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Trying to find accommodation in New York City<\/a> can be a painstaking process given the large number of hotels and neighborhoods to stay in. This is a city of over 10 million people. It\u2019s massive and there is a lot of choice.<\/p>\n As someone who spent years living and working in New York City<\/a>, I\u2019ve stayed in a wide variety of places here. I\u2019ve Couchsurfed, stayed in cheap hostels, cheap hotels, expensive hotels (thanks to points and miles<\/a>), B&Bs, pod hotels, friend\u2019s couches, Airbnbs, and everything in between. <\/p>\n There are a lot of things to consider when figuring out where to stay in NYC that Google simply can\u2019t tell you.<\/p>\n Today, I want to break down the best neighborhoods in New York City and the best accommodations in each of those neighborhoods so you can pick the right place to stay on your visit. <\/p>\n Here’s a very breakdown of where to stay and suggested accommodation: Best places to stay in the West Village<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: The Jane<\/a> \u2013 This historic hotel was actually where the survivors of the Titanic were put up when they landed in NYC. Now, it\u2019s probably the best budget hotel in the city, with compact single rooms, comfy beds, and shared bathrooms. It’s clean and well-kept.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: The Marlton<\/a> \u2013 The Marlton is a restored boutique hotel that’s home to an excellent bar that serves incredible cocktails. The rooms have a rather stately feel to them, the decor is beautiful, and the staff super friendly. I think it’s the best value for your money in the area.<\/p>\n LUXURY: Gansevoort<\/a> \u2013 This chic hotel is one of the fanciest in the area. Technically, it\u2019s in the Meatpacking District but that\u2019s basically the West Village so I\u2019m including it! They have a great rooftop bar, pool, and hip, stylish modern rooms. If you want modern luxury close to the action, stay here. Best places to stay in Chelsea<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: Chelsea International Hostel<\/a> \u2013 This is one of the largest hostels in the city and has an outdoor courtyard, a dining area, and two kitchens. Breakfast is included and there\u2019s also a free pizza party on Wednesdays.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Heritage Hotel New York City<\/a> \u2013 The Heritage Hotel has simple but clean and comfortable rooms with air conditioning and flatscreen TVs. There\u2019s also a 24-hour fitness center. This place is nothing fancy but it gets the job done for a reasonable price.<\/p>\n LUXURY: The Hotel Chelsea<\/a> \u2013 This historic, arty hotel is right near Penn Station and the iconic Flatiron building. It\u2019s a luxe spot with a bohemian vibe. The beds are incredibly comfortable and the staff are really nice! A four-star property, it’s one of the nicest hotels in the area. Best places to stay in Williamsburg<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: NY Moore Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Located in East Williamsburg, this hostel has a host of nice amenities. I love how it\u2019s covered in artwork and graffiti and there’s an outdoor courtyard in the back. The beds are pretty average but it\u2019s a cozy hostel to stay at and the cheapest in Brooklyn.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Pod Brooklyn<\/a> \u2013 While the rooms are small (it\u2019s a pod hotel), the location here is worth every penny. There\u2019s a laid-back lounge area where you can hang out or work, and a restaurant on-site for when you just want to relax in your room. Everything is clean and fresh and the staff here are amazing.<\/p>\n LUXURY: Wythe Hotel<\/a> \u2013 The Wythe is a refurbished waterfront factory with brick exposed rooms that have heated floors and lots of natural life. Its super luxurious finishing, beautiful lobby, and gym make it the nicest hotel in the area. I also love the rooftop bar. The drinks are really well done and there’s a beautiful view of Manhattan. Best places to stay in the East Village<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: American Dream Bed & Breakfast<\/a> \u2013 This B&B has simple private rooms, a hearty breakfast, and a shared kitchen in case you want to cook your own meals. It’s a simple, no-frills place to stay and the most affordable in the area.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: East Village Hotel<\/a> \u2013 The rooms feature beautiful exposed brick walls, decent beds, and good water pressure in the showers. Each room also has a kitchenette too. In an area with few hotels, this is one of the best value spots.<\/p>\n LUXURY: The Standard<\/a> \u2013 The Standard is one of the best hotels in the city. I think its East Side location is better than the one in the Meatpacking district. The rooms are gorgeous, the beds plush, and the staff super helpful. The bar serves some of the best drinks in town and is usually always packed with NY\u2019s fashionable set. Best places to stay in the Upper West Side<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: HI New York City<\/a> – One of the biggest and most popular hostels in the city with a ton of space, an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi, events, activities, and a huge kitchen. If you\u2019re on a budget, stay here. It\u2019s the best hostel in the city.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Hotel Belleclaire Central Park<\/a> – You\u2019re just a quick walk from Central Park when you stay here. Rooms are simple but spacious, with all the standard amenities. There are lots of places to eat nearby and the staff are super friendly too.<\/p>\n LUXURY: Hotel Lucerne<\/a> \u2013 Just a few blocks away from Central Park and the Hudson River, Hotel Lucerne has luxurious rooms (the beds are fantastic) with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service, as well as spa services and valet parking. If you want luxury, quiet, and a good location, this is the best hotel in the area. But, if you want to be close to all the major subway lines, Broadway, tourist sites, and have your pick of most of the big-name hotels, this is where you’ll want to stay. But don’t expect a real local NY vibe to it. We NYers don’t go here. <\/p>\n If you want to stay in Midtown East, you’ll be closer to Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, and the Empire State Building.<\/p>\n Best places to stay in Midtown<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: Pod 39 Hotel<\/a> \u2013 Pod 39 is located in Murray Hill, close to all the hustle and bustle but quiet enough to enjoy a good night\u2019s sleep. It\u2019s near Grand Central Terminal, with easy access to the rest of the city. The hotel offers rooftop access which offers some gorgeous views in the summer.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: YOTEL<\/a> \u2013 A modern, high-tech hotel that even has a luggage storage robot (seriously). The rooms are comfy. They are on the small side but they are clean and nice. I love the large outdoor terrace. It has a great view of the city.<\/p>\n LUXURY: W Hotel Times Square<\/a> \u2013 You\u2019re literally on Times Square at the W Hotel. There\u2019s onsite dining, free Wi-Fi, and a fully stocked minibar in every room. You can\u2019t get closer to the action than this. For me, it\u2019s the nicest hotel in the area. If you\u2019re gonna stay at a big-name brand hotel, it might as well be this one!<\/p>\n LUXURY: The Library Hotel<\/a> \u2013 If you\u2019re a book lover, you\u2019ve got to splurge on a stay here! Each room feels like a small library, complete with wood furnishings and individual collections of unique books. There’s a free breakfast, beautiful lobby, bar, and really helpful staff. Best places to stay in the Upper East Side<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: The Franklin Hotel<\/a> \u2013 The rooms here are simple, but the Franklin Hotel has a lot of perks, like a free buffet breakfast and a free wine-and-cheese reception every evening. There\u2019s also free 24-hour espresso and cappuccino! All rooms come with large TVs and comfy pillow-top mattresses. It\u2019s also close to Central Park and Museum Mile.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Courtyard by Marriott Upper East Side<\/a> – This hotel has great views over the East River. The rooms are small but comfortable and there are basic amenities like a fitness center as well as a business center. It’s nothing fancy but you’ll get a good sleep.<\/li>\n LUXURY: The Sherry-Netherland<\/a> \u2013 Right on the border with Midtown, this ornate five-star hotel boasts high ceilings and exquisite marble bathrooms. The lobby has vaulted ceilings and the elevator has a white-gloved operator, just to highlight how upscale this property is. The decor is classy and timeless, there\u2019s an on-site bar, and the rooms are spacious. Best places to stay in the Lower East Side<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: The RIDGE Hotel<\/a> – The rooms are small but have local art on the walls as well as nice amenities, like wall-mounted TVs, free Fiji water, and Bluetooth alarm clocks. The real draw is the rooftop terrace though, where you’ll get sprawling views of the city skyline. <\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Hotel Indigo<\/a> \u2013 This hotel is dedicated to supporting local street art and artists, and you\u2019ll see plenty of their work throughout the building. Locals flock to their Mr. Purple rooftop bar and pool area in the evening for fancy cocktails.<\/p>\n LUXURY: The Ludlow<\/a> \u2013 This is a truly gorgeous hotel, with hardwood floors, handmade silk rugs, artisan Moroccan lamps, and luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers. There’s also a beautiful trellis-covered garden, bar and lounge, and a 24-hour fitness center. Best places to stay in the Financial District<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: Eurostars Wall Street<\/a> \u2013 There are not many budget options in this area. However, Eurostars consistently offers good prices. The rooms are no-frills but they are clean and offer a decent amount of natural light.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Hilton Garden Inn<\/a> \u2013 This is a pretty standard hotel. You get all the things you’d expect from a mid-range Hilton hotel. It’s a comfy place to stay and has some of the best prices in the area.<\/p>\n LUXURY: The Beekman<\/a> \u2013 This historic hotel is stunning, but the most impressive feature is the 9-story atrium with a glass ceiling at the top. You won’t want for anything here, with a restaurant and bar on the premises, custom beds, and huge marble bathrooms in all the rooms.<\/p>\n Best places to stay in TriBeCa<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel<\/a> \u2013 A 4-star hotel but with budget prices, this Sheraton has really modern rooms and a nice 24-hour gym. There\u2019s shopping across the street and a Starbucks onsite. You\u2019re also less than a block away from the subway!<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Sonder Duane Street<\/a> \u2013 This boutique hotel has some really fantastic touches, like terry bathrobes and classic books in each room. You can use their complimentary iPads, or take a bike out for the day.<\/p>\n LUXURY: The Frederick Hotel<\/a> \u2013 Located near the 9\/11 Memorial and Museum, the Frederick Hotel is a funky, contemporary spot offering air-conditioned rooms with sofa beds, free Wi-Fi, and a great workout area. You can also take advantage of their complimentary walking tours through the neighborhood. Best places to stay in Astoria<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BUDGET: The Local NYC<\/a> \u2013 The dorm rooms at The Local are comfortable and clean, and the staff here is excellent. There\u2019s a lobby bar, guest computers, a rooftop area, and single-sex rooms available.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport\/Astoria<\/a> \u2013 This 3-star hotel is ideal if you’re flying in or out of LaGuardia airport, as they offer a shuttle service that’ll take you there (it’s really close by too). The rooms are basic but they’re always kept clean, the water pressure in the showers is great, and there’s free breakfast too. <\/p>\n LUXURY:<\/strong> As a more residential, local neighborhood, there aren’t any luxurious hotels in this area. If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll want to stay in one of the aforementioned neighborhoods and suggested hotels above! <\/p>\n So, where should you stay in New York City<\/a>? Well, that depends on the kind of trip you’re planning! But wherever you end up booking your hotel or hostel, chances are you\u2019ll never be far from a subway line so it will be easy to get around the city. <\/p>\n New York City has a lot of amazing neighborhoods and accommodation options so use this guide the next time you’re visiting the city and enjoy some great places to stay! For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> For hostels, here my complete list of favorite hostels the city<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you prefer to stay in a hotel, these are my favorite hotels in NYC<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?<\/strong>![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/NYCNeighborhoodsMap.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nNeighborhood\n<\/div>\n\nBest For\n<\/div>\n\nBest Hotel\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWest Village\n<\/div>\n\nBest Overall\n<\/div>\n\nThe Marlton<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nChelsea\n<\/div>\n\nBest Overall\n<\/div>\n\nHeritage Hotel NYC<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWilliamsburg\n<\/div>\n\nBest in Brooklyn\n<\/div>\n\nPod Brooklyn<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEast Village\n<\/div>\n\nNightlife & Food\n<\/div>\n\nEast Village Hotel<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUpper West Side\n<\/div>\n\nFamilies\n<\/div>\n\nHotel Belleclaire Central Park<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMidtown\n<\/div>\n\nSightseeing\n<\/div>\n\nYOTEL<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUpper East Side\n<\/div>\n\nMuseums\n<\/div>\n\nThe Franklin Hotel<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLower East Side\n<\/div>\n\nEating & Drinking\n<\/div>\n\nHotel Indigo<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFinancial District\n<\/div>\n\nHistory\n<\/div>\n\nHilton Garden Inn<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTriBeCa\n<\/div>\n\nArts & Culture\n<\/div>\n\nSonder Duane Street<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAstoria\n<\/div>\n\nBest in Queens\n<\/div>\n\nFairfield Inn by Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport\/Astoria<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nSee More hotels<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n <\/p>\nBest Overall Neighborhood #1: West Village<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/westvillagenyc.jpg\")
\nThe West Village is the place to be. Despite its wealthy, celebrity-heavy demographic and plethora of fancy restaurants and boutiques, the area is actually pretty low-key. Walking around the cobblestone streets past sidewalk caf\u00e9s, you feel as if you\u2019ve left the crazy city behind and are in a quiet, suburban neighborhood. That\u2019s the charm of this area. You\u2019re in the city but really not. It\u2019s busy during the day but, at night, it quiets down a lot. It’s a great place to sleep.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nBest Neighborhood for Overall #2: Chelsea<\/h3>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/highlinenyc.jpg\")
\nChelsea is one of New York City\u2019s best neighborhoods. It has lots of restaurants, cool lounges, art galleries, and cocktail bars, and is one of the focal points of LGBTQ life in the city. You can spend all day exploring flea markets and antique shops, grab some tacos at the Chelsea Market, walk the beautiful High Line (an old train track turned into a park), and then enjoy a drink at one of the many bars in the area. It’s busy any time of the day so, depending on where your hotel is, it may not be that quiet but you are right in the action and near a lot of good subway lines too.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay in Brooklyn: Williamsburg<\/h3>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/williamsburgnyc.jpg\")
\nWilliamsburg in Brooklyn is home to wonderful restaurants, cool and unique bars, clothing stores, coffee shops, and good parks. It\u2019s not as hipster as it used to be thanks to all the Manhattanites who came for cheaper rents (which no longer exist) but it’s still one of the best places in NYC. I spend a lot of weekends here. If you’re looking to still be somewhere buzzy and central but not in Manhattan, Williamsburg is where you’ll want to be.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay for Nightlife and Food: East Village<\/h3>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/eastvillagenyc.jpg\")
\nFamous for its nightlife, Manhattan\u2019s East Village is my personal all-time favorite NYC neighborhood. The bars scene here is excellent (you\u2019ll find tons of speakeasies<\/a>, wine bars, Irish pubs, and dive bars), the restaurants are amazing (so much good Japanese food around here), and just an eclectic mix of people. In short, there\u2019s a lot to do here, it\u2019s very central, affordable, and it’s a place where locals hang out. If you want to experience “real New York”, stay here. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay for Families: Upper West Side<\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/amnhnyc.jpg\")
\nThe Upper West Side is one of the quieter parts of the city to stay in. You\u2019re near some museums, like the American Museum of Natural History, as well as close to Central Park but you\u2019re \u201cfar\u201d from most of the action in the city. Like all of NYC, you\u2019ll find good restaurants and bars here but it\u2019s not a \u201chappening\u201d part of the city when compared to other places. However, it\u2019s one of the biggest family areas in the city so if you\u2019re bringing kids or just want something quiet, this is a good area to stay in.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay for Sightseeing: Midtown<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/broadwaynyc.jpg\")
\nMidtown has a lot of NYC\u2019s biggest tourist attractions<\/a> like Rockefeller Center, Times Square, The Museum of Metropolitan Art, Madison Square Garden, Broadway, and Koreatown. Personally, I don’t love staying in this part of town as it’s touristy, really busy, and there are far cooler neighborhoods in the city. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay for Museums: Upper East Side<\/h3>\n
![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/metmuseumnyc.jpg\")
\nThe Upper East Side is another area known for being both family-friendly and a cheaper place to live than downtown. It\u2019s the best area for museum-hopping, you’ll find the Museum Mile here, home to the Guggenheim, Frick, Museum of the City of New York, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, over the past few years, it\u2019s become somewhat of a hip place to live and there\u2019s been an explosion of great restaurants, new bars, fusion restaurants, and hotels. I live in this area. It\u2019s a great area to stay in if you wanna be around locals. (If you see me, say hi!)<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay for Eating & Drinking: Lower East Side<\/h3>\n
![\"New](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/nycitineraryfeature.jpg\")
\nThe Lower East Side is a prime shopping, eating, and drinking neighborhood. It\u2019s an incredibly diverse area \u2013 there are gritty pubs and bars, late-night comedy clubs, tattoo parlors galore, and a number of art galleries too. The Tenement Museum, one of my favorite museums, is also located here. When you think of all the things that make NYC great, you\u2019ll find all of that here. It\u2019s one of my favorite neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay for History: The Financial District<\/h3>\n
![\"Trinity](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/trinitychurchnyc.jpg\")
\nThe Financial District area of New York City definitely caters to business workers during the day, but it’s become a lot cooler of an area in the last few years. It’s now a popular place to live in the city. Here you’ll be able to take in the old city<\/a>: the historic churches, buildings, and taverns that have been around since the 1700s. You’ll also find Federal Hall, the 9\/11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, and Battery Park here. In short, it may be busy but there’s a lot to do here, making it a convenient area to base yourself.<\/p>\nWhere to Stay for Arts\/Culture: TriBeCa<\/h3>\n
![\"Large](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/chelseanyc.jpg\")
\nTriBeCa (Triangle Below Canal) is where former warehouses have become lofts, galleries, and performance spaces. In the evening, the streets heave with people out for a drink or a bite to eat in one of the new \u201cit\u201d spots. It\u2019s one of the fanciest parts of the city. Here you\u2019ll find the celebs and well-to-do of the city. It\u2019s not near anything but the food scene here is great and it\u2019s quiet.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nWhere to Stay in Queens: Astoria<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/astorianyc.jpg\")
\nAstoria is one of the most culturally diverse parts of NYC, especially in terms of food and art (some of the best Greek food is found here). Astoria is far from the action of Manhattan (although it’s not too far – it’s only a 20-minute subway ride to Times Square) but it\u2019s a cheap place to stay and has lots of amazing cultural attractions, like the Museum of the Moving Image, Noguchi Museum, and Socrates Sculpture Park. It\u2019s a whole different NYC than what you imagine. If you want a real local area with more affordable hotel options, Astoria is exactly where you want to be.<\/p>\n
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\nGet the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/GuideBookCovers\/NM_Guide_to_NYC_Flat.jpg\")
<\/div>\nBook Your Trip to NYC: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
\nUse Skyscanner<\/a> to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.<\/p>\n
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.<\/p>\n
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n\n
\nCheck out my resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too. <\/p>\n