New York City – If you want to wake up in the city that never sleeps, of course, you need accommodation in New York City first. And that’s not as easy as it may sound. New York is huge and the various parts of the city can be really different from each other.
That’s why we’ve taken a closer look at the neighborhoods and New York’s best accommodations to find out which is the best place to stay in New York City for you personally.
Let’s have a look at the various parts of the city (Boroughs). Once you’ve found your favorite, we’ll show you the best New York accommodations for each part of the city. This way you can find out very easily which one suits your needs and your budget in order to find your perfect New York hotel or hostel. Of course, we’ll also let you know how far your accommodation is located from the nearest subway station so you can already plan your transport in advance.
If you aren’t only looking for an answer to the question, “Where to stay in New York?”, But also “What should I see in New York?”, make sure to check out our comprehensive New York Itinerary, which includes many recommendations and tips from locals and New York lovers.
What to find out in this post
- 1 How to find the best place to stay in New York – Step 1 The best New York City Neighborhood for your stay
- 2 The best places to stay in Manhattan
- 3 Neighborhoods outside of Manhattan
- 4 Comparison of the New York Neighborhoods
- 5 General tips for booking accommodation in New York
- 6 Staying with Airbnb in New York?
- 7 Where to stay in New York City – Step 2: Find the perfect accommodation in your favorite Neighborhood
- 8 The best Accommodation in Midtown
- 9 The best Accommodation the Upper East Side
- 10 The best Accommodation the Lower East Side
- 11 The best Accommodation the Upper West Side
- 12 The best Accommodation in Chelsea
- 13 The best Accommodation in SoHo
- 14 The best Accommodation in Brooklyn
- 15 The best Accommodation in Queens
- 16 The best Accommodation in Staten Island
- 17 The best Accommodation in Jersey City, New Jersey
- 18 More New York?
How to find the best place to stay in New York – Step 1 The best New York City Neighborhood for your stay
The best places to stay in Manhattan
If you are visiting New York City for the first time and want to be located right where most of the sights are, it may be a good idea to stay in Manhattan directly. Although it can be more expensive, an overnight stay in Manhattan usually offers many advantages. Manhattan itself is divided into different quarters. In the following, we want to introduce you to these parts to stay in Manhattan.
Midtown
Those who like to be right in the center and who don’t mind paying a few extra dollars for their accommodation will likely choose Midtown Manhattan for their stay in New York City (it’s considered the city’s most expensive neighborhood). Surrounded by Uptown and Downtown Manhattan, the Hudson River to the west and the East River to the east, this neighborhood is considered one of the city’s most popular. Probably the city’s most important part of Midtown is the financial district, which is arguably the most influential of the entire US.
Upper East Side
The Upper East Side, known from many American movie and TV series classics such as Sex and the City and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, is considered to be the wealthiest neighborhood in the city. In addition to designer shops, skyscrapers and upscale restaurants, the so-called Museums Mile is particularly eye-catching. Important museums, such as The Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have settled here. If you are looking for the ultimate Manhattan feeling and if you don’t mind spending a little bit more than in other areas, the Upper East Side is just the right place to stay for you in New York.
Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is perfect for young travelers. The nightlife of the Lower East Side stands out with its great live music and famous clubs and bars. But also art lovers will feel very comfortable in this district. It feels like every other house offers a wonderful little art gallery – one better than the other. You can spend days with gallery-hopping and discover them all.
Anyway, the history of this neighborhood can still be experienced in the Lower East Side. Although it’s no longer dangerous to stay around here, the former immigrant quarter still has many traces of its former inhabitants. Especially the Jewish inhabitants heavily impacted this area through many buildings and synagogues.
Upper West Side
Especially those who are traveling with children or would like to stay in an area that is a little bit quieter without being too far off the beaten path will love the Upper West Side. Here it is a bit more relaxed than in many other areas of the city and there are a lot of cultural activities for young and old. Many museums open their doors in the Upper West Side. Probably the most famous representative is the Museum of Natural History. But also the New York City Opera, the New York City Ballet as well as the Lincoln Center are located in this area of the city.
Chelsea
Chelsea is one of New York’s trendy neighborhoods. Here you will find various art galleries that have moved from SoHo to Chelsea due to rising rents. Probably the most popular attraction in Chelsea is the so-called High Line, a former elevated railway offering incredible views of the city that never sleeps. Chelsea is perfect for those who want to explore the “real life” of New York outside of the typical New York attractions.
SoHo
Basically, the name SoHo is actually just an abbreviation of “South of Housten Street“, with which the scene district SoHo can be distinguished from the rest of Manhattan.
SoHo is especially popular with shopping-lovers, as there are a lot of chain stores and boutiques opening their doors for you. There is no limit to your shopping craze in SoHo, as there are shops of all kinds. Anyway, fine dining and some popular nightclubs are also available in the area.
Neighborhoods outside of Manhattan
If you’re traveling on a budget, you already know New York, or you just like it a bit quieter, then you should look for your dream accommodation in New York outside of Manhattan. In the following, we would like to introduce you to the different neighborhoods of New York outside of Manhattan.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is probably the most popular tourist area outside of Manhattan. The neighborhood is connected to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition to the popular Brooklyn part called DUMBO, which is considered a popular sightseeing spot, you will also find much more peacefulness and green here than in its famous brother, Manhattan. Generally, accommodation prices are lower here, which attracts many budget travelers and backpackers to the area. But Brooklyn also has a lot to offer, such as Williamsburg, known for its nightlife and music scene, as well as the beach and entertainment district Coney Island.
Queens
Even better budget accommodation options can be found in the Queens district. Although Queens is the largest of the five New York boroughs in terms of area, it still gives a bit of a small-town feel. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, you can even find family houses with gardens here. Sports fans will also love this part of the city, as Queens is home to the baseball team New York Mets. By train, you can drive from here to Manhattan within a few minutes. Even if you are looking for a New York hotel near an airport, Queens is highly recommended as both John F. Kennedy Airport and LaGuardia Airport are located in this part of the city.
Staten Island
Although Staten Island is another of the five districts of New York, it probably gives its visitors a kind of suburban feeling. From Manhattan, Staten Island can be easily reached with the Staten Island Ferry. So if you want to save some money and want it even quieter, Staten Island is the place for you to look for accommodation.
Jersey City, New Jersey
I know, I know, Jersey is not part of New York anymore. Strictly speaking, Jersey City is not just another city, but even in another state of the United States, New Jersey. Nevertheless, the train (PATH) connects you very quickly with Manhattan and can save you a lot of money. Especially those who have been to New York before and who don’t mind traveling by train from the neighboring city are in good hands in New Jersey. Those arriving or departing from Newark Airport can also book their New York accommodation in New Jersey as Newark is located in New Jersey.
Comparison of the New York Neighborhoods
| Feature // Neighborhood | Inside of Manhattan | Budget-Options | Rather Quiet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown | X | ||
| Upper East Side | X | ||
| Lower East Side | X | ||
| Upper West Side | X | X | |
| Chelsea | X | ||
| SoHo | X | ||
| Brooklyn | X | ||
| Queens | X | X | |
| Staten Island | X | X | |
| Jersey City | X | X |
General tips for booking accommodation in New York
- You should book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the pre-Christmas period or certain holidays
- Pay attention to the room size when booking, often the rooms are extremely small
- If you are staying in New York, you must pay an overnight stay fee. When booking, you should, therefore, check whether this is already included in the price or not
- Note that the minimum check-in-age of many hotels is 21 years for bookers (as minibars at the hotel often offer alcohol)
- Be aware that although many private residences are being rented, this is actually illegal (more on this in the next paragraph)
Staying with Airbnb in New York?
Since 2010, there is a law that prohibits private apartments in New York City being rented for less than 30 nights (hence, for tourist purposes). Accordingly, it is actually forbidden to offer one’s home via Airbnb. Despite everything, you can find many offers online, and that even though high fines wait for the landlord if he is being caught. Although you won’t be held responsible if you book an apartment through Airbnb, we ask you not to do it anyway. Like in my hometown Barcelona and many other tourist metropolises, rental prices for locals are skyrocketing as renting your flat to tourists usually earns the owner way more than it does by renting to locals. Therefore, the locals can no longer afford their own apartments and are forced into outlying areas of the city.
The only exception to ethically use Airbnb in New York
If you want to help the locals, just book a room in a New Yorker’s flat instead of renting the whole apartment. So you not only get to know nice people but also help locals to get a small help that helps them to make ends meet. And the best? – You get great insider tips directly from a real New Yorker.
Check all rooms available in New York on Airbnb
Where to stay in New York City – Step 2: Find the perfect accommodation in your favorite Neighborhood
Did you like one or more of the above-presented neighborhoods? Here you will find the best accommodation for each district. The accommodations are subdivided by budget, so there is something for everyone. Just click on the name to learn more about the accommodation and see rates and availabilities.
The best Accommodation in Midtown
The best mid-range accommodation in Midtown
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to 33rd Street Station
2-star accommodation, private room with shared bathroom
The best really good place in Midtown
Distance to nearest station: 0,5 km to Grand Central – 42nd street
2-star accommodation, private rooms (Standard, Economy or Deluxe) with private bathroom
The best luxury accommodation in Midtown
Distance to nearest station: 0,5 km to 50th Street Station
3 Star Accommodation, Premium Room or Classic Room with Private Bathroom
Looking for even more luxury accommodation?
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to 57th Street Station
5 Star Hotel, Luxury Room, Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Junior Suite, Corner Suite, Suite with Terrace
Check all accommodation in Midtown
The best Accommodation the Upper East Side
The best really good place in the Upper East Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,4 km to 94th Street
3 Star Hotel, Classic Room, Suite, Premium Suite, King Suite, Junior Suite
The best luxury accommodation the Upper East Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,4 km to 77th Street
5 Star Hotel, Room, Superior Room, Park Studio, Premier Suite, Garden Suite, Junior Suite
Check all accommodation in Upper East Side
The best Accommodation the Lower East Side
The best really good place in the Lower East Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,35 km to 2nd Avenue
3-star hotel, standard room
The best luxury accommodation the Lower East Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,1 km to Bowery Station
4-star hotel, private rooms; Room with a panoramic view
Check all accommodation in the Lower East Side
The best Accommodation the Upper West Side
The best Budget accommodation the Upper West Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to 103rd Street Station
3 Star Hostel, Bed in Economy, Economy Plus, Standard or Premium Dorm for Men, Women or Mixed and 4 Bed Dorm
The best mid-range accommodation the Upper West Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,1 km to 86th Street Station
3-star hotel with private rooms or rooms with bunk beds
The best really good place in the Upper West Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,1 km to 79th Street Station
4-star hotel, various superior rooms
The best luxury accommodation the Upper West Side
Distance to nearest station: 0,3 km to 72nd Street
4 Star Hotel, Studio, Deluxe Studio, Suite, Deluxe Suite, Luxury Suite
Check all accommodation in the Upper West Side
The best Accommodation in Chelsea
The best Budget accommodation in Chelsea
Distance to nearest station: 0,3 km to 28th Street
2-star hostel, a single pod with shared bathroom, floor only for men available
The best mid-range accommodation in Chelsea
Cambria Hotel New York Chelsea
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to 28th Street
3 Star Hotel, Accessible Room, Queen Room, City View Room
The best really good place in Chelsea
INNSIDE by Melià New York Nomad
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to 28th Street
4 Star Hotel, Private Room, Accessible, Deluxe Room, City View, Premium Room with Terrace, Lifestyle Suite, Lifestyle Suite with Terrace, Family Room, Family Room with City View
The best luxury accommodation in Chelsea
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to 28th Street
4-star hotel, rooms with city view, rooms with double and bunk beds
Check all accommodation in Chelsea
The best Accommodation in SoHo
The best mid-range accommodation in SoHo
Distance to nearest station: 0,35 km to Canal Street Station
3-star hotel, Rooms Barrier-free, Standard corner room
The best really good place in SoHo
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to Canal Street Station
4 Star Hotel, Room with Bunk Bed, Accessible, Courtyard Room, City View Room, Terrace Room
The best luxury accommodation in SoHo
Distance to nearest station: 0,1 km to Canal Street Station
5-star hotel, private room, superior room, deluxe room, corner studio
Check all accommodation in SoHo
The best Accommodation in Brooklyn
The best Budget accommodation in Brooklyn
Distance to nearest station: 2,5 km to Atlantic Avenue Station and 180 Meter to Bus Stop
Budget Room
The best mid-range accommodation in Brooklyn
Comfort Inn Prospect Park-Brooklyn
Distance to nearest station: 0,4 km to 25th Street Station
3-star hotel, rooms, barrier-free
The best really good place in Brooklyn
Distance to nearest station: 0,6 km to Atlantic Avenue Station
4-star hotel, wellness room, standard room
The best luxury accommodation in Brooklyn
Distance to nearest station: 0,1 km to York Street Station
5 Star Hotel, Private Room, Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Standard Studio, Deluxe Studio, Superior Suite, Manhattan Skyline View
Check all accommodation in Brooklyn
The best Accommodation in Queens
The best Budget accommodation in Queens
Distance to nearest station: 1,8 km to Rockaway Blvd and 0,45 km to Woodhaven Blvd Bus Stop
Flat, Private Room
The best mid-range accommodation in Queens
Distance to nearest station: 0,3 km to Queensboro Plaza
3-star hotel, private rooms, standard rooms
The best really good place in Queens
Microtel Inn by Wyndham Long Island City
Distance to nearest station: 0,4 km to Queens Plaza
3-Star Hotel, Private Rooms
The best luxury accommodation in Queens
Aloft Long Island City-Manhattan View
Distance to nearest station: 0,2 km to Queens Plaza
3-star hotel, private rooms, with balcony, rooms with city views of Manhattan
Check all accommodation in Queens
The best Accommodation in Staten Island
The best Budget accommodation in Staten Island
Harbor House Bed and Breakfast
Distance to nearest station: 3,1 km to 86th Street Station and 800 Meter to Tompkins Av. Bus Stop
2 Stars Bed & Breakfast, Dorm Bed, Standard Room, Basic Room
The best mid-range accommodation in Staten Island
Distance to nearest station: 4,7 km to 77th Street Station and 500 Meter to St. Paul’s Av Bus Stop
Bed & Breakfast, Suite, Suite with Sea View
The best really good place in Staten Island
Hampton Inn & Suites Staten Island
Distance to nearest station: 300 Meter to South Av. Bus Stop
3-Star Hotel, Room Accessible, Suite, Studio
The best luxury accommodation in Staten Island
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island
Distance to nearest station: 500 Meter to South Av. Bus Stop
3-Star Hotel, Private Rooms, Rooms for Disabled Guests, Deluxe Room, Junior Room, Studio, Corner Suite, Suite
Check all accommodation in Staten Island
The best Accommodation in Jersey City, New Jersey
The best Budget accommodation in New Jersey
10 Minutes to World Trade Center
Distance to nearest station: 0,3 km to PATH Bahnhof
Pension, private room, suite, family suite
The best really good place in New Jersey
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jersey City North – Hoboken
Distance to nearest station: 2,1 km to Secaucus Station & 1,4 km to JFK Blvd at Manhattan Ave Bus Stop
3-star hotel, Rooms with disabled access, Standard room, Suite
The best luxury accommodation in New Jersey
Courtyard by Marriot Jersey City Newport
Distance to nearest station: 0,1 km to PATH Newport Station
3-Star Hotel, Private Room, Deluxe Room
Check all accommodation in Jersey City
More New York?
Make sure to also read our other New York articles that help you plan a perfect trip.
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