Where to stay in New York: best areas and hotels

Choosing where to stay in New York can be difficult and confusing. It’s a huge city, and the accommodation options are endless, so it’s important to do thorough research before booking. Staying in Manhattan can be quite expensive. I’ve already written a post about budget accommodation in New York, which includes only affordable and well-located hotels. The location of your accommodation can really change your entire experience, so in this post, I’ll detail the best areas to stay in New York.

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Districts and neighborhoods of New York

Where to stay in New York: best areas and hotels

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

Midtown Manhattan is the best area to stay in New York because it allows you to be close to all the attractions. It’s an unbeatable and highly recommended location, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

1. Accommodation in Times Square: the most touristy area

Times Square is the most touristy and busiest area in the city. It’s an excellent place to stay in New York for the first time since, being right in the middle of Manhattan, all the must-see attractions of New York are very close. Some you can even reach on foot (saving on transportation), while for others, you’ll need to take the subway.

At the same time, Times Square is one of the most chaotic and traffic-heavy areas of New York. The shops in Times Square stay open until 3 AM, so if you prefer a quieter area, this might not be your best option. The prices for accommodations in this area are quite high, but if you book in advance, it’s possible to find good deals.

Recommended accommodations in Midtown – Times Square:

• Club Quarters Hotel Times Square: This is the hotel where I stayed the first time I traveled to New York, and I loved it. The service is excellent, and it’s located two blocks from Times Square, on a relatively quiet street. See prices for Club Quarters Hotel Times Square on booking.
• MOXY NYC Times Square: One of the best hotels to stay at in New York. Modern, with an excellent location, and a rooftop to enjoy. See prices for MOXY NYC Times Square on booking.
• Hotel St James: One of the cheapest hotels you’ll find near Times Square. It’s a bit old but gets the job done. See prices for Hotel St James on booking.

2. Alojamiento en Hell’s Kitchen (Midtown West)

The Hell’s Kitchen area is one of my favorite places to stay in New York. It’s in the middle of Manhattan, but you’re not caught up in the chaos of Times Square. You can find slightly cheaper accommodation here than in Times Square, and the streets are quieter with less traffic, yet you’re still close to everything. The second time I visited New York, I stayed in this area and I would do it again.

Recommended accommodations in Midtown – Hell’s Kitchen:

• YOTEL New York: This is the hotel where I stayed, and I highly recommend it. It’s a modern hotel with a super innovative, futuristic design. It has a beautiful terrace and is located about 7 blocks from Times Square. See prices for YOTEL New York on booking.
• Pod Times Square: A modern hotel with very affordable prices, located just 6 blocks from Times Square. See prices for Pod Times Square on booking.
• Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown West: A 4-star hotel with excellent reviews on Booking, located in Hudson Yards, right in Midtown West. Many of the rooms offer amazing views of the city. See prices for Courtyard New York on booking.

3. Midtown East

This is another area where I stayed in New York, and I think it’s highly recommended for those who want to be close to everything but still enjoy a bit more tranquility than Times Square. Midtown East is home to some of Manhattan’s famous skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the shops on Fifth Avenue.

Recommended accommodations in Midtown East:

• Pod 51:A hotel with a modern, youthful design. It has a very good location, just a few blocks from Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. It’s one of the most affordable hotels in the area. See prices for Pod 51 on booking
• Club Quarters Hotel Grand Central: A 4-star hotel with simple and elegant rooms. It’s located very close to Grand Central Station, the New York Public Library, and Top of the Rock, among many other attractions. See prices for Club Quarters Hotel Grand Central on booking.
• Concorde Hotel New York: A 4-star hotel with a nearly 9-star rating on Booking. The rooms are spacious, and it’s located very close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It offers rooms with city views and has a terrace that all guests can use. See prices for Concorde Hotel New York on booking.

4. Chelsea, Flatiron District & Union Square These three neighborhoods are adjacent to each other and located in the southern part of Midtown. They’re excellent areas to stay in New York because they’re centrally located, close to many activities and attractions, but not as touristy or crowded as the Times Square area. In Chelsea, you’ll find The Vessel, The Edge Observation Deck, Little Island, Chelsea Market, and the High Line. The Flatiron District is a small area where the famous Flatiron Building is located. Union Square is one of my favorite areas in the city, home to Union Square Park, as well as many shops and restaurants.

Recommended accommodations in Chelsea, Flatiron District & Union Square:

• Moxy NYC Chelsea: Moxy is a modern hotel chain with a great vibe. The hotel has a nice bar and common areas. It’s located very close to Madison Square Garden. See prices for Moxy NYC Chelsea on booking.
• The Standard, High Line New York: This hotel is located right in front of the High Line, and the views from the rooms are incredible! It has several bars, restaurants, and a rooftop. See prices for The Standard on booking.

• Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel: A luxury hotel with the signature style of New York. Its location is perfect for exploring the city, and guests rate it as one of the best hotels. It features a gym, restaurant, and the option to have breakfast at the hotel. See prices for Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel on booking

UPPER MANHATTAN

5. Upper East Side: Central Park & luxury El The Upper East Side is primarily a residential neighborhood located to the east of Central Park. It’s known for its luxurious apartments and designer stores. This area is home to some of the city’s best museums, including the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you decide to stay in this area, I recommend staying as far south as possible to be closer to Midtown. In that area, you’ll have better access to the city. Accommodation in this neighborhood is quite luxurious, but it’s also possible to find some options at more affordable prices.

Recommended accommodations in Upper East Side:

• The Mark New York: One of the best hotels in New York. The Mark is a 5-star hotel located just steps from Central Park. It features a restaurant, gym, and spacious rooms. See prices for The Mark New York on booking.
• Loews Regency New York Hotel: A luxurious hotel in the heart of the Upper East Side. It’s very close to Central Park and a subway station. See prices for Loews Regency New York Hotel on booking.

6. Upper West Side: exclusive residential area

The Upper West Side is the residential neighborhood located to the west of Central Park. This area is home to important buildings and attractions like the Lincoln Center and the American Museum of Natural History. It’s a neighborhood with many exclusive hotels, but it also has plenty of hostels and budget accommodations.

Recommended accommodations in Upper West Side:

• HI NYC Hostel: HI Hostel is always a good option. I haven’t stayed at the New York location, but I’ve stayed at other HI hostels in different cities and always had a good experience. See prices for HI NYC Hostel on booking.
• West Side YMCA: The YMCA offers both private and shared rooms. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for affordable accommodation. It’s located just half a block from Central Park. Ver precios de West Side YMCA.
• Hotel Beacon: A very popular hotel in New York. It’s located just a few blocks from Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. See prices for Hotel Beacon on booking.

LOWER MANHATTAN

7. SoHo & Nolita: art and shopping SoHo and Nolita are two of the most famous neighborhoods in the city, known for their abundance of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and boutique hotels. These areas are very close to Chinatown and Little Italy. While they are much quieter than Times Square, there is still plenty of activity. It’s a highly recommended area to stay in New York, and depending on the season, you can find great deals.

Recommended accommodations in SoHo & Nolita:

• Nolitan Hotel SoHo: Nolitan Hotel SoHo is an elegant boutique hotel located in the Nolita neighborhood of New York. With a modern design and rooms with balconies, it offers panoramic views of the city. It’s perfect for those looking for an authentic experience in one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods.
• Sohotel: Sohotel is a historic boutique hotel located in the Lower East Side of New York. It combines vintage design with modern amenities, offering a unique experience in a location that provides easy access to the SoHo and Nolita neighborhoods.
• citizenM New York Bowery: citizenM New York Bowery is a modern hotel that offers compact, tech-savvy rooms. It has a terrace with spectacular views of the city.

8. Greenwich Village: tranquility in the heart of Manhattan

Greenwich Village is located just below Chelsea and is primarily a residential neighborhood, known for its characteristic reddish buildings. It’s a peaceful area, but at the same time, it’s close to many attractions. Times Square is about a 40-minute walk or 10 minutes by subway. In my opinion, Greenwich Village is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet area that’s well connected to the rest of Manhattan, and especially if you’re looking to stay in an apartment.

Recommended accommodations in Greenwich Village:

• The Jane Hotel: The Jane Hotel is an iconic historic hotel located in the West Village of New York. It features compact, cabin-style rooms. The rooms are very small, but you can also find it at very affordable prices for what New York typically offers.See prices for The Jane Hotel on booking
• The Marlton Hotel: The Marlton Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel situated in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York. With a classic and sophisticated design, including touches from the city’s golden era, it’s ideal for those looking for a stylish and charming stay in one of Manhattan’s most upscale neighborhoods.See prices for The Marlton Hotel on booking

9. Financial District

The Financial District is the southernmost part of Manhattan, home to Wall Street, the World Trade Center, and the One World Observatory. It’s an area with many hotels, as it accommodates business travelers visiting the city. While it’s a bit further from the central attractions of Manhattan, it’s a great area to stay if you’re looking for affordable accommodation in Manhattan. Being a little farther from Midtown, you can find budget-friendly hotels, especially if you book in advance.

Recommended accommodations in Financial District:

• Aloft Manhattan Downtown: The hotel features super modern spaces and is just a block away from a subway station. See prices for Aloft Manhattan Downtown on booking
• Moxy NYC Downtown: Moxy NYC Downtown offers a modern and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Downtown. With stylish rooms, common areas, and contemporary design, it’s perfect for travelers looking for a good place to rest. See prices for Moxy NYC Downtown on booking
• Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center: Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center stands out for its comfort and convenience in the financial heart of New York. It offers modern, well-equipped rooms and is the most popular choice among business travelers. See prices for Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center on booking

Accommodation outside Manhattan

BROOKLYN

Brooklyn is a great area to stay in if you’re looking for more affordable prices. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to take the subway to get to Manhattan, which can be an extra cost that you wouldn’t have if you stayed on the island. If you choose to stay in Brooklyn, make sure to have a subway station nearby to avoid wasting too much time on commuting.

10. Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO: city views Brooklyn is a Huge Borough! Some of the best areas to stay in Brooklyn are Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Downtown Brooklyn. These are the most touristy areas of the borough, offering a variety of restaurants and hotels. They’re also the closest to Manhattan, and in general, the hotels here offer beautiful views of the city skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Recommended accommodation in Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO:

• Aloft Brooklyn: A more budget-friendly option located in Downtown Brooklyn, Aloft offers modern rooms and easy access to both the Brooklyn Bridge and public transportation to Manhattan. It’s a great choice for those who want a more affordable stay without sacrificing location.
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: Located in DUMBO, this eco-friendly luxury hotel offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. It has a stylish, modern design with large rooms and a rooftop bar, perfect for those wanting a mix of comfort and an amazing view.
• The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn: Located in Downtown Brooklyn, The Tillary offers contemporary design and spacious rooms at a relatively more affordable price. It’s a great option if you want to stay close to both the Brooklyn Bridge and the vibrant neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights.

11. Williamsburg: more affordable prices and proximity to Manhattan

• Pod Brooklyn
• Wythe Hotel

12. Queens: affordable area to stay in New York

Queens is another borough in New York where you can find more affordable accommodation. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying here because it’s far from the places you’ll be visiting daily, but I mention it as an option since hotel prices are much cheaper than in Manhattan. If you decide to stay in Queens, I recommend looking for a hotel close to a subway station. The best areas are Astoria and Long Island City, which are the closest to the city.

• Aloft Long Island City-Manhattan View
• Ravel Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• LIC Hotel

Map of the best areas and hotels in New York:

In this map, you can find all the hotels mentioned in the post, categorized by area. You can save it and open it whenever you want to look for accommodation..

Staying in an apartment in New York

If you’re traveling with a group or family, booking an apartment can be a very convenient option for your stay in New York. There aren’t too many options available within Manhattan, which means that the best accommodations get booked quickly, so it’s recommended to make your reservation as early as possible to find an apartment in a good location. There are several rental apartments on Booking, and here are a few I’ve selected for their great location and ratings:

• Apartment for 4 people in Greenwich Village
• Apartment in Financial District for 2 & 8 people
• Apartment for 6 people in Midtown Manhattan

Other posts about New York:

• Is the New York Pass worth it?
• Cheap hotels near Times Square
• New York attraction passes comparison
• New York winter packing list

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means, if you click on certain links within this post and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more about it here.