Best Neighborhoods & Areas To Stay In New York City
There are five boroughs in New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. I recommend staying in Manhattan so you can easily get to the main attractions and sites like the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park.
All of the NYC neighborhoods have a distinct and unique personality and style, from luxurious and trendy to family-friendly. Depending on your travel style, preferences, and who youre traveling with, choose to avoid certain areas to make your trip more enjoyable.
For budget travelers, staying in an adjacent New Jersey neighborhood is also a great option to save money and find more budget hotels.
These are the twelve NYC neighborhoods I recommend considering for your visit!
Long Island City Queens: Best Area To Stay In New York On A Budget
Long Island City is an industrial neighborhood transforming bit by bit into a reinvigorated neighborhood ready to capitalize on its prime position along the East River with wide-open Manhattan city views. The area is still up and coming but with steady and solid growth. NYC on a budget can be tricky but its not impossible. Visitors love the more affordable hotel prices and the easy access to midtown Manhattan via the subway.
Greenwich Village Where To Stay In New York For Nightlife
Culture, historyand nightlife are the reasons travelers choose Greenwich village when they stay in New York. Washington Square Park is one of the few places in the United States where you can find a monumental arch.
This square is also home to historic landmarks such as the Blue Note Jazz Club, the Stonewall Inn, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the expansive New York University campus.
There are not many places to stay in this district for this reason, booking a room can be tricky during music and film festivals as well as special exhibits at the Whitney.
Long-term stays at temporary rental apartments may be a better bet, but they can also be expensive.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NEW YORK IN GREENWICH VILLAGE
The Standard, High Line New York is an amazing place for your stay in New York, and it is located in a very trendy part of town. Like all other properties developed and managed by The Standard Group, this one is very stylish and offers spacious rooms that feature minibars stocked with gourmet snacks. There is also a beer garden, an American steakhouse, a very trendy nightclub, and lots of free comforts such as bathrobes, and spa toiletries.
The Jane Hotelis a boutique property with a very interesting interior decoration scheme. Everything about The Jane Hotel is nautical even the rooms resemble the cabins of old sailing ships. The location of this hotel is very convenient for travelers interested in nightlife because there are quite a few dance clubs nearby.
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Quick & Dirty Guide On Where To Stay In Manhattan
Things can get a bit confusing New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. First-time visitors will want to head to Manhattan, which is technically considered ‘the city.’ Queens and Brooklyn are close seconds and provide good access to Manhattan, but are not for those who aren’t well-versed in the train or subway.
Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue New York
If your family wants to be close to Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and the Empire State Building, Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue New York is a solid option for your consideration list.
Its both centrally located and moderately priced, but its most important attribute as far as family travel is concerned is that standard rooms go beyond offering two beds. Rather than the usual double bed setup, youll find two queen beds.
Its very rare to find larger beds in a standard two-bed accommodation in Manhattan, so if two doubles just wont cut it for your group, keep this property in mind.
While youll find low cash rates starting around $200 per night here, if youre eager to pay with points, youre in luck: Points prices range from 21,000 to 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night, with most nights coming in at 25,000 points.
Related: These are the best NYC holiday activities for kids
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Where To Stay In Brooklyn
In fact, when Manhattan overwhelms me, I tend to spend a weekend day tucked into a safe cafe on a charming corner of a Brooklyn neighborhood.
As such, if you find yourself easily overwhelmed by large cities and noise, may I suggest a staying in Brooklyn?
It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story.
Agatha Christie
Best Cheap Mid Budget And Luxury Hotels In Lower Manhattan New York City
Lower Manhattan hotels typically fill up during weekdays but often run cheaper weekend prices. Like most other areas in Manhattan, you have plenty of options from budget to luxury.
We stayed in a wonderful junior suite room at NY Marriott Downtown.
The high-floor room directly overlooked One World Trade Center, which lit up at night was an awesome sight. Its just a 4 minute walk to 9/11, One World Trade Center and Oculus.
Top tip: Stay in Lower East Side if youre in the city to eat, drink and party.
Here are the best hotels for each budget around Lower Manhattan :
- 9. Luxury The Four Seasons 9.2
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Things To Do In Midtown South Manhattan
Aside from the obvious Empire State Building observation deck, if you stay in this area you will be surrounded by shopping, dining and rooftop bar options.
Some of Manhattans top rated bagel & coffee shops are between Empire State and Penn Station.
NoMad is also a cool up-and-coming neighborhood laden with bars and high end restaurants. Plus, the Flatiron Building isnt far and Chelsea is within walking distance.
Actually, if you dont mind walking and you have time, you could probably walk around most of Midtown using a hotel here as the perfect centralized staging area.
Best Areas To Stay In New York City
Straight to the point about the naming.
New York City consists of five counties: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island.
Manhattan is quite often confused with New York City itself, however, it shouldnt.
I think the mistake may come with the fact that Manhattan is often referred to as The City and its coextensive with New York County.
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Best Area To Stay In New York For Families
This one can surely have some different answers to it, but I would probably say the Upper West and Upper East are best for families. In general, these are safer neighborhoods, they are closer to the park, and you will be in close enough proximity to visit the highlights of Midtown.
While you will need to travel a bit to those Lower Manhattan attractions, the subway downtown can be very quick if you get on those express trains.
Midtown East: Best Area To Stay In New York For Sightseeing
Midtown East is a concentrated tourism zone, but also a corporate hub with towering skyscrapers and workers keeping busy 40, 50, 60+ stories high and an increasingly residential vibe the farther east you head. Covering the same streets as midtown west, but on the opposite side of 5th Avenue to the East River. You could easily grab a New York CityPASS fill a weekend just with the sights to see in Midtown East!
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Nyc Hotels Near Times Square
The Margaritaville Resort Times Square is a brand new addition to the Margaritaville Resort brand. Weve stayed at other locations and enjoy the beachy feel of the properties. Whats great about this new Times Square location is that its also within walking distance to Broadway theatres, Central Park and the Empire State Building.
Why It Works for Families:
- Soundproof windows for a quiet space to sleep.
- Families can choose between various bed arrangement rooms and king bed suites with a sofa bed.
- Kids menu available at onsite restaurants and quick service snack options available.
- Free cribs for use at the hotel.
- Close to family-friendly NYC attractions.
- Outdoor rooftop pool.
The Westin New York is situated in the heart of Times Square, a few blocks from fun attractions like M& Ms World, Madame Tussauds and the Broadway theaters.
TravelingMom Tip: This is a Marriott property, so join the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty club before you book to get the best deals and accumulate points for perks on future stays.
Why It Works for Families:
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- Suite options with bedroom and sleeper sofa in the living room.
- Eat Well Menu for healthy food options at the onsite Foundry Kitchen breakfast area.
- Pet-friendly for dogs up to 40 lbs. because pets are family too!
- Free cribs for use at the hotel.
Why It Works for Families:
Why Avoid Midtown East
It’s one of the main tourism and business hubs, meaning it’s incredibly busy most of the time. It’s also costly to eat locally, and the choice of restaurants isn’t as extensive as in other areas. You won’t find many budget hotels here, either. If your budget allows it, it’s a fantastic place to stay in New York.
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Who Is Best For This Location
People who are particularly interested in sights in Lower Manhattan like this area because it is close to the city, but cheaper than staying in Manhattan. Jersey City Hotels.
Getting Around: From most areas of Jersey City, you can be in Manhattan in under 20 minutes via the PATH. From Exchange Place to the World Trade Center, it takes just six minutes. From the World Trade Center, its easy to connect to the Subway to reach other areas of New York City.
Where To Stay In New York City The Best Area For First Timers
Planning a city trip to New York City? Cool! Youre going to love the Big Apple! But finding a hotel in New York can be really stressful. Especially if its your first time traveling to New York. In this post, well help you get your bearings in New York. Well show you the best areas to stay and share our personal hotel tips.
Your trust is really important to us: This post contains so-called affiliate links. More information
Your trust is very important to us: This post contains affiliate links. If you book your hotel using one of these links, we get a small commission. It wont cost you any extra and its an easy way for you to support our work. Thanks, we really appreciate it! Jenny & Basti
Hi! We are Jenny & Basti.
Were head over heels in love with photography and traveling. On our travel blog, we share useful travel tips and give you practical photography advice.
Were head over heels in love with photography and traveling. We turned our shared passion into our profession and have been at home everywhere in the world ever since. On 22places we share everything about our travels: with a lot of attention for details, inspirational, authentic, and above all: always honest. On our travel blog, we share useful travel tips and give you practical photography advice.
Its no secret that New York isnt exactly the cheapest destination for a city trip.
But lets be honest: This sprawling metropolis is most definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
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The Watson Hotel Midtown West
The Watson Hotel occupies the space that was formerly a Holiday Inn property close to some major tourist attractions like Central Park, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and multiple Broadway theaters.
While the room may not be luxurious and over the top, the emphasis is on comfort and cleanliness, which is especially important when the full family is involved.
You can also choose to stay at the double guest room if you dont want to be away from the kids.
Finally, the rooftop swimming pool is great for splashing about in the hotter months.
Related:Best Hotels in NYC
The William Vale Williamsburg Brooklyn
Located in the heart of hip Williamsburg and right across the East River from Manhattan, The William Vale is perfect for exploring the best of both worlds. The hotel offers 1-2 bedroom suites for families, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, smart technology, custom artwork, and open-air balconies for the best views of the city. You can relax at the rooftop bar, play in Vale Parkan elevated public green space, or take a dip in the seasonal pool. There’s no shortage of dining optionsfrom the best restaurants in Williamsburg to the hotel’s own restaurants helmed by an award-winning chef. Kids love Mister Dips, a seasonal delight that serves burgers, waffle fries, and dairy dips in a retrofitted 1974 Airstream trailer. Manhattan is a quick stop away on the L train.
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Best Hostel In Midtown Chelsea International Hostel
Conveniently located on Manhattans East Side, the Chelsea International Hostel is one of our top recommendations for where to stay in Midtown, New York. Offering shared and private accommodations, this hostel has wifi, a terrace and self-catering facilities. It is close to bars, restaurants and New Yorks top attractions like the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and Bryant Park.
Central Park And Upper West Side
Staying near Central Park is a great idea if you want to get off the tourist track and see how the natives live.
Most of the affordable hotels near Central Park are on the Upper West Side which is a lovely and safe part of Manhattan. The area is family-friendly as well.
However, most of NYCs best attractions will not be within walking distance.
Also, many of the hotels closest to Central Park are some of the most expensive hotels in the city.
You will pay more to be near Central Park than if you stayed in other neighborhoods and used the subway to get to the park.
Recommended Hotels
*Price brackets are higher than for other neighborhoods
Budget
Read our post on things to do in Lower Manhattan or join us for our pay-what-you-wish Lower Manhattan guided walking tour!
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Greenwich Village / West Village
West of 4th Avenue in Lower Manhattan between Houston Street and 14th Street you will find the Greenwich Village / West Village neighborhoods. Home to New York University, Washington Square Park, and some of the best restaurants & bars in the city, these neighborhoods always have something going on.
Our Personal Top Hotel Recommendation For New York
Our favorite hotel in New York is the citizenM Hotel just off of Times Square, which offers excellent value for money in a perfect location. We had already stayed at a citizenM in Rotterdam before and were really impressed with it.
Each hotel only has a single room category, and all the rooms have the same layout with super-modern furnishings. Were total fans of citizenM and would recommend the hotel to anyone.
A new CitizenM recently opened in the Bowery. If youve been to New York before and dont want to stay around Times Square, then the citizenM in Bowery is a great alternative.
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The Muse Hotel Midtown West
If you and your family want to spend some time watching some of the iconic shows on Broadway, The Muse Hotel in the Theater District may be the ideal choice for you.
This hotel is unique as it lays equal emphasis on being parent friendly, kid friendly, as well as pet friendly, for times when you are traveling with your furry family members.
While the little ones get a welcome gift when you check-in, parents can request cribs, get complimentary bikes or yoga mats, enjoy the nightly wine receptions offered by the property, or simply go sweat it out at the gym.
You can also avail of the hotels babysitting services.
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Wall Street And The Financial District Best Area To Stay In New York For Business Travelers
Most of Lower Manhattan is comprised of the numerous financial institutions located within the Financial District, which happens to be the oldest part of the city.
Many business travelers who stay in New York for a few days choose the Financial District because they know it has a lot to offer aside from being home to the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange, both of which offer guided tours that are worth taking advantage of after all, this is the financial capital of the world.
Ever since the 9/11 Memorial was completed a few years ago, the Financial District has emerged as a tourism powerhouse, and some older skyscrapers have been given new purpose as hotels.
When booking a hotel in this section of Manhattan, you will find that weekends are far more affordable because business travelers have already left.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Courtyard by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan is an imposing high-rise tower offering hundreds of luxurious rooms and suites. You have a choice of vistas in the upper levels some rooms look out into the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty while others are oriented towards the Manhattan skyline. Every major attraction in the district is within walking distance, including the World Trade Center Memorial, the waterside Battery Park and marina, and the New York Stock Exchange.
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