Where to stay in New York? The answer can be a challenge. New York is such a huge city with so many places and cool neighborhoods that there are many lodging options that can make your trip unforgettable.
Williamsburg, Central Park, Times Square, Chelsea… each region has its charm and attractions. To help solve this issue, we have prepared this guide where to stay in New York, with hotel tips and neighborhood-for-mies.
At the end of the text, we also give tips for those who want to save on their lodging in New York and also from some hotels in New York for Brazilians who do not speak English!
Are you planning a trip to New York? Then check out:
What to do in New York
Where to eat in New York
How much does it cost to travel to New York
Where to Stay in New York: The Best Neighborhoods
First of all, bora understand the geography of the Big Apple? There are five boroughs, or districts: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
All are islands, with the exception of the Bronx, and they are all divided into smaller neighborhoods, such as the Upper West Side in Manhattan and the Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
The best place to stay in New York, of course, is the famous Manhattan. There you will be closer to all the sights, but the prices there are usually the highest in the city.
The good news is that everything is very well served by subway, which works 24h, so even staying in a less central place, it is easy to get around New York.
We have a complete post explaining how to use the New York subway.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Manhattan
- the Upper West Side
- Lower Manhattan
- Midtown
Top neighborhoods to stay in Brooklyn
- Williamsburg
- DUMBO
- Park Slope
Accommodation in Queens and other districts
Queens is not a common accommodation option, but it is very convenient to stay there if you need to be near the airports. Some district neighborhoods have also emerged as a cheap and cool option in recent years.
The other neighborhoods of New York end up getting too out of hand to enjoy the city.
Where to stay in New York
See now the main features of each district and the best neighborhoods where to stay in New York, plus hotel tips in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
Hotels in Manhattan, NY
The most famous island in the United States is divided by neighborhoods. Downtown is the one that lies farther south, Midtown in the center, Uptown in the north.
This division is also made between east (East Side) and west (W.S. Hence the extremely literal names, such as the Upper East Side.
Right in the north of the island, on the East Side, from 96th Street is Harlem.
1. Restaurants in Upper East Side
One of the most famous regions of the city, it is also there that there are some of the main tourist attractions, such as the MET and the National Library.
This is an extremely noble area and so it is one of the most expensive places to stay in New York. As well as the most crowded region, the accommodations there tend to sell out earlier.
So plan ahead if you want to stay there.
Accommodation at the Upper East Side
Values and the benefit
- Upper East Suites: From US$ 200. Simple studios with a great price for the region. The price shown here is for three people, but there are accommodations for up to 8 guests.
Find more options on the Upper East Side
2. 2. Places to stay in Upper West Side
Across Central Park (below 110th St. and above 57th St.), in the western part of the city, the Upper West Side is the region where you’ll find some of Manhattan’s cheapest options.
That’s where I stayed when I spent a week in the city at HI NYC Hostel. Currently, the rate there goes for about $ 70.
This is a region without tourist spots, strongly residential, where many middle-class families live and have good access to the subway.
If you are the type who likes to walk to the tourist attractions or want to stay close to the busy nightlife, this is not the neighborhood for you. However, it can give you the feeling of being a resident of the city for a while, which is also an interesting experience.
Accommodation at the Upper West Side
Economical
- HI NYC Hostel: From US$ 70. From the Hostelling International network, in addition to comfortable facilities it also offers numerous activities for guests, such as pub craws, parties and various events.
- West Side YMCA: From $65. 50 meters from Central Park, it is a simple hostel with low prices, ideal for those who will only spend the night. There are individual room options.
Values and the benefit
- Hotel Newton: From US$ 170. Good location, next to the subway station. The rooms are simple and have a microwave and a minibar.
- Arthouse Hotel: From US$ 280. Centennial hotel with decoration inspired by the secret bars and nightclubs of Harlem. There are two restaurants at the property.
Comfort I’ll comfort
- The Wallace Hotel: From US$ 530. Hotel five stars new and elegant. It is one of the most highly evaluated in the region.
- Hotel Beacon: From US$ 710. It has simple room options and suites with kitchen and living room.
See all hotels in the Upper West Side
3. Hotels in Lower Manhattan
In Lower Manhatam are some of the most charming neighborhoods on this island, such as Soho, Greenwich Village, Tribeca and Nolita. They are neighborhoods that make it a desire to walk the streets just to admire the lives of New Yorkers.
And look, they are not necessarily expensive. Depending on the season, you can find good bargains there. This is also the best region to go out at night.
Other neighborhoods you find in the Downtown area are the Financial District, where Wall Street is located, and Ground Zero – the place where the Twin Towers were.
And there’s also Chinatown, which is not as friendly and beautiful as its surroundings, but it can be a cheap option. To her is the charming Little Italy.
Accommodation in Lower Manhattan
Values and the benefit
- CitizenM New York Bowery: From US$ 260. Amazing decoration, excellent location and first-rate service.
- Arlo Soho: From US$ 300. Located near the SoHo, Tribeca and West Village neighborhoods, it is a beautiful hotel with modern and stripped décor.
Comfort I’ll comfort
Explore Hotels in Lower Manhattan
4. 4. Where to stay in Midtown, NYC
Midtown is a very large area. This is where it is for example, the famous Times Square, square with its shops and neon signs, at the intersection of Broadway Avenues with the 7th Ave.
It is an ultra mega tourist region. If you’re looking for a less mainstream New York, maybe this isn’t your corner, but there are several hotels.
If Broadway and Times Square are on the West Side, the other side Midtown East is a less trendy option, less crowded with tourists, but still close to everything. There are many shops, for those who are to buy, and the MoMa, for those who are museum.
Chelsea and Garment District are also interesting options. The Empire State Building is more or less there, as are large stores such as Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret. Chelsea also have a good night fame, especially among gays.
Accommodation in Midtown
Economical
- Carlton Arms Hotel: From US$ 90. Hotel very well located, with simple but comfortable rooms and perfect for a short stay.
Values and the benefit
- Arlo Mid Town: Starting from $260. Modern and stylish hotel with comfortable rooms. It offers bicycles for free use to guests.
- Pod39: From US$ 160. Great service and service for a functional stay.
Comfort I’ll comfort
- MADE Hotel: From U$ 379. Excellent facilities. It has a great coffee bar and a coffee shop.
See accommodation options in Midtown
Hotels in Brooklyn, New York
The neighborhood that was once synonymous with crime no longer deserves the fame of old. Today many young people and couples move to Brooklyn, attracted by more count rents than Manhattan.
Williansburg is the most famous part of the neighborhood and probably the best option because it is a super bustling region, with several restaurants and bars, lively daylife and nightlife.
Another cool corner worth the visit – and who knows, the lodging – is the Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), that is, the one between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges.
Shops concept, design, trendy restaurants, hipster residents. That’s the Dumbo. Finally, Park Slope is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods, with buildings of old architecture. And, the best, has several lodging options to stay in New York.
Accommodation in Brooklyn: Williansburg, Dumbo and Park Slope
Economical
- NY Moore Hostel: From US$ 60. A cool place, with decoration inspired by street art and near the subway.
Values and the benefit
- The Box House Hotel: From US$ 220. Beautiful hotel built in the premises of an old factory, with suites decorated with original works of art.
- 42 hotel: From $260. Good location for those who want to enjoy the Brooklyn nightlife.
Comfort I’ll comfort
See accommodation options in Brooklyn
Hotels in Queens, New York
I believe that few people think of Queens as a hosting option, but it’s time to review their concepts. The two main airports in New York are there. So this is a great choice of where to stay in New York when you make a long connection or at bad times.
But since the district is huge, you don’t have to stay in the hotels near the airport.
The Long Island City and Astoria region is emerging as an excellent accommodation option, with good hotels (and cheaper), as well as shops of major brands. There you will also find good restaurants and bars.
Accommodation in Queens, near New York airports
- Hilton Garden Inn JFK: From $150. It is 5 km from JFK and offers free 24-hour transfer service round-trip from the airport.
- Hyatt Regency JFK: From $300. Also 5 km from JFK, it offers various amenities such as a restaurant, bar and casino.
- Hyatt Place LGA: From $ 370. Near LaGuardia airport, has a 24-hour restaurant.
See accommodation options in Queens
Hotel in New York for Brazilians
If you don’t master English very well, you may want to stay at a hotel in New York where staff members know how to communicate with you. I understand that the language barrier can generate anxiety, especially if you are not used to international travel.
In addition to the city being full of Brazilians and people who speak Spanish who can help you with the time of the squeeze, it is also possible to find several hotels in which the staff members speak Portuguese in New York.
We have listed some of them below so that you can embark with the peace of mind that someone will understand you on arrival. And do not forget, any problem, put a smile on your face and resort to mimicry!
Hotels in New York with members of the Portuguese speaking team:
Where to stay in New York cheap
The problem is that there even the hostels have a little derate comrade in the high season. But don’t give up, after all, giving up NYC is almost a sin. Even because, in such a large city, there are many neighborhoods and many options to explore.
The main tip to save on lodging in New York is to try to escape from Manhattan, looking for accommodation in Brooklyn or Queens.
But even on the island you can find hostels for 50 shared room from $ 50. We’ve already listed some in the post, but there are many other options. See other cheap places to stay in New York just below!
In addition to the neighborhoods mentioned in the post, it is also worth considering staying in New Jersey, the neighboring city of New York, which is in another state, but is close – just cross the Hudson River. There is a direct train that does this in 15 minutes.
In this case, it is better to look for hotels near the river and the train stations. Otherwise, it may take a long time to get to New York.
Staying in New Jersey, hotel rates tend to get 50% cheaper. Other than that hotels get better (and if you look good, you may find an option with a view of New York). Find out what it’s like to stay in New Jersey here.
View from New York from New Jersey. An option where it gets cheaper in New York.
Cheap hotels in New York
- The Blakely: Stay in the heart of Manhattan for just $160 for the couple.
- Nap York Central Park Sleep Station: Room style capsule near Central Park for just $89 per person.
- Leo House: At Chelsea, a few meters from the subway, excellent value for money from $140 for the couple.
Find cheap accommodation in New York
Airbnb in New York: Is it allowed?
Although it continues to function normally in the city, Airbnb in New York has some court restrictions. It is forbidden to rent residential apartments for periods of less than 30 days throughout the state. The host is subject to fines.
It is obvious that you will still find apartments on the site, but know that if you choose to stay in one for a period of less than 30 days, you are doing something illegal and you will probably have to behave discreetly. Therefore, it is increasingly difficult to find a good Airbnb in New York in this scheme.
If you prefer to stay in apartments on your trip, there are some real estate companies and aparthotels that offer this service in a legal way listed on Booking.com. Here are some options below:
What is the resort rate of New York hotels
Much of the hotels in New York charge a resort fee, an extra amount for the service that is not included in the daily rate and is supposedly used to cover the cleanliness of the rooms and common areas, swimming pool, gym and other amenities.
But make no mistake, even cheaper and simple hotels can request this fee. So more than checking the amount of the rate, make sure your hotel charges that fee to make sure you are choosing the best value for money.
This rate does not refer to the standard tax of 14% on hotel in New York, which is also charged the portion (such as everything in the United States), and can also be called facility fee. Unlike the mandatory tax, there is no standard or upper limit for the resort fee.
At Booking.com, below the price of the night, owners tell you how much is charged in taxes and extra fees. If this amount is proportionally high, you are being charged by the resort fee.
How much does a hotel in New York cost?
As you can tell by the text, prices vary – and a lot. The answer depends on the region of the city, the type of accommodation and also the time of year. On average:
- Beds in hostels costs from $60
- Simple and cheap hotels in New York cost around $120
- Hotels located well located and with a little more comfort cost from 250 dollars – this is the best value track
- Affordable Luxury Hotels in New York from $400
- Apartments for rent in New York cost about $200.
How many days to stay in New York
As an intense, giant city full of tourist, cultural and gastronomic attractions to see, you can spend your time in New York without getting tired.
However, this is unfortunately not always possible. So, set aside at least 4 days in the city to see the main attractions and between a week and 10 days if you want to enjoy everything with calmer.
Best time to travel to New York
The best time to travel to New York is between May and June and between September and October, when temperatures are milder.
Summer is hot, but the city is also more hectic, full of cultural programming.
In winter, many outdoor attractions are closed and, in addition to the cold, you can face quite rainy weather. On the other hand, hotel prices fall.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to the United States
Are you still at the beginning of planning your trip across the United States? So don’t skip steps. First of all, you need an American visa.
Next you have to put together a script (NYC is amazing, but the United States goes far beyond its most iconic city). Miami is usually the first choice of many people, but Washington, New Orleans, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, just to name a few cities, also deserve to get on the script.
Finally, don’t forget that the U.S. is packed with major cities, but they’re also one of the best countries for nature tourism in the world – there are several national parks and amazing places, from Yellowstone to Grand Canyon; from Monument Valley to Alaska. Learn how to plan your trip to the United States here.
Travel Insurance to the United States
The United States is known for its high hospital cost. Never travel without international health insurance, or you may regret it later.
In addition to protecting you against illness and accidents, insurance also covers inconveniences such as cancellation of the trip or misplacement of luggage.
360 readers get discount to find the best value for money in Promo Insurance. Just apply the code 360MERIDIANOS05. Choosing the payment with boleto, you still get 5% additional discount.
Read here how to find good value insurance (and discounted!) or see the best deals below. On this subject, also read the text Safe Travel New York: Best Good and Cheap Option!
FAQ: Where to stay in New York
- Is it more economical to stay out of Manhattan? Yes, neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Queens offer more affordable options.
- Which neighborhood is ideal for nightlife? East Village and Lower East Side are known for their nightlife.
- Is Central Park a good area to stay? Yes, hotels near Central Park offer a quiet experience, but can be more expensive.
- Is Brooklyn a good option for tourists? Yes, especially areas like Williamsburg, offering a unique vibe and easy access to Manhattan.
- JFK or Newark Airport: which is more convenient for accommodation? It depends on your preference and, of course, the availability and prices of flights. The JFK may be more practical, but you won’t always get there.
- Is it safe to walk at night in Manhattan? Yeah, Manhattan is safe, but it’s good to keep watch.
- What is the most affordable time of year to book accommodation in New York? Accommodation prices in New York are lower during the winter months, January to March.
- What is the policy of tipping in New York? G orjets are expected.
