was designed by the same architect that built the Ellis Island immigrant station. Even more interesting is the fact that this is where the survivors of the Titanic stayed after they arrived in New York. The hotel looks like it has barely changed over the past century, and this is a must-see for history lovers!

Best Areas to Stay in NYC for Families

In many ways, NYC is a super family-friendly destination. In other ways, errrmm…., not so much. Kids may find the city a little overwhelming, but luckily, there are plenty of neighborhoods where you can stay that will take you a little bit away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square.

Why Stay in the Upper West Side?

Lying between Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side offers a range of big attractions, quaint streets, and charming eateries. This is where many New York families decide to live for good reason. The area isn't anywhere as touristy as other parts of the city, and the streets are much quieter. This, combined with the proximity to kid-friendly attractions like the Natural History Museum, Central Park, and the Hudson River Parkway, makes this an excellent spot for families.

Top Hotel Picks in the Upper West Side

La Quinta by Wyndham Central Park

Tucked away on a quiet side street, La Quinta provides comfortable, no-frills accommodation at a reasonable price. The rooms are decently sized, and the location right by Central Park will make your kids feel like they suddenly have access to a massive backyard!

The Empire Hotel New York

Situated directly across from the legendary Lincoln Center, The Empire Hotel gives easy acces to all the sites of Midtown, the Upper West Side, and Central Park. It’s situated at a busy intersection so it may get a little loud sometimes but that’s a small price to pay for such a great location!

Hotel Beacon

This old-school hotel has some of the biggest rooms in NYC which makes it perfect for families. The hotel is located right off Broadway as it makes its way north through the Upper West Side. It’s a bit farther away from Central Park than the other hotels on this list, but you have easy access to the Hudson River Parkway!

Best Areas to Stay in NYC for Luxury & Business Travel

Why Stay in FiDi or Central Park South?

Business travelers generally tend to stay in the Financial District (FiDi) at one of the Wall Street hotels or Battery Park hotels or at one of the luxury NYC stays in the upper stretches of Midtown between 50th Street and Central Park South. This is where most of the city’s uber-luxurious hotels are located, including The Ritz Carlton, The Plaza, and the JW Marriott Essex House, as well as offices of many major international companies.

Top Hotel Picks for Business Travelers

The Pierre, a Taj Hotel

Situated on the edge of Central Park, The Pierre is an iconic luxury hotel that has welcomed people like Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Built in 1930, the old-European design is elegant and sophisticated.

The Plaza

Located on the corner of Central Park, this landmark hotel has been featured in more Hollywood movies than some of the world’s biggest stars! Opened in 1907, The Plaza is one of the city’s most legendary hotels, offering plush rooms and sophisticated common areas. A stay here is like stepping back into NYC’s most glamorous eras.

The Wall Street Hotel

This FiDi hotel offers luxurious accommodations right in the heart of the Financial District. It’s located just a short walk away from the World Trade Center, South Street Seaport, and, of course, Wall Street and Federal Hall.

Best Areas in NYC for Budget Stay

Why Stay in Queens or Brooklyn?

NYC is known for being an expensive city, and cheap hotels in NYC are few and far between. If you are traveling on a shoestring, you can find a few places in Chinatown that offer inexpensive rooms, but the quality of these can be underwhelming. There are also a few hostels scattered across Manhattan. Alternatively, you can look at hotels in Queens, Brooklyn, Jersey City, or Hoboken. These areas tend to be less expensive than Manhattan while still allowing you to get a decent night’s sleep.

Top Hotel Picks for Budget Travelers

West Side YMCA

As one of the few budget accommodations in Manhattan, West Side YMCA offers dorm rooms and private rooms as well as some surprising amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, and convenience store. The rooms tend to be a bit basic, but at this price, who could ask for more?

Hotel Nedia, BW Signature Collection

Hotel Nedia is a new addition to the Long Island City hotel scene. Offering sparkling clean rooms and easy access to the subway, this is a great option for people who want to visit NYC without spending a fortune.

Feather Factory Hotel

Another Long Island City hotel, Feather Factory, offers affordable accommodation just four subway stops from Times Square. The rooms are small, but you likely won’t be spending much time in them anyway!

We hope that this selection of fantastic hotels and neighborhoods will help you find the best places to stay in New York City. Don't forget to get your eSIM before you go! This will help you remain connected to loved ones, useful apps, Google Maps, and social media while you're on the move!